Getting Rust Out of Outerwear: A Step-by-Step Guide
Rust stains can not only look unsightly, but can also damage your outerwear if you don’t remove them quickly. Thankfully, there are a few simple methods you can use to remove rust from fabrics.
Updated 28 Jun 2023
By Mateuzs Kowalski
If you have a rust stain on your outerwear, the first step is to identify what type of fabric it is. Generally speaking, cotton and other natural fabrics can be treated with vinegar or lemon juice and baking soda without any adverse effects. However, synthetic materials such as polyester or nylon may not react well with acidic solutions, so you should test these methods in an inconspicuous area before using them on the stain.
Vinegar and lemon juice are both household items that can be used to clean rust stains. Simply combine either of these with baking soda to make a paste. Once you’ve made the paste, apply it directly to the rust stain. Make sure to rub it in gently. Let the paste sit for a few minutes before rinsing away with warm water.
You may find that the paste isn’t strong enough to remove the stain completely. If this is the case, you can use a brush or toothbrush to rub paste into the fabric, which should help to break down the stain further. Once you’ve done this, you can rinse the paste away and check to see if the stain has been removed.
If stain still remains, you may need to resort to a more aggressive cleaning method. Oxalic acid is a chemical compound that can be used to remove rust. It must be handled with care and only used when wearing gloves and protective eyewear. Simply mix the oxalic acid with water and apply to the stain. Once it has had time to sit, rinse off with cold water. Make sure that all of oxalic acid has been removed before drying the item of clothing.
Cleaning rust stains from outerwear can seem intimidating, but it’s easy when you know how. Using a combination of vinegar, lemon juice, and baking soda should be enough to remove most rust stains. For more stubborn stains, you may need to resort to oxalic acid. As long as you handle it with care, cleaning rust shouldn’t be a problem.
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