No matter what you do, if we ask what is the stain that never comes out, we are sure that the first thing that comes to mind for many people will be the rust stain. True, it can sometimes be really impossible to remove the iron oxide, that is, the rust stain, which is formed by the interaction of the iron component with water and oxygen. Depending on its nature, rust stains can occur on many different surfaces, or a surface may become stained with rust due to a rusty object.
There are countless rust remover products on the market, and yes, some of them really do their job. But let’s face it, some of them either ruin the product or leave a mark when removing the rust stain. Therefore, knowing a few extra alternative methods does not hurt anyone. Let’s take a closer look at how to remove rust stains and see the different methods you can apply.
How does a rust stain that makes people tired of life form?
What we call rust among the people is actually iron oxide. It is formed as a result of the interaction of the iron component with water and oxygen. Even if we say rust, this term is actually used as the general name of red oxides. Rust is inevitable if there is iron in the middle, in contact with water and oxygen, and unless the alloy is specially reinforced with stainless components.
So how do you remove the rust stain? Here are all the methods you can apply for different surfaces:
- Method #1: Removing rust stains from a T-shirt, clothing or fabric
- Method #2: Removing rust from marble or tile surface
- Method #3: Removing rust stains from carpet
- Method #4: Remove rust stain from metal
- Method #5: Removing rust stain from wood surface
Method #1: Removing rust stains from a T-shirt, clothing or fabric:
- Step #1: Brush off any rust and iron residue on the stain with a toothbrush.
- Step #2: Dilute the stained area by washing it under cold pressurized water.
- Step #3: Fill a bucket with cold water.
- Step #4: Add three tablespoons of baking soda to the bucket and mix.
- Step #5: Throw the stained fabric in the bucket and let it sit for 30 minutes.
- Step #6: Remove the fabric and gently wring out the excess water.
- Step #7: Wash the fabric in the washing machine using a detergent that is effective against rust stains.
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- Step #8: Pour some white vinegar over the rust stain.
- Step #9: Wait a few minutes.
- Step #10: Wipe the stained area with a clean cloth.
- Step #11: Allow the fabric to dry.
- Step #12: Wash the fabric in the washing machine using a detergent that is effective against rust stains.
To remove rust stains from T-shirts, clothes or fabric, simply follow the steps above. You definitely need to do the brushing in the first step because if you do not remove the excess iron and rust residues on the stain from the fabric, these pieces will disperse during the wet processes and will leave marks on different parts of the fabric.
The purpose of all processes such as baking soda, vinegar, cold water is actually to try to separate the iron oxide component from the fabric structure as much as possible. The more separate the rust components are from the fabric, the easier it is to remove while washing. You can also use a washing machine detergent that you always use, or a detergent specially developed for rust stains.
The main cause of rust stains on T-shirts, clothes and fabric in general is the washing machine. The rust formed on the inner parts of your washing machine will stain the clothes. If you are experiencing this situation frequently, please contact the technical service of the machine.
Method #2: Removing rust from marble or tile surface:
- Step #1: Add varying amounts of baking soda and water to a bowl, depending on the size of your stain.
- Step #2: Blend them together until they form a porridge.
- Step #3: Rub the mush you created over the rust stain.
- Step #4: Cover it with a plastic sheet.
- Step #5: Let it sit for a minimum of 24 hours, a maximum of 48 hours, depending on the intensity of the stain.
- Step #6: Clean the surface with plenty of water and a brush that will not damage the surface.
To remove rust stain from marble or tile surface, just follow the above steps. Never use bleach or lemon juice on this type of surface as it will damage the surface. Depending on the density of the stain, you can also add a certain amount of hydrogen peroxide to the porridge mixture you have prepared.
Time works against you in dealing with rust stains on such surfaces. In other words, the sooner you notice the rust stain on the marble or tile and the sooner you apply this method, the more successful the result will be. If this method does not work, you can use rust remover products specially developed for these surfaces, but remember that there is a danger of damaging the surface.
Method #3: Removing rust stains from carpet:
- Step #1: Brush off any rust and iron residue on the stain with a toothbrush.
- Step #2: Make the dish soap foam and apply it on the stain and let it sit for 10 minutes.
- Step #3: Rinse well with a damp cloth.
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- Step #4: Soak a cloth in white vinegar and rub it over the stain.
- Step #5: Sprinkle some salt on it and let it sit for 30 minutes.
- Step #6: Rinse well with a damp cloth.
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- Step #7: Squeeze one lemon into a bowl.
- Step #8: Add two teaspoons of salt to it and mix.
- Step #9: Rub the mixture onto the stain and let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Step #10: Rinse well with a damp cloth.
To remove rust stains from carpet, simply follow the steps above. All these methods will remove the rust stain on the carpet, but be sure not to leave the mixtures on the carpet for too long because it can discolor or wear out. It is best to hold and clean for a shorter time than we mentioned. You see, the stain is not gone, you repeat the process.
Method #4: Removing rust stain from metal:
- Step #1: Soak rusty metal in white vinegar or apply vinegar to soak.
- Step #2: After the stain softens, scrape the stain with a sponge or wire brush, depending on the nature of the item.
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- Step #3: Make a porridge with baking soda and water.
- Step #4: Spread the porridge you prepared on the rusty surface and leave it for an hour.
- Step #5: After the stain softens, scrape the stain with a sponge or wire brush, depending on the nature of the item.
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- Step #6: Prepare a mixture with salt and lemon juice.
- Step #7: Soak or rub rusty metal in this mixture.
- Step #8: Scrape the stain after two hours.
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- Step #9: Cut a potato in half and sprinkle salt or baking soda on the inside.
- Step #10: Wipe with this potato until the rusty surface is clean.
To remove rust from metal, just follow the steps above. All these methods will remove the rust stain on the metal, but you should make a choice according to which metal you are working on. For example, even if a garden tool is kept in vinegar for two days, nothing will happen, but if a metal blade is left in vinegar for more than an hour, its structure will be destroyed. It’s best to keep the time short and experiment.
Method #5: Removing rust stain from wood surface:
- Step #1: Make a mixture of white vinegar and water.
- Step #2: Spread the mixture on the surface and let it sit for 10 minutes.
- Step #3: Rinse well with a damp cloth.
To remove rust stain from wood surface, just follow the above steps. Do not leave the mixture on for too long or use hard brushes, as wood is an extremely delicate surface. You can also use a compound called oxalic acid to remove the rust stain from the wood surface, but it would be best to leave it to a professional as it is dangerous.
We talked about alternative methods that you can use on different surfaces by answering the question of how to remove a rust stain that we cannot easily get rid of once it is contaminated. Take care not to keep the mixtures you prepared on the surface too long and not to use very hard materials.