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hez
11-06-2005, 08:14 PM
Update for those who asked:

I tested Whink & white vinegar side by side (Payton's socks were in there too-- so I had *lots* to test on!). Both removed the rust stains completely. I'll preface this by saying that I am not a chemistry fan, but I did notice that the Whink took the stains orangeish-pinkish-red first before they disappeared, and vinegar took them yellowish-brown first before they disappeared.

In both cases it took multiple applications and several hours (for bad stains, overnight) of letting it sit on the clothes. Maybe because the clothes were wet? Again, I'm not a chemical engineer for a reason ;) I dumped anything I learned in chemistry just as soon as I could!

I like the idea that it's OK to get vinegar on your hands. The Whink was filled with warnings against that! Other than that, they both worked just fine! Thanks for the links and ideas!

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Our neighbors called asking if our water was coming out rusty. I had no idea-- I always use the filter in the kitchen. I ran it without and sure enough, brown :( She called & they're coming out to flush our hydrant within the hour.

To top it off, I was running a load of Payton's clothes (mostly darks). I'd thrown a couple onesies in, and they look absolutely disgusting-- like I smeared them in mud.

I just sent DH out to get some laundry rust remover (Mom mentioned RIT and Wink as two brands to look for). If the rust remover doesn't work, what other options do I have? He wears these as undershirts, so no one's going to see them, but still!

TIA!

mudder17
11-06-2005, 11:26 PM
Okay, how about this:

http://www.ehow.com/how_18793_remove-rust-fabric.html

I was thinking of white vinegar (because rust is more soluble in acid), but this sounds like it would be just as effective since lemon juice is also acidic. The best thing is that you don't have any harsh chemicals.

HTH!


Eileen

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hez
11-06-2005, 11:45 PM
Thanks Eileen. Unfortunately, I have enough items that I can test all three options!

mudder17
11-06-2005, 11:49 PM
Yikes! Hey, let me know how the "experiment" goes. The scientist in me is kind of curious. :)

Eileen

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heidiann
11-06-2005, 11:55 PM
that has happened to me a couple of times. I called the local water company and they said i could pick up stuff that they keep at the office for just that purpose. the stuff works like magic.
don't know if that helps you at all, but if you try the experiments leave us a post i'd love to know what worked.

heidi
DD born 10/20/05

mudder17
11-11-2005, 09:17 AM
Awesome! I'm so glad the safe method worked! My memory is a little rusty, but I think the different colors are 2 different oxidation states for iron. It may also be what the 2 different chemicals combine w/the iron to make it dissolve out of the fabric. I'd have to look up the various iron cmpds in my CRC to see what colors they are, plus look up the ingredients of whink. But I'm sure no one is interested. ;)

thx for the update! Sorry, I'm PAK while NAK.

Eileen

http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/candle.gif for Leah
http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbons/ribbon_emerald_18m.gif

http://tickers.baby-gaga.com/t/catcatcvi20040222_4_Kaya+is.png
Kaya's a cousin! 10/1/05, 5lb13oz