Ask Mrs. Clean: House Cleaning, Stain Removal and Organizing Tips

[lindachristie]

My roommates belong to a group that does theatrical and historical sword fighting demonstrations (Phoenix Swords). Phoenix Swords does two annual shows in the South (Alabama and Florida). Both states have red clay that really stains clothing. If anyone knows how to remove red clay stains, please let us know. Although they call their clothes "costumes", the outfits are made as well as clothes as they are worn repeatedly for shows. Most are machine washable with the shirts being muslin, cotton or cotton-blend fabrics.

Thank you,

Linda Christie

[mrscleannw]

Hi Linda Christie,

Thanks for joining our forum and we will try and help you out with the red clay stains. The red color of red clay comes from iron oxide (in other words …. rust, which results in rust stains).

You can try a home remedy first and then move on to other products if necessary. Remember to always test the cleaning process you try in an inconspicuous area first.

We’ll list the mild solutions first then move on to a more harsh cleaner (Super Iron Out - which may end up being the one that works for you).

Vinegar:
1 Cup Vinegar
3 Tbsp Ionized Salt

Mix the vinegar and salt in a bowl. Wet a clean washcloth with the vinegar and salt mixture and rub it on the stains (you may want to put a clean towel under the stained area you’re working on), working into the stain, starting from the outer area of the stain and rubbing towards the center of the stain. Clean your washcloth during this process until the mixture is worked into the stain.
Let it set for about 30 minutes. Rinse the area with cool water to check the stain and if necessary repeat the process.
If this has worked and you are satisfied with the results then wash according to the garments label. Do not put the clothing in the dryer if there are any stains left as you don’t want to bake them in further.

Borax:
1 Tbsp Borax
1 Cup Water

Follow instructions for using vinegar.

Rust Removers:
Super Iron Out:
The below statement is from the product information from the super iron out manufacturers website.

“Super Iron Out chemically changes rust and iron into a clear, soluble state that easily rinses away without scrubbing. It does not contain harsh or abrasive chemicals and is safe for white clothes and fiberglass, porcelain, or acrylic finishes.”

Using Super Iron Out on White Fabrics:
These instructions also come from the manufacturer’s site.
“Do not use this product with bleach or peroxide as stated by the manufacturer.
• Add ½ cup to the washing machine as it is filling with warm water.
• Add your white clothing and let them soak for about 5 minutes by stopping the machine.
• Add your regular washing detergent and resume washing.”
Check your clothing before putting them in the dryer, repeat the process if necessary.

“Note: This product may damage colored fabric and any embroidery you may have. Only use this on colored fabric if you have tested an area and are comfortable with the result, then following instructions for washing White Fabric.”

You can also try looking in your local grocery store for rust remover products.

We hope one of these solutions works for you. Please post what you found and we can all learn from your experience.

Mrs. Clean