How to Remove Rust Stains from Concrete
Leaving metal items on concrete is the main cause of rust stains. Over the years, they will get wet, rust, and leave that same nasty-orange stain on your concrete. No one likes this. It looks bad and bugs you until it is gone.
The most common way to remove rust stains from concrete is a power washer, but these cost above and beyond a large chunk of change to buy and even to rent. Not to mention the power wash cleaner you have to buy.
Well, hopefully I will help you solve your rust stain problems today. I am going to teach you how to remove that bothering stain without all the money of buying or renting a power washer.
Items you will need:
A hard bristle scrub brush
Lemon juice
Oxalic acid
A sponge
White vinegar
Step 1- You, of course, need to clean the area with the rust stain. Cleaning the area will get rid of any dirt and grime that will be a hassle later and it may also get rid of your stain depending on what type of stain it is. A surface stain may be removed with just a quick scrub and water hose rinse. If the stain is not removed just by doing this, than you will need to continue on with the steps provided.
Step 2- Now that the stained area is clean, you will need to get out your white vinegar. I suggest getting a large bottle of white vinegar because you may end up using a lot. Leave the vinegar sit for about 30 minutes and then scrub with your hard bristle scrub brush. Use the water hose to rinse the area clean.
You may have to repeat step 2 depending on how stubborn your stain is. A deep-set in stain will give you more problems. These “more set in stains” tend to be a dark brown color, and usually require more attention and time.
Step 3- If you are still having problems with the stain, pour lemon juice on the stain once you have rinsed all the vinegar off. Make sure you use undiluted lemon juice because the acids will be stronger and you will have better results. Let the lemon juice sit for about 20 minutes (or longer if you want) and scrub with your hard-bristle brush again.
Step 4- If you are STILL having problems with the stain, now would be the time to bring out the bigger and meaner cleaning products. Look for commercial cleaners with oxalic acid in it. Follow the directions that come with the cleaning product. I do not know which product you will be using, so I am leaving this part up to you. I will not lie and tell you how long to leave it on or how to use it because that will only cause you more problems.
And that is how you remove rust stains from concrete!
