How to Remove Rust From Wool
Rust stains occur when a wet metal object becomes rusty and then comes in contact with your wool fabric or carpet. These transfer stains can be a challenge to remove from fabric, but are removable with the proper supplies and techniques.
Because wool is a natural fabric that absorbs liquid and has a tendency to shrink, it should be washed using the driest cleaning method possible to remove rust stains from the surface and fibers of the wool.
Things You Will Need
- Sponge
- Club soda
- Bowl
- 1 tbsp. lemon juice
- 2 tsp. table salt
- Clean cloths
- Vacuum
- 1/3 cup white vinegar
- 2 tbsp. dish washing detergent
Tip
Bring a dry clean-only wool garment to the dry cleaners for stain removal. Hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol can be used to remove rust stains from wool upholstery and carpet.
Warning
If iron or metal furniture on wool carpeting becomes damp, dry it immediately to avoid rust transfer.
Always blot or sponge wool surfaces, as scrubbing can damage the fibers.
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Wet a clean sponge with club soda then squeeze out the excess liquid. Blot the rust stain on your wool surface with the club soda. Club soda effectively removes many stains from non-washable textiles.
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Mix 1 tbsp. lemon juice and 2 tsp. table salt in a bowl. Apply the rust-removing paste with a clean cloth to the site of the rust stain on your wool. If possible, set the wool in the sun to help the lemon paste bleach out the rust stain.
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Allow the lemon juice and salt paste to dry on the wool item. Vacuum the dried paste off.
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Combine 1/3 cup white vinegar, 2 tbsp. dish washing detergent and 2/3 cup water in a bowl. Mix to make soap suds. Dip a clean cloth in the soap suds only and sponge the remaining rust stains with the suds.
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Rinse your wool by blotting it with a slightly damp cloth. Open windows to aid drying or set the item outside to dry.
The Drip Cap
- Rust stains occur when a wet metal object becomes rusty and then comes in contact with your wool fabric or carpet.
- These transfer stains can be a challenge to remove from fabric, but are removable with the proper supplies and techniques.
- Apply the rust-removing paste with a clean cloth to the site of the rust stain on your wool.
- Dip a clean cloth in the soap suds only and sponge the remaining rust stains with the suds.
References
Writer Bio
Mary Ylisela is a former teacher with a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education and mathematics. She has been a writer since 1996, specializing in business, fitness and education. Prior to teaching, Ylisela worked as a certified fitness instructor and a small-business owner.
Photo Credits
- sheeps queue on sheep-run image by Piotr Rydzkowski from Fotolia.com
- sheeps queue on sheep-run image by Piotr Rydzkowski from Fotolia.com
- sponge for cleaning image by Serghei Velusceac from Fotolia.com
- lemon image by Henryk Olszewski from Fotolia.com
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