How to Remove Rust Stains From Concrete
It’s a sure bet that you have concrete somewhere on your property. It could be a front walk, a driveway, or maybe even a back patio. Why are these structures so commonly made of concrete? Because it’s a durable material that can survive decades of use. However, that doesn’t mean concrete is invincible. In fact, if you’re on this webpage, it’s probably because you want to learn how to remove rust stains from concrete. Good news—you’re about to find out!
We are Froggy Softwash, the go-to pressure washing business in Savannah, GA. We are experienced concrete cleaners, and we’ll share our tips and tricks for rust stain removal with you below. That way, you can do this work on your own if you so choose.
What Causes Concrete Rust Stains?
Where do concrete rust stains come from? First, it’s important to understand what causes rusting in general. Rust is the result of iron or steel binding with oxygen. That’s why you’ll most commonly find rust on objects such as nails, railroad spikes, garden tools, metal fences, and automobiles. However, concrete doesn’t contain iron or steel in most cases. So, how is it that concrete can wind up with rust stains anyway?
The answer is that iron or steel molecules are coming from somewhere else. Maybe you left garden tools lying atop the concrete. Or, perhaps you used a fertilizer that contains iron on the nearby landscaping. If the concrete contains rebar, that could even be the source of the rust. When at all possible, we recommend removing iron objects from your concrete to prevent further staining in the future.
Rust Removal Chemicals
Rust, being the product of a chemical reaction, isn’t easy to get rid of. However, with the right rust removal chemical, you’ll be able to make this process significantly easier. You have many options to choose from, and the correct choice for your project depends on the severity of your rust stains. We’ve included a few options below.
- White Vinegar. For the lightest rust stains, white vinegar is a suitable option. It’s very likely that you already have this cleaner stashed away in your pantry.
- Oxalic Acid Cleaners. We recommend this option for moderate rust stains. It will weaken the bonds between rust and concrete for easier removal.
- Hydrochloric Acid Cleaners. Choose this when you have extremely tough rust stains. It will break even the most stubborn rust down for you.
When handling strong rust removal chemicals, remember that your safety comes first. We highly recommend that you wear gloves, full-length pants, and closed-toe shoes. That way, you can avoid having these powerful chemicals make contact with your skin.
Applying Chemicals to Rust Stains
How should rust removal chemicals be applied to concrete? As with many things, moderation is important. Put a thin layer of the substance on the area afflicted with rust. Then, simply wait ten to fifteen minutes for the chemical to work its magic. After the time has passed, you will find that the rust has been significantly weakened. Removing it will be much easier now!
Now, let’s learn how to remove rust stains from concrete. The secret is a specialized technique called pressure washing.
Removing Rust Stains With Pressure Washing
Pressure washing is the process of spraying high-pressure water onto exterior surfaces. Since high-pressure water is so powerful, it is able to easily remove debris and restore beauty. Because of this, we highly recommend that you pressure wash your concrete to get rid of unwanted rust. What equipment will you need? Make sure you have a pressure washer, attaching hose/nozzle, and safety gear. (That way, you can shield your skin from pressurized water, which could otherwise bruise or cut you.)
Pressure washing rust stains is simple. Simply position yourself about two feet away from the afflicted surface. Then, simply spray the area until rust has been removed. If continuous pressure washing isn’t enough to solve the problem, don’t worry. You can always use a hard-bristled brush or an additional dose of cleaning solutions to weaken the rust further. Whatever it takes to conquer the problem permanently.
General Rust Removal Tips
We’ve put together a list of a few general tips for your rust removal project. By following these pointers, your appointment will be easier, and you won’t have to experience as much frustration.
- Avoid using metal tools. Remember how we said that metal tools can cause rust stains on your concrete? It would be counterproductive to remove rust stains while causing new ones, so please, steer clear of metal tools.
- Work at your own pace. It’s your DIY project, so why stress yourself out? We highly recommend that you work on rust stain removal at a pace that best suits your style. You’re your own boss, so take as many breaks as you want.
- Remember that concrete is durable. You might get worried about the possibility of damaging your concrete. Don’t sweat it, though. Concrete pressure washing won’t hurt this durable material, and neither will hard-bristled brushes.
DIY or Professional Rust Removal?
Throughout this blog, you’ve discovered the process of how to remove rust stains from concrete. You’ve also learned that this work is fairly difficult. Doing your own rust removal is time-consuming, energy-demanding, and requires specialized equipment, too. So, if you aren’t excited about doing this work on your own, we can’t blame you for that. The good news is that you can always schedule an appointment with Froggy Softwash instead.
We are a locally owned and operated business, and it’s always our pleasure to serve our Savannah, GA neighbors. So whether you’re a homeowner or a business owner, feel free to reach out to us. We’ll eliminate all rust stains from your concrete for a fair and affordable price. Contact us online with details about your project, and we’ll provide you with a free cost estimate. If you approve of this quote, choose a time and date for your appointment, and we will see you soon!