How To Remove Rust From Clothes Once and For All

There's nothing more frustrating than discovering unsightly rust stains on your favorite clothes. Whatever the cause, these stubborn stains can be a nuisance to remove.

In this article, we show you how to remove rust from clothes once and for all. 

We’ll explore various methods, from natural remedies like lemon juice and salt, to household staples like vinegar, and the dynamic duo of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. We also explain which method to use based on your fabric type.

What you’ll need

• A bowl or container
• Laundry detergent
• Cold water
• Toothbrush or soft-bristled brush
• Lemon juice
• Salt
• White vinegar
• Baking Soda
• Hydrogen peroxide

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How to remove rust from clothes

To remove rust from clothes, make a paste with 2 parts baking soda to 1 part hydrogen peroxide. Apply the paste to the rust stain and let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes. Scrub gently with a brush and rinse under running cold water. Finally, wash the clothes as usual.

Read on for more detailed instructions, as well as two other proven methods for removing rust stains from clothes. 

3 ways to remove rust stains from clothes

Any of these three methods should remove rust stains from your clothes. 

Method 1: Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide

Follow these more detailed instructions to remove rust from clothes using baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, as we briefly described above. 

Assess the stained clothes

Start by assessing the fabric type to determine if it suits this method. Using baking soda and hydrogen peroxide is suitable for cotton, polyester, and blends. However, it’s not recommended for delicate fabrics like silk or wool, as the abrasive nature of baking soda can cause damage and discoloration.

Create your baking soda and hydrogen peroxide paste

Mix baking soda with enough hydrogen peroxide in a bowl or container to form a thick paste. The ratio can be roughly two parts baking soda to 1 part hydrogen peroxide, but you can adjust the quantities as needed to achieve a spreadable consistency.

Apply the paste to the rust stains

Gently spread the baking soda and hydrogen peroxide paste on the rust stain. You can use your fingers or a spoon to apply the paste and ensure it covers the entire stained area.

Allow the paste to sit on the rust stain for 15 to 30 minutes. This gives the baking soda and hydrogen peroxide mixture time to penetrate the fabric and break down the rust.

Scrub the stain

After the paste has had time to work, gently scrub the rust stain using circular motions with an old toothbrush or soft-bristled brush. Be careful not to scrub too vigorously, which can damage delicate fabrics.

Rinse under running water

Next, rinse the clothes thoroughly with cold water. Hold the fabric under a running faucet or use a clean water container to remove the paste and rust residue. Continue rinsing until the water runs clear and no traces of the paste are left.

Launder as usual

Finally, launder the clothes as usual, using the care instructions on the label.

Method 2: Lemon juice and salt

To remove rust with lemon juice and salt, follow these steps.

Test for colorfastness

Before using this method, test the lemon juice and salt solution on a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric to check for colorfastness. 

To do this, apply a small amount of lemon juice and salt mixture to an inconspicuous area and let it sit for a few minutes. Rinse with cold water and check for any color fading or bleeding. If there is no adverse reaction, you can move forward with this method.

Apply lemon juice and salt

Squeeze fresh lemon juice on the rust stain and sprinkle salt generously on it. Then place the clothes in direct sunlight, ensuring the rust-stained area is exposed. Allow it to sit in the sun for a few hours. 

The citric acid in lemon juice works to break down the iron oxide molecules present in rust stains on a cloth. On the other hand, salt adds an abrasive element to the mix. Its coarse and granular texture acts as a mild scrubbing agent.

Sunlight exposure plays a significant role in this rust removal method, and the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays will also speed up the reaction process.

Rinse with cold water and launder

Hold the cloth under a running faucet or use a clean water container to remove the lemon juice and salt mixture. Continue rinsing until the water runs clear.

Then, launder the clothes as you usually would. 

Method 3: White vinegar

White vinegar is another great way to remove rust from clothes. Here’s how.

Pour vinegar on the rust stain

Place the rust-stained cloth on a flat surface and pour enough white vinegar directly onto the rust stain to saturate it thoroughly. 

Allow the vinegar to soak into the fabric and work on the rust stain for 1 to 2 hours. This gives the vinegar enough time to break down the rust particles. 

Scrub the stain

Next, gently scrub the rust stain with an old toothbrush or a soft-bristled brush. Make sure to use circular motions while scrubbing, and remember to be gentle, especially on delicate fabrics.

Rinse with cold water and launder

Rinse the clothes thoroughly with cold water until the water runs clear and no traces of vinegar are left. Then, launder as usual.

What will remove rust stains?

The methods we listed above are just some of the most common and effective ways to remove rust stains. These other stain removers also work well: 

• Lemon juice
• Vinegar
• Baking soda
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Salt
• Ammonia
• Cream of tartar
• Commercial rust stain removers

Does OxiClean remove rust from fabric?

OxiClean is not recommended for rust stains because it contains oxygen, a crucial component of rust. For best results in removing rust stains from fabric, it's recommended to use specialized rust stain removers, lemon juice and salt, vinegar, baking soda, or hydrogen peroxide.

How do you get old rust stains out of fabric?

To get old, set-in rust stains out of fabric, create a paste with lemon juice and salt. Apply the paste to the stain and let it sit for 1-2 hours, then scrub with a toothbrush. Rinse with cold water, launder as usual, and repeat if necessary. Use a commercial rust stain remover for stubborn stains.

Other clothing stains giving you trouble?

• How to Get Crayon Out of Clothes (3 Easy Methods)
• Cold or Hot Water for Stains? The Full List

Get rust stains out of your clothes without ruining it

Whether you opt for natural remedies like lemon juice and salt, household staples like vinegar, or a combination of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, it's essential to follow a few general tips to achieve the best results. 

First and foremost, always test the chosen method on a small, hidden area of the clothes to ensure colorfastness and avoid any potential damage. Additionally, remember to rinse the fabric thoroughly after treatment and wash it per the care instructions to eliminate any residue and restore its freshness. 

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