Rust stains on a tub, a sink or a shirt can look permanent, but most of them respond to the right product used the right way. Iron OUT is a rust remover built for that job, and it comes in several versions with different surfaces and methods. Knowing which version to pick and where it is not safe matters as much as the steps themselves.
The powder covers tubs, sinks, tile and toilets, while the spray suits fabric, carpet and porcelain. Both versions have surfaces they should never touch, so read the list before you start. Checking a hidden spot first and rinsing thoroughly are two steps the maker stresses.
What it is
Iron OUT is a rust remover sold as a powder, a gel spray and an automatic toilet bowl tablet. The powder contains sodium hydrosulfite, sodium carbonate, sodium metabisulfite, citric acid and sodium sulfite. The spray contains oxalic acid dihydrate, and the toilet tablet is designed to sit in the tank and work on rust over time.
According to the maker
What to use it on
Tubs, sinks and tile
The maker lists the powder for tubs, sinks and tile, and its method is written for those surfaces. Wet the area first, then work the powder in with a damp sponge. Old, worn or chipped porcelain and cast iron are on the powder's do-not-use list, so check the surface condition before you start.
Toilet bowls and tanks
The powder is listed for toilet bowls and tanks, and the spray is listed for toilet bowls above the water line. For rust that keeps coming back in the tank, the automatic toilet bowl tablet is a separate product. The maker says it removes rust and prevents new stains for up to 45 days, and the listing gives no dwell or rinse time.
Laundry and clothes
The powder is listed for white and colorfast laundry, and the spray is listed for colorfast fabrics, with white clothing only after a test. Pre-test any fabric in a hidden spot first. The powder's do-not-use list includes non-colorfast and embroidered items, so skip those, and follow the label for laundry amounts and times.
Carpet and concrete
The spray is listed for carpet and concrete, and the powder is listed for exterior surfaces. Pre-test in an inconspicuous spot before you treat the stain. Spray directly on the stain, let it stand no more than 30 seconds, then wipe with a damp sponge or cloth and rinse promptly.
Lime and calcium buildup
The spray is also listed for lime and calcium buildup on vertical surfaces and on toilet bowls above the water line. Work in small areas from the bottom up. Wipe up any spills immediately so they do not dry on the surface.
7 steps
How to use it
- 1
Pre-test in a hidden spot
Always test the product in an inconspicuous area before you treat the stain. This matters most with the spray, since its listing includes white clothing only after a test. If the surface reacts, stop and choose a different surface or version.
- 2
Wet the area and load the sponge
For the powder on tubs and sinks, wet the area first. Put the powder on a damp sponge rather than sprinkling it dry onto the stain.
- 3
Rub lightly until the stain lifts
Rub the area lightly with the sponge until the stain disappears. The maker's directions call for light rubbing, so you do not need to scrub hard.
- 4
Rinse the powder away
Rinse the area after the stain is gone. Make sure no powder is left on the surface before you move on.
- 5
Spray and let it stand briefly
For the spray, aim directly at the rust stain and let it stand a few seconds, no more than 30 seconds. Keep the time short, because the maker sets that limit.
- 6
Wipe and rinse thoroughly
Wipe the area with a damp sponge or cloth, then rinse promptly and thoroughly. If the stain is still there, repeat the process on that small area.
- 7
Work in small sections
Treat small areas from the bottom up, and wipe up any spills immediately. This keeps the product where you can control it and keeps spills from drying on the surface.
Where not to use it
The maker says the powder should not go on wood, painted or exposed corroding metal, old, worn or chipped porcelain or cast iron, irons, hair or flatware, and it should not be used in pool water, wells or greensand filters. The spray should stay off wood, painted surfaces, wallpaper, metal, natural marble, terrazzo, granite and colored grout, and it is not for water softeners. If your surface is on either list, the maker gives no alternative, so check with the maker of that surface before you use any product on it.
Safety
Both versions carry a DANGER warning, since the powder can cause serious eye damage and the spray can cause severe skin burns and eye damage. Wear eye protection with the powder, and wear protective clothing and eye or face protection with the spray without breathing its vapors. Never mix it with bleach, peroxide or oxi products, do not dilute it in a closed spray bottle, and store the spray locked up.
Never mix chlorine bleach with vinegar or other acids, ammonia or rubbing alcohol. Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222.
Versions the maker sells
Where to buy
Iron OUT Rust Stain Remover Powder
Iron OUT Rust Stain Remover Spray
Iron Out Automatic Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Sponsored links: as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Product facts come from the maker's own instructions and labels.
Questions
Can I use Iron OUT on clothes?
The maker lists the powder for white and colorfast laundry and the spray for colorfast fabrics, with white clothing only after a test. Pre-test any fabric in a hidden spot first. Do not use either version on non-colorfast or embroidered items.
Is Iron OUT safe on marble?
The maker says the spray should not be used on natural marble. The powder is not listed for marble either, so do not use it there without checking the maker's guidance first. Marble is also on the spray's do-not-use list alongside terrazzo and granite.
Are there reviews of Iron OUT?
Buyer opinions aren't in the maker's directions. What the maker does say is that the powder is for tubs, sinks, tile and toilets, and the spray is for porcelain, tile, fiberglass and fabrics. Read the do-not-use list for each version before you buy.
Which Iron OUT product should I choose?
Choose the powder for tubs, sinks, tile, toilet bowls and tanks, and exterior surfaces. Choose the spray for porcelain, fiberglass, chrome, glass, concrete, carpet and colorfast fabrics. The automatic toilet bowl tablet is a separate product for ongoing rust in the tank.
How long does the toilet bowl tablet last?
The maker says the tablet removes rust and prevents new stains for up to 45 days. Drop a tablet in the toilet tank to use it. The listing gives no dwell or rinse time.
Can I mix Iron OUT with bleach?
No. The maker says never to mix the powder with bleach, peroxide or oxi products. The maker also says not to dilute the product in a closed spray bottle.
Does Iron OUT remove lime and calcium?
The spray's listed uses include lime and calcium buildup. Use it on vertical surfaces and on toilet bowls above the water line. Pre-test first and wipe up spills immediately.
What stains does Iron OUT target?
The maker says it targets rust and iron stains. The powder can also be used as a paste on manganese stains, and lime and calcium buildup is listed for the spray.
Where it shows up in our guides
More product guides
How we know this
Every use, amount and warning here comes from the maker's product pages, labels and safety data sheets.