Rust stains on fabric

[Mike in Seattle]

I'd been noticing an ocassional orangey stain showing up on our clothes before discovering the culprit - a chip in the enamel in the washer and leaving damp things sitting in it for too long (a few hours) before moving them to the dryer. The chip in the washer has been fixed, but we've got lots of things, usually white or light colored, with a rust spot or two. I'd tried Oxyclean, lemon juice and special rust stain removers from the store with so-so results at best. Then a friend mentioned Barkeeper's Friend. (Man, this sounds like one of those cheesy 60's testimonial commercials about getting grass stains out of little Billy's chinos, doesn't it?) It's a cleanser along the lines of Comet or Bon Ami or Ajax which was recommended by the hardware store when we put in a stainless sink several years ago. It's great for keeping the stainless sink clean & spot free. I thought - well, I've got some right here - what have I got to lose? It turns out - it's amazing. Dampen the fabric, shake on a tiny amount of the cleanser, sort of tamp it down into the stain with your fingertip...and in 10 minutes or less, the stains are completely gone.

 

[beaucaillou]

Wow, thanks for this. Just found a cute 50's skirt in a vintage shop that is well priced and lovely, but I passed it up because of a few rust stains. Looks like i'm going back tomorrow.

 

[Matt Deckard]

Anyone tried lemon juice?

 

[Mike in Seattle]

Anyone tried lemon juice?

As I mentioned - yep - and didn't seem to make a big difference with several applications over several hours. BKF - 10 minutes and it was all gone.

 

[cookie]

Rust stains

Thanks... all very informative on that perennial problem H20+Fe = rust stains.

 

[jitterbugdoll]

Anyone tried lemon juice?

I have--you need to make a paste using salt or cream of tartar and lemon juice, apply and let sit in the sun for 10-15 minutes. This method has worked well for me.