How to Remove Rust Stains From Your Carpet

Rust stains are some of the most pesky stains to remove. But when they are left on your carpet, they can create a huge eyesore, completely changing the atmosphere of your home or workplace. 

It takes time and patience to remove rust stains, and sometimes removal can be virtually impossible. However, there are some things that you can (or get your cleaner to do) that will give you the best chances of saving your carpet. 

The first step
The first thing is to identify if the rust stain is in fact a rust stain. One thing that can be difficult about rust stains is that they are not always caused by rust. 

What looks like a rust stain may instead be a different material altogether. So before you start treating the “rust”, do some investigation first to ensure you know exactly what it is. 

What to avoid
When people see a rust stain, their first thought is to often treat it with bleach, particularly if the stain is on white carpet. But warning to the wise, don’t do this! If your stain is from rust, using chlorine bleach will only make it permanent. 

However, if it is not from rust, there are other less harsh, more sustainable methods of cleaning your carpet. 

What you will need
Before you get to work treating the rust stain on your carpet, it is important to gather all of the necessary materials to do so. Here’s a simple list of what you will need:

• Cloth
• Table salt
• Lemon juice
• Cream of tartar
• Baking soda
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Commercial stain remover 

Step 1. Remove residue
Before beginning the cleaning process, make sure there is no loose rust or dirt in or around the carpet stain. You can do this by using a butter knife to scrape any excess residue from the spot.

Step 2. Try salt and lemon juice
This is a simple solution that you can make at home. First, sprinkle salt on the rust stain, and then squeeze fresh lemon juice on top of it. 

This should be fine for a light carpet. However, for dark carpet, you should test a small spot before applying this solution to the whole area. 

Step 3. Give vinegar a go
White vinegar works magic when it comes to cleaning and especially rust. Simply pour a small amount of vinegar on the rust stain to completely saturate it. Let the vinegar sit for around 40 minutes. 

Use a dry, light-coloured cloth to blot the stain out of the carpet. Let the carpet dry and repeat the process if necessary.

Step 4. Create a stain-removing paste
Combine one teaspoon of cream of tartar, one teaspoon of baking soda, and a few drops of hydrogen peroxide. Be sure that you are using not expired hydrogen peroxide, and double-check the expiration dates

Apply this paste to the stain using a spoon or brush, and allow it to work into the spot for around 30 minutes before gently blotting it with a damp cloth.

Step 5. Apply rust remover
If natural solutions won’t cut it, remove the stubborn stain with a professional cleaning services grade rust remover. 

Make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure you do this properly. Some removers can contain toxic properties, so it is best practice to wear gloves to protect your skin during the process. 

Extra Tips

• The quicker you can deal with a stain, the more likely you will be able to remove it.
• Before using a cleaning solution, test a small section to check that it won’t ruin the carpet.
• Use cold water to rinse a stain.
• Always remove one cleaning solution, by using cold water, before trying another solution
• If using a commercial cleaning grade solution, always check the manufacturer’s instructions before using it. Take any recommended safety precautions, such as wearing gloves. 
• Don’t rub too harshly to remove the carpet stain, as this can ruin the fibres and cause the colours to fade. 
• The blotting method is best practice for removing a stain. Simply dab the carpet with a clean white towel or rag. Check to see how much of the stain has transferred to the towel to test the solution’s effectiveness.

Hire a commercial cleaner
When in doubt, leave it to the experts. By hiring a commercial cleaner like Clean Focus to do the job for you, you can be confident that your rust stain will be removed properly and efficiently. You may also want to consider more widespread carpet cleaning as well. 

This could be a great opportunity to hire a carpet cleaner to ensure all of your carpets are sparkling clean and free from any dust, grime or rust!