Remove Rust Stains on Clothes

White laundry basket filled with clothes, and laundry detergent bottle.

To remove rust stains on clothes, patience is your best ally. You may have to treat the rusty area several times before seeing the clear results, but rest assured, your efforts will pay off.

But if you're determined to remove the unsightly blight, the sheer joy of seeing the stain disappear will make the effort worthwhile and keep you motivated.

Here are five of the best rust stain removers to get the dirty job done on wash day.

1. Products to Remove Rust Stains on Clothes

There are laundry products specifically designed to remove rust stains, helping get the tough jobs done.

The main ingredient in these stain removers is usually oxalic or hydrofluoric acid, which loosens the iron from the fabric to be removed and washed away in the rinse water.

These products, such as Whink Rust Stain Remover, are aggressive and can be toxic to the skin, so it is important to follow usage instructions carefully and keep them away from the kids.

For that reason, here are a few less-toxic alternatives you can use to remove rust stains on clothes at home.

2. Baking Soda and Laundry Detergent Mix

A homemade rust stain remover made from laundry detergent and baking soda is handy for removing rust stains from clothes. Start by brushing off any excess rust from the fabric surface.

Mix 3 tablespoons of baking soda into a gallon of cold water, then add a capful of laundry detergent and stir until dissolved. Apply the solution directly to the stain and let it sit for at least 30 minutes.

Without rinsing the detergent solution, place the stained garment in the washing machine and wash as usual in the warmest laundry temperature safe for the fabric.

3. Lemon Juice and Salt

To remove rust stains from clothes, mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice with a spoonful of salt or baking soda to make a paste. Apply the mix directly to the stained area.

Allow it to sit and do its stain-busting work for 2 hours (in the sun, if possible). Then, rinse the mixture from the garment and wash as usual.

4. Cream of Tartar Powder

Cream of tartar powder can also remove rust stains on clothes. Here's how:

Boil a solution of 10 teaspoons of cream of tartar in one gallon of water in a pot large enough to hold the rust-stained garment.

Place the clothing item in the boiling water and soak for 10 to 20 minutes. If any rust remains, empty the water and repeat the treatment.

To remove tough rust stains from clothes, follow this treatment with an overnight soak in laundry detergent and hot water.

Once the rust stain has lifted, wash the clothing in the hottest water that is safe for the fabric.

5. Vinegar and Salt

Vinegar—a staple in most kitchens—is another effective stain remover. Apply white vinegar directly to the stained area, covering it with a layer of salt. Leave it to dry in the sun.

When dry, rinse to remove the vinegar and salt, and check to ensure the stain is gone. Then, wash the garment, as usual, choosing the hottest temperature that is safe for the fabric.