Does anyone know how to remove rust from clothing?

[LaydeeBug]

I have two items, both made of cotton and both all white, that got rust on them somehow. I've tried bleach to no avail, and putting vinegar on the stains and laying them in the sunlight (faded it SLIGHTLY) Is there any remedy?

[emlev]

1. Scissors?

Seriously though, try a web search for this. There's lots of info out there about how to remove various stains. Good luck.

[raccoon]

2. I've heard lemon juice. nt

[Blue Diadem]

3. I had good luck with lemon juice, salt and laying it in the sun.

I don't remember the fabric content, just that it was one of my daughter's sweaters. It's been a very long time ago, but if I recall correctly, I moistened the spot with lemon juice, then made a paste of lemon juice and salt and rubbed it into the spot and then let it set in the sun.

[LaydeeBug]

4. I'll try that next. Thanks eom.

[GreenPartyVoter]

5. There are rust removing industrial cleaners. I forget what they are but my dorm offered them

when the construction work nearby resulted in everyone having rusty clothes from tainted water.

[jobycom]

6. Cotton doesn't rust. You sure it isn't blood?

[DeepBlueC]

11. It doesn't rust itself but it can be stained with rust.

[jobycom]

12. Just as long as the rust's DNA don't match Jimmy Hoffa.

[DeepBlueC]

16. well, he was tough as nails

so he might actually have rusted out...natural occurrence.

[jobycom]

17. Oh, very good!

:applause:

[Deep13]

7. Rit rust remover.

Find it with the fabric dyes at the drug store.

[struggle4progress]

8. What To Do If Iron Stains Do Occur on Clothes

... Here are some things to try: ... Launder with a commercial rust remover (such as RoVer®, Rit Rust Remover®, Iron-Out®, Miracle-Rid-Iron®, or Whink®). The important ingredient in these compounds is an acid-usually oxalic or hydrofluoric acid. The remover ingredients combine with the iron and loosen it from the fabric, then hold it in suspension in the wash water. The compounds are poisonous if ingested. Use them carefully according to the manufacturers' directions, and rinse the clothes thoroughly. Acid remaining deteriorates fabrics ... http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/5000/5539.html

In my experience, oxalic acid products do effectively remove rust stains. Although oxalic acid is rather corrosive and somewhat poisonous, it occurs naturally in some plants -- it contributes to the toxicity of rhubarb leaves -- and one expects it to biodegrade in the environment. Don't swallow any, promptly rinse off any you get on your skin, and don't get any in your eyes. Searching the internet tubes may give you a good idea how better to use such products: http://www.google.com/search?q=laundry+rust+oxalic

[Gonzo Gardener]

9. Super Iron Out

http://www.summitbrands.com/

:hi:

[DeepBlueC]

10. I have got the answer for you... Whink Products

This company makes a wide range of rust-removing products which I use gratefully. The stuff that clears rust out of toilets works ON CONTACT and it also works on white and colorfast fabrics. It's just called Rust Stain Remover. Just dampen the area with it and leave it for a few minutes or until it is gone. It will disappear. We have hard water here so I also use No More Yellow for white laundry. I love this company. They may have this stuff locally where you are but I order it by phone.

http://www.whink.com/

[merh]

14. whink is the best

I salvaged some clothing after Katrina. In addition to the mud, the clothes were stained with rust and whink Rust Stain Remover got the rust out. Of course, it took me months to be able to get to a store to buy some, but it was on my list of "must haves".

[DeepBlueC]

15. that's the very stuff...it just does what it says

It's pretty daring in this day and age to accept the challenge of naming your product for what it does and not for how it is supposed to make you *feel*.

[riderinthestorm]

18. Yup, another person with a well here and I third, fourth, fifth! this rec. nt.

Lots of rust in our laundry and this product really works. I even use it on showers, toilets, sinks....

[Kali]

13. NOT bleach

in the dye section of the laundry dept of your local supermarket are several rust removing products. Rit is the old standby, but I was really impressed with the liquid in the little yellow bottle (can't recall the name) but it is a little pricey and will only do a spot or two on one garment. If you have a lot of spots get several, or try the old Rit powder in the washer.

[Lethe]

19. coca cola

i totally heard it works.