Zipper left a stain, how to remove it with science?

September 9, 2024 12:17 PM

I got cream coloured jeans at a steep discount due to a brown stain from the metal zipper. How can I remove the stain? There are many competing remedies online (Baking soda! Vinegar! Salt! Wishes and dreams!) so I’d like to hear from people who have personally succeeded, or chemistry types who can explain with science. Thanks!
posted by nouvelle-personne to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (4 answers total)

I would try CLR for the 'R' part - it appears to be an oxidized metal stain, a Rust of sorts.
posted by AzraelBrown at 12:19 PM on September 9 [1 favorite]

I have successfully used a product called "Iron Out" for similar metal / iron stains, and for clothes that got dingy-looking from iron-rich well water. NB: It can have a bleaching effect if mixed too strongly, and can deteriorate fabric if left in contact too long, but it does remove iron stains extremely well when used properly.
posted by chocolate_butch at 3:40 PM on September 9 [2 favorites]

White vinegar will usually remove rust stains. I used it diluted in water to remove rust stains from a cream colored linen suit. Just wet and blot. FWIW Iron Out formulas also use an acid to remove rust- either oxalic acid or citric acid.
posted by oneirodynia at 4:28 PM on September 9 [2 favorites]

the jolie kerr deadspin archives have some advice on removing rust stains. a couple of specific products listed, and says lemon juice can work (ymmv). but for the love of laundry: no bleach!
posted by tamarack at 10:35 PM on September 10