How to Remove Rust Stains

Step 1: To remove rust you need an acidic solution. Lemon juice is naturally acidic and a good starting point to remove the stain. For a large stain, pour the lemon juice in a spray bottle or container. For a smaller stain, use a small container and Q-tip.

Step 2: Make a Dawn-Water solution by pouring 1 cup of warm water and 1/4 a teaspoon of Dawn dishwashing detergent into a spray bottle or container. Stir or gently shake to ensure a thorough mixture.

Step 3: Test the lemon juice in an inconspicuous location of the carpet (we recommend a closet area). Depending on the size of the stain dampen a clean white cloth or Q-tip with lemon juice. Blot the stain to work the lemon juice down into the carpet fibers. Allow to the lemon juice to rest in the carpet for 4-5 minutes to breakdown the rust.

Step 4: Blot the stain with a clean white cloth to lift the color out of the carpet.

NorCal Pro Tip: Blot the stain in one direction starting from the edge of the stain working your way to the center. This will prevent spreading the stain onto other carpet fibers.

Step 5: Dampen a clean white cloth with the Dawn-water solution you made in step number 2. Blot the stain to wash out the lemon juice from the carpet.

Step 6: Rinse the area by spraying water on the damp area. Blot the wet area with plain white paper towels to remove the excess water from the carpet.

Step 7: Once all the excess moisture has been removed, layer several paper towels on the damp area and place a small heavy object on the towels. Leave for 2-4 hours. This will draw out any remaining moisture in the carpet.

Step 8: Once the carpet is dry, vacuum the area to restore the carpet’s resiliency.