Actichem Rust Remover is a "safe-chemical" formula for removing rust spots on carpets and fibres. It replaces the traditional use of Hydrofluoric Acid, which has a high hazard profile and is extremely corrosive. This professionally researched formula includes a special blend of wetting agents, which enables fast and efficient chemical action on deep-set spots.
Read the Safety section below before you order. "Safer than hydrofluoric acid" is true and is worth having. It does not mean this product is mild. Rust Remover is a corrosive acid classified as dangerous goods, and this listing previously said otherwise.
Benefits
- Safer innovative chemistry - Rust Remover provides a safer alternative to hydrofluoric and hydrochloric acids whilst still providing outstanding rust removal.
- Dynamic penetration - The inclusion of super-wetting and penetrating agents ensures that Rust Remover quickly and effectively penetrates each discoloured fibre, treating it not just on the outside but deep into the fibre for effective and permanent stain removal.
- Blood removal - Rust Remover's chemistry is also very effective for removing old, dried blood spots. Pre-testing is always required.
- Fibre safe - Safe for use on all natural and synthetic fibres; however, fine fabrics must be pre-tested for colour stability before use.
- User friendly - Specialty low odour formula ensures user comfort.
Application areas and surface suitability
Carpets and fabric stain removal.
How to use
Read and understand the safety data sheet before use. Always pre-test in an inconspicuous location for substrate sensitivity to chemicals.
Dilutions
Ready to use - no dilution necessary.
Application
- Use Rust Remover undiluted.
- Apply the solution onto the fibre or fabric until it is wetted out.
- Agitate the solution using a carpet rake or upholstery cleaning brush.
- Allow 10 to 20 minutes of reaction time.
- Rinse extract using Actichem Rinse Pro or Emulsifier Plus.
- Allow to dry. Assist drying by increasing ventilation.
Safety
This listing previously described Rust Remover as non-hazardous. That was wrong and it has been corrected. Actichem's safety data sheet for AP492, version 3.2 issued 22 September 2025, classifies it as a HAZARDOUS CHEMICAL and DANGEROUS GOODS under the WHS Regulations and the ADG Code.
- Signal word: DANGER
- Skin Corrosion / Irritation Category 1B and Serious Eye Damage Category 1 - H314, causes severe skin burns and eye damage
- AUH071 - corrosive to the respiratory tract
- HAZCHEM 2X
It is applied undiluted, by hand, with 10 to 20 minutes of dwell. That is the highest-exposure way a spotter gets used, so the gloves and eye protection below are not optional on this one.
It contains ammonium bifluoride. The safety data sheet lists ammonium bifluoride below 1 per cent, alongside phosphoric acid and oxalic acid. Fluoride salts are the reason the product works where milder acids do not, and they are also why any skin or eye contact should be treated as a medical matter rather than washed off and forgotten. If this product contacts skin or eyes, flush immediately with running water and seek medical attention - and take the safety data sheet with you so the clinician knows a fluoride salt is involved.
Personal protective equipment specified in the safety data sheet:
- Chemical goggles, or safety glasses with side shields
- Chemical protective gloves - neoprene or butyl
Never mix or store Rust Remover with chlorine products. The safety data sheet says to avoid storing it with strong bases, strong oxidisers, chlorites and hypochlorites. In practice that means it must never meet a chlorine-based product such as Chlorosan, a bleach, or a hypochlorite mould treatment - the combination liberates chlorine gas. Keep them apart in the van, never combine them in a bucket or sprayer, and rinse equipment thoroughly between products.
Do not decant into glass, aluminium or galvanised containers. The safety data sheet is explicit about this.
Specifications
| Product code | AP492 |
|---|---|
| SKU (this pack) | AP492.05 |
| Colour | Light tan |
| Fragrance | Mint |
| pH | 2 to 3 per SDS v3.2. This listing previously published pH 1 to 2. Both figures are shown until Actichem confirm |
| Dilution | Ready to use - do not dilute |
| Reaction time | 10 to 20 minutes |
| Actives | Phosphoric acid, oxalic acid, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, ammonium lauryl sulfate and hydroxyethanediphosphonic acid each below 10 per cent; ammonium bifluoride below 1 per cent |
| Signal word | DANGER (SDS v3.2) |
| HAZCHEM | 2X |
| Vendor | Actichem |
Download the Rust Remover safety data sheet (AP492, version 3.2, 22/09/2025)
Not sure whether Rust Remover is the right product for the stain in front of you, or what else you are carrying that it must not meet? Call or email us before you order.
