Say Goodbye to Rust Stains on Pants with This Cleaning Strategy
Rust stains don't have to ruin your pants forever. Here's how to get rid of pesky rust marks and keep your garments looking fresh.
Updated 28 Jun 2023
By Noemi Denker
Rust stains can be a major headache when it comes to clothes. It's common to wear clothes while gardening, working in the garage, or doing other projects that involve metal. It's no surprise, then, that rust stains can often find their way onto clothing. If you're dealing with rust-stained pants, there's no need to despair. Here's a step-by-step process for removing those stains and restoring your clothing.
Step 1: Know Your Fabrics
Before you launch into any kind of stain removal process, make sure you know the fabric your garment is made from. Different fabrics require different cleaning processes and materials, so understanding your fabric type will help you determine the best way to clean it.
Step 2: Pre-Treat the Stain
Once you've identified the fabric type, it's time to move on to the pre-treatment stage. Start by dabbing a bit of lemon juice onto the spot. When mixed with salt, lemon juice has a natural bleaching effect. If lemon juice isn't available, you can use vinegar and salt instead. Let the lemon juice sit for a few minutes, then rub gently with an old toothbrush.
Step 3: Wash the Pants
Once you've pre-treated the stain, it's time to move on to the washing process. Make sure you're using a gentle detergent to preserve the fabric. If the rust stain is particularly stubborn, you may want to add some white vinegar to the wash cycle for extra cleaning power.
Step 4: Dry the Pants
Once you've finished wash cycle, allow the pants to air dry. Avoid using hot temperature settings on the dryer, as this can set the stain in place and make it even more difficult to remove.
Step 5: Check for Success
When the pants are done drying, take a closer look at the stain to ensure it has been removed. If it's still visible, you may need to repeat the pre-treatment and washing steps a few times.
Conclusion
Getting rid of rust stains on pants doesn't have to be a stressful ordeal. By following the steps outlined above, you'll be able to effectively remove stain and restore your garment in no time. Good luck!