How Tto Remove Rust
October 27th, 2006 (Cleaning)
Rust removers are readily available at grocery stores, home centers, and hardware stores. Some of them are for use only on white clothes and others can be used on colored fabrics, too. If you are using one of these chemical products, be sure to read the directions very carefully to avoid failure. If you want to remove rust from clothes with a natural, easy method and avoid chemicals, here are a few ideas:
Removing Rust from Clothes: Apply lemon juice and let the item dry in the sun, then launder as usual. This is generally safe on all washable fabrics, but if in doubt try first in an inconspicuous place. Another method is to apply cream of tartar to the rust spot, gather up the edges of the material and dip the spot into hot water. Let it sit for 5 minutes and then launder as usual.
To Remove Rust from Metal: Sprinkle scouring powder on a cork, then rub the stain. Wash and rinse as usual.
To Remove Rust from Fixtures: Rub the rust spot with salt and lemon juice until the rust disappears. Then rinse and polish.
To Remove Rust from the Toilet Bowl: There are, of course, acid bowl cleaners available from grocery stores, home centers and janitorial supply stores that will remove rust from toilets, but for an inexpensive, nontoxic way to remove rust, try this: Once a month sprinkle a layer of Tang Breakfast Drink or lemon Pool-Aid on the sides of the toilet and in the water, leave for an hour, brush and flush. Repeat if necessary. (Citric acid oxidizes the rust.)
To Remove Rust from Stainless Steel Sinks: Rub the rust spot with lighter fluid until the rust is removed, and then follow up with liquid cleaner. Be careful when you do this not to work around an open flame, and be sure you have the area ventilated adequately.
To Remove Rust from Utensils: This is a great, easy tip - try it the next time you’re making a salad! Stick the utensils, such as knives, forks, etc., into an onion. Pull back and forth on the utensil and then let it sit there so the onion juice can do its job.
To Remove Rust from Chrome: This tip works great on car chrome. Take a crumpled ball of aluminum foil and rub the rust spot until it disappears.
To Remove Rust from Countertops: This works on Formica, plastic laminates, etc. Make a paste of cream of tartar and either lemon juice or hydrogen peroxide, apply to the rust spot and allow to sit for about 30 minutes. Scrub with nylon-type scrubbing sponge and rinse. If necessary, reapply.