How to remove rust stains from clothes
Short answer: Rust is iron that has bonded to the fibres, and ordinary detergent does nothing about it. Citric acid dissolves the iron compound, while chlorine does the opposite and makes the stain worse. Find the source first, so rust does not return to the same spot.
Chlorine makes rust worse
Chlorine oxidises the iron further, and the stain gets darker and harder to remove instead of disappearing. Never use it on rust, no matter how tempting a quick fix may seem. See bamboo clothing for women.
Citric acid dissolves the iron
Soak the stain in a solution of citric acid and warm water for about thirty minutes. The acid binds to the iron and loosens it from the fibres, so it can be rinsed away without damaging the colour of the fabric. See bamboo t-shirt for women.
Find the source of the rust
Rust often comes from a clothesline, a hanger or a pipe where metal touched the fabric while it was damp. Find the source, or the same stain will show up again soon after. See bamboo underwear for women.
Rinse thoroughly afterward
Acid left in the fabric can weaken the fibres over time, even once the stain is gone. Rinse thoroughly in clean water after treatment, then wash the garment as usual at the recommended temperature. See bamboo socks for women.
Try lemon juice for smaller stains
Fresh lemon juice is a milder version of citric acid and can be enough for a small, fresh rust mark. Dab the juice directly onto the stain, let it sit in the sun for a couple of hours, then rinse thoroughly.
Watch metal buttons and zippers
Rusty buttons or zippers can transfer new stains to the rest of the load in the machine. Check your items for early signs of rust on metal parts before washing them with other clothes.
Dry the garment after treatment
Always air dry a garment after rust treatment instead of using the dryer. Heat can set any remaining traces of acid or discolouration that would otherwise disappear with one more regular wash.
Old stains need patience
Rust that has sat in the fabric for a long time may need several rounds of citric acid to fully disappear. Give it time, and avoid reaching for stronger chemicals, which can damage bamboo fibres more than the rust itself.
Protect your clothes going forward
Replace clotheslines or hangers once they start to rust, and wipe down metal parts of the washing machine regularly. Preventing rust stains is far easier than removing them once they appear.
Frequently asked questions
How do you remove rust stains?
With citric acid dissolved in warm water. Soak the stain for thirty minutes and rinse thoroughly, so the acid does not remain in the fibres.
Can you use chlorine on rust?
No. Chlorine oxidises the iron further and makes the stain darker and harder to remove, instead of making it disappear.
Where do rust stains come from?
Often from metal touching the fabric, such as a clothesline, a hanger, a pipe or a washing machine with early rust on the drum.
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