3 no-fuss fixes for removing rust stains from clothes

Rust? On clothes? Yup, it happens. But don't worry. Here are three no-fuss ways to fix the problem and get rid of rust stains on clothing forever.

A product specifically designed to remove rust stains is now available in stores: a rust remover for fabrics! Just follow the manufacturer's instructions and you can say goodbye to that little rust spot.

• Remember to test the product on an inconspicuous part of the garment to ensure it doesn’t damage the fabric in any way.

Lemon juice doesn’t only work miracles in the kitchen. Prepare a mixture of lemon juice, water and salt. Pour it over the rust stain; let it sit a few minutes then scrub with a brush, rinse and machine wash (or hand wash, if required).

• For even better results, heat the lemon juice beforehand and add a little to the wash.
• To remove rust spots on linen or wool, place the stained part of your garment over a pot of boiling water; pour a mixture of lemon juice and ammonia on the stain, then wash by hand.

An onion can be a useful ally if you want to know how to remove rust stains from leather clothing.

• Rub half an onion on the spot and then remove the residue with a damp cloth.

Do you give your vehicle an anti-rust treatment every year to protect it from corrosion? Remember it’s possible to do the same with your clothes and other fabric accessories with a stain-repellent product designed for this purpose.

Because rust doesn’t discriminate when it comes to ruining an object, here are a few other tips on how to remove rust stains:

• On linoleum: use turpentine.
• On plastic: use rubbing alcohol.
• On wood, brick, or terracotta: use a commercially available anti-rust product.
• On glass: use hydrogen peroxide.
• On tools and metal: use carbonated soda.

Be careful—tetanus could develop in injuries caused by rusted iron. You’d better consult a health professional if that rust stain on your shirt is concealing a wound.

If you get a rust stain on your clothing, don’t panic. After all, you’re definitely not going to let this little orange-coloured stain ruin your day. With these three tips, you'll be able to fix the problem and remove rust stains on clothing in a jiffy.