How to Remove Rust Stains From a Shirt
- 1). Wash the shirt immediately using a heavy-duty detergent or 1 cup of non-precipitating water softener. Do not use both, as washing with a detergent and the softener may set the stain.
- 2). Treat the area with a fabric-safe rust remover, if the rust stain remains. Commercial rust stain removers contain hydrofluoric acid or oxalic acid. Follow the manufacturer's application instructions. If you don't have a commercial rust remover, sprinkle salt on the stain and squeeze lemon juice over it and leave it in the sun to dry.
- 3). Rewash the shirt after removing the rust. If you fail to remove all the rust remover from the fabric, the acid can deteriorate the fibers.
