Stubborn rust stain on carpeting?

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I have a rust stain coloured stain on my beige carpeting that was there when I moved in. Not sure what caused it.

I’ve tried OxyClean, Resolve, carpet cleaning (bissel home unit) with no luck. Any suggestions?

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  1. Bobs MonOncle says:
    July 7, 2009 at 2:05 pm

    Rust stains normally clean with an acidic cleaner. If they are mild and fresh, try a little white vinegar and it dwell for 20 minutes or so, then extract. Otherwise, you’ll have to get a commercial product.

    Here’s the one I carry and use:
    http://www.proschoice.com/html/rust.html (its active ingredient is citric acid).

    See if a local carpet cleaning supply house will sell you bottle of this or their equivalent rust remover. Some will only sell "to the trade." Otherwise, most mail order / internet outfits will help you out.

    As with any cleaner, apply and test in an inconspicuous spot before going in the middle of your room.

    Small rust stains often come from the little metal feet on furniture. One of my client always removes them prior to deliver and adds nylon ones. Other causes can be any sort of steel or iron thing sitting around and getting water (e.g., base weights on torchiere lamps, metal flower pots, etc.)

  2. nellbelle7 says:
    July 7, 2009 at 2:05 pm

    A mild detergent, such as dish detergent, (one containing no alkalis) is a good stain remover and is gentle on your carpet. Gently blot into the stain using a sponge or cloth. Don’t frantically rub at the stain as this will only cause the stain to spread and may weaken the fibers to boot. Rinse the sponge and blot with cool clean water.

    Here are some inexpensive home remedies that also work for removing rust:

    - Lemon juice mixed with a little salt will clean, freshen and brighten. Spray directly onto the carpet and let sit for a few hours. Afterwards, blot with a cool damp cloth.

    - Make a paste of cream of tarter and water. Apply directly to the stain and let sit. Clean off with a damp sponge.

    - Pour vinegar directly onto the carpet and let sit. After a couple of hours wipe with a damp cloth.

    If none of these removal methods work, you have a couple of other options. The first is to go to your hardware store or supermarket and scan the shelves for appropriate rust removal agents. Before purchasing, be sure the product isn’t going to ruin your particular type of carpet. No matter what the label tells you, test some of the product first on a hidden area of your carpet. (Behind a wall unit, a closet floor or under furniture is probably your best bet.) Follow the instructions accordingly.

    You can also contact your carpet’s manufacturer who may have a solution as well. If worse comes to worse contact a professional carpet cleaner. Make sure that he or she is aware of the problem prior to making the appointment. The last thing you want is to pay for expensive carpet cleaning only to find out the stain can’t be removed after all.

  3. tnyankee94 says:
    July 7, 2009 at 2:05 pm

    The number one rust remover I have ever used is Barkeepers Friend. It is in a metal can like Comet. I’ve never used it on fabric, but you might want to check it out.

  4. junglette1 says:
    July 7, 2009 at 2:05 pm

    If the carpet recieves any sun you can put some lime juice and then put salt onto the lime soaked area and let sit in sun, repeat if needed. THIS WORKS ON CLOTHING, SO I AM ASSUMING IT WOULD WORK ON YOUR CARPETING.

  5. Emilio says:
    July 7, 2009 at 2:05 pm

    * Set blood stains (Yellow rust like stains contain iron) -

    For set blood stains, a Phosphoric or Oxalic acid containing rust removers (Try RoVer, Whink – Home Depot) can be used to dissolve stains. Rinse then blot with paper towel.

    Good luck!

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