There is nothing more frustrating than having beautiful carpets that are slowly getting stained from wear and tear. As you stand looking at your carpet and notice shapes beginning to form from the stains, you know it’s time to tackle the task of de-staining the rug. A word of advice: when trying to remove organic stains, you need to be careful about how you do it, or you risk making things much worse and more permanent.
It may seem odd to discuss how to remove rust from a carpet, but it is a common and stubborn stain that can result from leaky windows, wet toys, furniture, and other sources throughout the house. To remove it properly, you must have patience and a bit of know-how to be effective.
Steps to Remove Rust Stains from Carpet
The first line of defense when dealing with a rust stain on your rug is to let it dry completely. Once the surface area of the carpet is dry, use a dull butter knife or another scraping tool to remove any excess rust that has flaked off. The more you can pry off before you start cleaning, the better your chances will be of getting rid of it for good. Be sure to do this carefully to avoid pulling threads or snagging carpet fibers. If you have Berber carpet, an incidental pull could lead to an entire unraveling across the room, so take your time and be cautious. Once this is done, you’ll have a clearer idea of the extent of the stain.
The second step can be done in several ways. To decide which method is best for your carpet, it’s advisable to test the cleaning agents in a discreet area, such as behind the TV or under the couch, to make sure they don’t cause unintentional staining or bleeding.
The first solution you may try is mixing a mild detergent (free of alkalis) with cool water. Cool water should always be used on carpet stains to avoid setting them in—hot water will simply make the stains more stubborn. You don’t want to use anti-bacterial versions of detergent, and if you can find one that isn’t too deeply colored, your chances of success will increase. With a clean cloth, blot—not rub—the stain until it seems to lift. You may need to rinse the cloth or sponge several times, so be sure to keep the water clean. If this doesn’t work, let the stain re-dry and move on to the next remedy.
Lemon juice is another popular stain remover. When mixed with just a pinch of salt, it forms a mild abrasive cleaner. For rust stains, it’s recommended to put the mixture in a spray bottle and lightly saturate the stained area. Then, continue blotting as described above.
Another at-home remedy for removing rust involves creating a paste from water and cream of tartar. The paste should have a consistency similar to toothpaste. Spread it onto the stain, allow it to sit for a while, and then blot it away with cool, damp water.
Vinegar is also a useful product for tackling rust stains. You can pour it directly onto the stain and let it sit for a few hours. After that, check whether the stain has been removed. If necessary, blot the area with a cool, damp cloth to see if any more rust comes up. If the smell is too strong, a light lemon mixture can help neutralize it.
If none of these methods seem to be working well, it might be time to consider calling a professional or visiting a large home improvement store that stocks products specifically designed for rust and metal stains. These products may not be labeled as carpet cleaners, but speaking with a store associate can help you determine whether they will be effective.
Rust is a tough stain to remove because it’s the result of a chemical reaction. Normally, rust occurs from the oxidation of metal through humidity in outdoor environments. When these stains make their way to your carpet, they can be both stubborn and unsightly. If none of the household remedies work adequately, you might want to call in a professional. Some cleaning companies specialize in rust and carpet stain removal, while others may only offer standard steam cleaning. It’s a good idea to ask them how they handle rust stains before scheduling a visit.
Probably one of the most important factors in dealing with carpet stains—especially rust—is acting quickly. The longer a stain is left to sit, the more difficult it becomes to remove. Always keep in mind that any product, even organic household items, can stain, bleach, or damage delicate carpet fibers. Even cleaners designed specifically for carpets are not a guaranteed solution, so they should always be tested first. One helpful tip when installing carpet is to keep a few remnants of the material in your cleaning closet for this very reason. This way, you won’t risk further damaging your carpet while trying to remove a rust stain.