REMOVING RUST STAINS FROM FABRIC

Rust stains are usually caused by iron or manganese in the water supply. It can also come from a rusty water heater or rusty water lines. The water should be tested for iron or manganese content. This can be done by a local water utility or water quality company, such as Culligan or Kinetico.

There are two types of iron in the water supply:

  1. Dissolved iron in water is not visible as it comes from a faucet. It must be oxidized to be seen. This oxidation process is initiated by air, heat and bleaching agents. For example, you may see it after time on your dishwasher tub or on clothes. The rust staining occurs because detergents and heat are oxidizing the iron. A water softener may be needed if staining becomes a problem.
  2. Suspended iron in water can be seen and settles out. This type of iron is difficult to remove without a filtering system. For additional information contact a water quality company, such as Culligan or Kinetico.

To Remove Rust Stains

Use a rust remover, such as RoVer* Rust Remover. RoVer is available from Maytag Appliance dealers (Part # 057961) and should be used according to the following directions.

Warning

Read all cautions on the bottle before using Rover Rust Remover. Injurious to skin and eyes. Harmful if swallowed. Vapors can be harmful. Keep out of the reach of children. Follow all instructions carefully.

Removing Rust Stains from White Fabrics

Avoid using chlorine bleach as it can make rust stains darker.

Follow these steps to restore whiteness:

  1. Fill the washer with water, selecting a temperature suitable for the fabric.
  2. Do NOT add products such as detergent or chlorine bleach when using RoVer.
  3. Add one-third cup of RoVer to the water and let it dissolve by agitation.
  4. Add clothes and allow washer to complete the cycle.
  5. Follow up with an additional rinse cycle or wash items with detergent.

Removing Rust Stains from Colored Fabrics

Before washing any items in RoVer, test a concealed area (seam allowance or shirt tail) for colourfastness using this procedure:

  1. Dissolve one teaspoon of RoVer in one cup of water.
  2. Place one drop of RoVer solution on a hidden area, making sure it penetrates the fabric.
  3. Let the fabric dry.
  4. If there is no change in colour, RoVer should not damage the colour of the item.
  5. Follow the same procedures as for white fabrics.

Stubborn Rust Stains

Stubborn rust stains may be removed by soaking articles in a solution of one-third cup RoVer in five gallons of water. Do not use a galvanized tub for soaking as RoVer will damage galvanized iron. Use RoVer to remove discolouration from the washer tub following this procedure:

  1. Fill the washer with warm/cold water selecting the largest water level.
  2. Add one-third cup of RoVer and set the control to complete normal wash and rinse cycles.
  3. Do not use RoVer with detergents or bleaches.