How to Remove Rust Stains Caused by Ironing

Your ironing skills are rusty, and so is your iron. Now you’ve got rust stains on your blouse. What to do?

: If your fabric is not machine-washable or color-safe, have it professionally cleaned.
Step 1: Scrub Use the scouring pad to remove as much surface rust from your iron as possible.
Step 2: Soak fabric in lemon juice If the fabric is machine-washable and color-safe, soak the fabric stain in lemon juice, and leave it in direct sunlight. Don't let the juice dry.
TIP: You can substitute vinegar for lemon juice, though vinegar takes longer to remove rust stains. Don't substitute chlorine bleach, which can make the stain worse.
Step 3: Monitor Monitor the fabric and add lemon juice or vinegar as needed.
Step 4: Rinse and repeat Rinse the area with water. If the stain lingers, repeat treatment if needed.
Step 5: Remove moisture Remove excess moisture using clean cloths or paper towel.
TIP: Don't rub the fabric together too vigorously. You could damage it.
Step 6: Finish cleaning Examine the item to be sure that the rust stain is gone. Clean it according to the instructions on the label, and iron it with your newly rust-free iron.
FACT: In the 10th and 11th centuries, the word "rust" was the Old English word for "red."