The rusty spots seem irreversible catastropheespecially on light and favorite things. Many people immediately throw damaged clothes into the trash, believing that regular washing will not help. And they are right – washing powder is powerless here, since upon contact with water and alkali, rust only eats deeper into the fibers, however acidic environment is capable of creating a real miracle.
Citric acid and heat
This method is considered a classic for dense natural fabrics such as cotton or linen. The acid reacts with the iron oxide, and heat speeds up the process.
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Wrap the slice lemon in gauze and place it on the stain.
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Iron the top with a hot iron (make sure the temperature setting is appropriate for the fabric).
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If there is no lemon, dilute it citric acid in warm water (20 g per half glass) and soak the contaminated area for 15 minutes.
Vinegar and salt for stubborn stains
The combination of these two ingredients creates a powerful cleaning paste that gets rid of even old marks. Mix table vinegar and salt until it becomes a thick paste. Apply the mixture generously to the stain and leave for 30-40 minutes. Vinegar dissolves rust, and salt acts as a mild absorbent, drawing dirt out of the fibers.
Glycerin for delicate fabrics
Silk, wool and synthetics should not be exposed to aggressive acids. In this case, it comes to the rescue glycerol. Mix it with liquid soap or dishwashing detergent in equal proportions. Apply the mixture to the fabric and leave for at least a couple of hours, preferably overnight. This method works gently, preserving the structure and color of the material.
Specialty Chemistry
If folk recipes are in doubt, use professional ones stain removersdesigned specifically for removing rust (regular bleaches can only fix the red tint). Be sure to follow package directions and test on an inconspicuous area of clothing to avoid discoloration.
The main rule in dealing with such complex stains is not to put off cleaning until later, since a fresh stain is much easier to remove than one that has managed to destroy the structure of the fabric.
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