Rust stains on area rugs can be a huge eyesore and seem impossible to remove. But with the right cleaning techniques, you can eliminate rust stains quickly and easily! Here's what you need to know about how to clean rust stains off of area rugs.
Updated 28 Jun 2023
By Noemi Denker
You will need a few common household items for this rust-removal project: white vinegar, dish soap, baking soda, and a scrub brush or steel wool pad. Make sure you have enough of each to cover the affected area.
Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a bucket. This will create a cleaning solution that is gentle enough to use on rug fibers without causing any damage.
Dab the diluted vinegar solution onto the rust stain, saturating it completely. Allow the vinegar to sit on the stain for about 10 minutes, then blot it with a dry cloth to absorb any excess moisture.
In a separate bowl, mix together equal parts dish soap and baking soda. This combination of ingredients should form a thick paste. Spread the paste over stained area and allow it to sit for an hour, or longer if necessary. This will help break down the rust and lift it away from fibers of the rug.
Once the paste has had time to soak into stain, use a brush or steel wool pad to scrub it away. If the stain is particularly stubborn, repeat steps 2-5 until it is completely removed.
Once the stain is gone, rinse the rug with clean water and blot it with a dry cloth to remove any excess moisture. Allow the rug to air dry completely before putting it back in place.
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