How to Remove Rust Stains From a Carpet With Peroxide

eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.

Things You'll Need

  • Spoon

  • Vacuum cleaner

  • Lemon juice

  • Paper towel

  • Dishwashing detergent that does not contain bleach or lanolin

  • Towel

  • 3 percent hydrogen peroxide

Rust stains can be unsightly if not removed.

Hydrogen peroxide is a great agent for removing many of those more difficult stains, including rust. Cleaning products for removing rust can stain carpets. Many of them can cause discoloration or even damage the carpet. Hydrogen peroxide can act as a bleaching agent as well, so it is a good idea to dilute it before using it on your carpet. Use hydrogen peroxide as a last resort due to the possibility of discoloration; however, it is great for breaking up the rust and allowing the carpet to breathe.

Advertisement

Step 1

Use a spoon to scrape the rust gently from the carpet. Start from the outside of the rusted area and move inward. Place the rust between the spoon and your thumb and pull away from the stain.

Video of the Day

Step 2

Vacuum the rust debris from the carpet.

Step 3

Douse the rusted area with lemon juice. Let it sit for five minutes.

Step 4

Place a paper towel on the area saturated with the lemon juice. Soak up as much of the lemon juice as possible.

Advertisement

Step 5

Mix ¼ tsp. dishwashing detergent with 1 qt. water. Wet a part of the towel in the mixture. Blot at the rusted area. Blot with paper towel to dry. Rinse with tap water. Repeat process to remove the rust stain. This should remove the majority of the stain. To remove the moisture, place paper towels on the area and place a heavy object, such as a brick, on the towels. If the stain is still present, you will need to apply hydrogen peroxide.

Advertisement

Step 6

Create a mixture of 1 tbsp. hydrogen peroxide per 3 tbsp. warm water. Place onto the rust stain and let it sit for one hour. Using a paper towel, blot the rust from the carpet and repeat until the stain is gone. Once removed, place paper towels on the area and place a heavy object, such as a brick, on the towels.

Warning

Hydrogen peroxide can act as a bleaching agent on colored fabrics if too much is applied. If the carpet is a bright color, then you will want to apply some of the mixture to a hidden area of carpet first to see if the color will fade.

Advertisement

Video of the Day

references & resources