Rust stains on a carpet almost always have a clear source: metal legs of a chair or sofa, a plant stand, a floor lamp, a clothes airer or an ironing board left standing on a damp floor after mopping. Moisture and metal produce an orange ring within days that no vacuum cleaner will remove.
The fresher the stain, the easier it is to remove. So act straight away and deal with the metal that caused it at the same time.
What you will need
- lemon juice or citric acid, salt
- carpet cleaner or washing-up liquid
- soft sponge, white cotton cloth, towel
- bucket of warm water
- WD-40 Multi-Use if needed
- WD-40 Smart Straw for treating furniture legs
Important: Test every product on a hidden area of the carpet first. Wool, silk and handmade rugs are best left to a professional cleaner, as acids and solvents can change the colour. Do not scrub with stiff brushes or soak the carpet so that moisture does not reach the backing.
Step 1
Remove the source and loose dirt
Move the item that left the stain and check it: there is probably rust on the leg already. Vacuum the spot and gently scrape dried rust particles off the pile with a blunt knife so you do not rub them in deeper.
Step 2
Apply an acidic remedy
On a synthetic carpet, wet the stain with lemon juice or a citric acid solution (a teaspoon in a glass of warm water) and sprinkle with salt. The acid dissolves iron oxide and the salt helps draw it out of the fibres. Leave for 15-20 minutes without letting it dry.
Step 3
Blot, do not rub
Press a white cotton cloth or damp sponge onto the stain and blot from the edges inwards so it does not spread. Move to a clean part of the cloth until no more orange transfers. Repeat the previous step if the stain is lighter but still visible.
Step 4
If the stain is greasy
Rust from legs and mechanisms is often mixed with old grease and dirt. On synthetic pile, such a stain can be pre-treated with a small amount of WD-40 Multi-Use applied to a cloth rather than to the carpet: it softens greasy grime so the stain lifts more easily.
After a few minutes, always wash the spot with carpet cleaner or washing-up liquid solution so no oily mark remains.
Step 5
Rinse and dry
Dampen a sponge in clean warm water and blot the area several times to remove any acid and cleaner. Lay a dry towel on top and stand on it to soak up moisture. Brush the pile and let it air dry, keeping furniture off the damp area.
Step 6
Protect the furniture legs
To stop the stain recurring, clean rust off the legs and treat them with WD-40; the thin straw of the WD-40 Smart Straw reaches the ends and threads of adjustable feet. Wipe off the excess thoroughly and fit felt or plastic pads under the legs.
Tip: After wet cleaning, keep furniture and airers off the carpet until it is completely dry. Moisture trapped under a metal leg overnight causes the most stubborn orange rings.
What next
Check metal furniture legs once a season, especially in damp rooms and through autumn and winter. For old, large or valuable rugs, do not take risks and use a professional cleaning service.
These uses come from the experience of WD-40 users in many countries. Always follow the instructions and warnings on the product label.
More guides in «How to use».