How To Remove a Rust Stain From Carpet

Acid is needed to remove rust stains

The solutions that best remove rust stains are acidic, so you can start with simple lemon juice. Here are some instructions to treat rust stains yourself.

1)  Apply lemon juice to the rust stain: 

For a large area, put the lemon juice into a small spray bottle and spray onto the affected area. For a small stain, sponge the lemon juice onto the stain with a cotton wool ball. Leave the juice on the stain for at least 5 minutes, but no more than 10 minutes, then blot with a clean white cloth or paper towel. 

2)  Rinse the stain with detergent solution:

Mix 4 or 5 drops of dishwashing detergent with 1 cup of warm water. Sponge onto the stain and blot dry with a clean white cloth. Repeat this process several times. We recommend putting a clean towel on the stain and standing on it to remove as much liquid as possible from the carpet.

3)  If a stain remains:

Wait til the carpet dries, then apply the same process listed above but using straight white vinegar.

If the steps above do not totally remove the stain, there are commercial products that can remove rust stains from carpet. Be aware that they can also alter the dye in the carpet fibres, though, so use them carefully. Electrodry carpet cleaning uses a specialised rust treatment process that has proven to be very effective and will totally remove or significantly lighten the rust stain.