How to Get Rust Stains Out of Carpet

By Matt Oden | Comments | Other Stains → Rust | Carpet and Rug Stains

Rust stains can happen almost anywhere, including your carpet, leaving the owner wondering how to get rust stains out of carpet. Rust stains can be difficult to remove, but like most stains the quicker you treat the rust stain the easier it will be to remove.

General Rust Stain Removal From Carpeting: Method 1

What you will need:

Spray bottle
White hand towels or white paper towels
Lemon juice (can be fresh squeezed or bottled)
dull knife

Rust is a stain that can be very difficult to remove from carpeting, but like most other stains the quicker you treat the stain the easier it is to remove. Follow these steps to effectively remove rust stains from the carpet.

Using the back of a butter knife try and scrape away as much of the rust as you can. Do not scrape too hard! You do not want to damage the carpeting.
Put either fresh squeezed or bottled lemon juice in a clean spray bottle. Spray the rust stain until the area is entirely saturated. Try to not spray more of the carpeting than you have to.
Allow the lemon juice to sit for about 5 minutes, but do not leave it there for longer than 10 minutes. Lemon juice is a bleaching agent and can change the color of your carpet. To ensure the lemon juice is safe to use try testing a small hidden area of your carpeting before saturating the stain.
Next, blot the stain with a white paper towel. Make sure you do not rub the stain. This action will only make the situation worse.
Inspect the area. If the stain remains move on to method 2.

Don't panic if the rust stain has not been removed through method 1. If you have a particularly tough or stubborn stain it can take more than one application of the same method or methods to fully clean the carpet.

General Rust Stain Removal From Carpeting: Method 2

What you will need:

Liquid dishwashing detergent
Spray bottle
White hand towels or white paper towels

Since rust stains are hard to remove from carpeting it my take a few different methods to completely remove the stain. The following steps are a continuation of method 1. Only move on to method 2 if you cannot remove the rust stain through method 1.

Ensure you have already completed method 1 before you start to complete method 2.
Once method 1 is complete and the rust stain remains on the carpet, create a mixture of 1/4 teaspoon liquid dishwashing detergent and 1 quart of water. You can make the mixture in a bowl or bucket.
Take your clean white towel or clean white paper towel and dampen it with the mixture.
With the damp towel blot the rust stained area. Continue to blot, not rub, until the stain is removed. If you have a large stained area you can change the towel as needed ensuring it is dampened with the mixture of soapy water.
Once the stain is removed spray clean water on the carpet with a spray bottle.
Using a paper towel blot the stained area until all of the cleaning products have been removed.
Allow the carpet to dry completely. Do not apply heat just in case the stain has not been removed. Heat will only set the rust stain further into the fibers.
Once you are sure the rust stain has been removed and the carpet is dry vacuum the area to ensure the carpet looks clean and fresh.

If the rust stain has not fully been removed, after both method 1 and method 2 have been completed, it might be time to call in the professionals. Rust stains can be very difficult to remove and the professionals will be able to bring in the heavy equipment and cleaning supplies needed to make your carpet look like new.

Tips to Remove Rust Stains From Your Carpet

If you have a particularly stubborn rust stain to remove you may want to call in the professionals for help. Rust is difficult to remove and when trying to clean it yourself you can do more damage than good.
When trying to remove the rust stains from your carpet only use white towels. Some of the cleaning products can make the colored dyes run from the towel and cause a second stain that you will need to remove.
Before saturating your carpets with any type of cleaning product ensure it is safe to use. You can do this by putting a small amount of cleaner on the carpet, in an inconspicuous place, and allow it to sit for one minute. Blot the area clean and inspect the carpet. If the color has changed or faded the product is NOT safe to use.