Have you ever walked outside your home and looked at your concrete? Have you seen the dark brown stains on it? Those are rust stains.
They can become permanent and weaken your concrete if you do not remove them. Rust stains on your concrete can look bad and make cleaning the floor a chore.
Concrete is porous and will absorb stains and spots easily. However, removing rust stains from your concrete is easy if you follow these simple steps:
- Clear the area.
- Choose a rust-removing product.
- Apply the rust remover to the stain.
- Scrub the stain with a stiff brush or broom.
- Rinse with clean water and let the concrete dry
As you have seen, you can remove stains from your concrete yourself!
Removing rust from concrete is frustrating, but it is possible to do it yourself. Follow the steps in this article to remove rust stains from your concrete and enjoy your floors and walls again.
How To Remove Rust Stains From Your Concrete
Rust is not a great look on anyone. So, why let rusty metal spots ruin your concrete? Get rid of the stains permanently, and learn how to get the rust off concrete so you can reclaim your driveway, sidewalk, or patio.
Here is how to remove rust stains from your concrete:
1. Pick Up All the Loose Objects
The first thing you’ll need to do when cleaning rust stains from concrete is pick up any loose objects from the area. This includes rocks or other debris that may have fallen into the surface of your concrete.
If you don’t pick these items up, they could scratch or chip your existing surface once you start cleaning.
If you’ve recently had a storm or any windy weather, you might find that leaves and other objects have blown into your concrete on the driveway.
These loose items could be the cause of your rust stains. Please pick up all loose things and remove them from your property before proceeding with any other steps.
2. Sweep Up All the Dirt, Dust, and Debris
The next step in removing rust stains is removing any dirt, dust, or debris from the stain, making it easier to see where the rust stains are located.
Make sure you wear gloves and protective clothing, like goggles, a hat, a long-sleeved shirt, and pants.
You can use a broom, brush, or a shop vacuum to clean up any loose dirt or dust. This will be easier if you have a shop vacuum with an attachment for cleaning concrete surfaces.
3. Mix Your Cleaning Solution
Mix your cleaning solution according to the product packaging instructions or what you think will work best for your stain. For example, if you use muriatic acid, follow its instructions for mixing solutions:
Some cleaning solutions can be dangerous if mixed incorrectly.
- Use rubber gloves when handling muriatic acid or any other cleaning solution.
- A rubber apron will protect your clothing from spills and splashes.
- Keep safety glasses nearby to protect your eyes from chemical splashes.
4. Pre-Test in a Corner
Test the stain remover in an inconspicuous area to ensure it won’t damage the surface or fade the color.
If the rust stain is more than one week old, use a paintbrush or cotton swab dipped in mineral spirits to pre-test the area before applying the remover directly onto it.
5. Apply the Solution to the Stain
You can remove rust from your concrete using a commercial rust remover or a home remedy. The type of stain remover you use depends on the extent of the stain and how long it’s been there.
Commercial Rust Removers
If you use a commercial rust remover, follow the instructions on the label.
Acid-Based Cleaning Solutions
These are made up of either muriatic acid or hydrochloric acid. The chemical reaction between the concrete and the acid breaks down the rust and lifts it away from the surface of the concrete.
Muriatic acid is stronger than hydrochloric acid, but both work well to remove rust stains from concrete.
These solutions are available at hardware stores, but it’s important not to confuse them with dry acid cleaners; they don’t contain enough acid to remove rust stains from concrete.
A large amount of acid solution can break down the surface layer of existing color on the concrete slabs, resulting in a less stable surface with the risk of flaking or cracking.
Homemade Rust Removers
When you notice rust stains on your concrete, it’s essential to clean them up as quickly as possible using homemade rust removers.
White Vinegar
White vinegar is one of the most effective methods for removing rust stains from your concrete. Pour white vinegar directly onto the stain and let it sit for 10 minutes before scrubbing it clean with a brush or sponge.
Use steel wool instead of a brush or sponge if there are any stubborn areas.
Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda
Mix hydrogen peroxide and baking soda together, then apply this mixture to the stain using a spray bottle or paintbrush. Let this mixture sit for an hour before scrubbing it with a brush or sponge.
Borax Solution
Mix 2 tablespoons of borax solution with 2 cups of warm water, then apply this mixture to the stain using a paintbrush or spray bottle. Let it sit overnight, and scrub it off using a brush.
6. Scrub the Stain With a Brush
Apply water to the stain with a brush or sponge. The water will break down the stain, making it easier to remove. Scrub the stain with a stiff-bristled brush, like an old toothbrush or paintbrush, until all traces of rust are gone or until you are satisfied with its removal.
Use an abrasive scrubbing pad or brush that can withstand high temperatures and pressure. You can find these at most hardware stores or online retailers.
7. Rinse Thoroughly
Once you’ve removed the rust stain from your concrete, rinse thoroughly with water and a garden hose. The water should flush out any remaining concrete residue and prevent further staining.
Conclusion
Ultimately, what you need to do when removing rust stains from your concrete is start by picking loose objects, sweeping dirt, mixing the cleaning solution, pre-testing it, applying the solution, and rinsing the concrete thoroughly.
With patience and proper steps, getting rid of these unsightly discolorations is much easier than you imagined. You can save a lot of money by fixing things yourself!
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Baking Soda Remove Rust From Concrete?
It depends. The baking soda may do the job if you have a small stain. But if the rust stain is more severe or has been there for a long time, it’ll be much harder to remove.
You may want to consider using a stronger cleaner like CLR or Iron Out to get rid of it.
What Causes Rust on Concrete?
A reaction between iron, oxygen, and moisture causes rust stains on your concrete.
When water enters the pores of the concrete, it reacts with iron salt and produces a reddish-orange stain. This reaction can be accelerated by acid rain or other acidic substances that may be present.
