How to Remove Rust Stains from Concrete
Searching for information about how to remove rust stains from concrete? Concrete porches, driveways, and other surfaces are prone to getting rust stains. Generally, rust stains affect the appearance of concrete outdoor floors. In this article, you’ll learn how to remove rust stains from concrete.
When concrete gets stained, it is important to remove the blemishes as soon as possible. Cleaning a concrete surface or floor is easy, but this can depend on the source of the rust stain and the time it has been there. If rust stains have appeared on your driveway or cement sidewalk, you have no time to lose. These blemishes can cause damage to the concrete structure if they are not removed.
Now, when it comes to educating oneself about how to remove rust stains from concrete, things get harder in large areas. We’ll give you tips on how to remove rust stains from concrete even if they are on large surfaces. Most of the following recommendations are applicable to all cases.
Want to get insights into how to remove rust from concrete? Keep reading
1.Learning how to remove rust stains from concrete – How to start
Looking to learn how to get rust stains out of concrete? Start by cleaning the place. If there are any leaves, get them out of your way. Make sure the concrete is free from objects that can make it hard to rub and get rid of the rust stains. Brush the area and do not use water yet.
2.Natural Solutions
Seeking to know how to remove rust stains from concrete? Natural solutions can eliminate rust quickly. Liquids like lemon juice are acidic enough to remove these blemishes. You can create your DIY solutions with ingredients that are in the kitchen, such as vinegar, kiwi, and lemon. Baking soda can also eliminate rust.
Use very little water when using natural solutions. In other words, use lemon juice or vinegar with no water at all. This increases the acidic level in the solution.
3.Use Coke
It is well known that Coke Cola and other carbonated drinks are great at getting the rust out of concrete. There are plenty of videos on YouTube explaining how to remove rust stains from concrete with Coke Cola. After applying this beverage to the stain, rinse the surface with water.
4.Hydrochloric acid
This is probably one of the most dangerous solutions that actually work. Preparing a mixture of water and hydrochloric acid is something you must do with precaution. This acid is used to tackle stubborn rust stains. Due to the nature and chemical compounds of the hydrochloric acid, you should not handle it without gloves. It is so powerful that it can discolor your cement or concrete if left on it for more than 10 minutes.
You need to scrub the area after 10 minutes, so the acid does not discolor the concrete. Take a bucketful of water and a brush to clean and scrub the area.
5.Laundry detergent
Not all laundry detergents can get all rust stains out of the concrete. Experts recommend laundry detergent with baking soda to get better results. However, this is sometimes unnecessary. Are you clueless about how to clean rust stains from concrete? Laundry detergent can help.
This method can be inefficient with some rust stains. To ensure the blemishes go, mix vinegar with detergent and very little water to get rid of the stains that are tough to erase. Just don’t pour too much soap. This can make the mix too soapy and difficult to remove with water.
Spill the mixture on the stain and rub the area. Use a brush to scrub the concrete and remove the soapy suds with water if there are some.
Rub the mixture on the stain and leave it for about 10 minutes. Scrub vigorously with a brush and rinse thoroughly with water.
6.Commercial cleaners
Although vinegar and lemon are acidic, their acid level is not as strong as that of commercial cleaners, which contain oxalic acid. Since they are strong, they can be harmful to pets and babies, so be careful when using these solutions. They are available in powder and liquid. Powder versions are diluted in water, while liquid cleaners do not need it.
This kind of solution can expel fumes, which can be reduced or swept away with a fan or by opening the space. It is safer to work with commercial cleaners outdoors than indoors. Besides keeping the place ventilated, wear some protective gear for your eyes and hands. Always use long-sleeved shirts to protect your hands and arms. There shouldn’t be any kids or pets around either.
Are you still doubtful about how to clean rust off concrete? Use homemade solutions.
7.Pressure washer
Finally, pressure washers can clean the area after completing the cleaning task. The water pressure removes the soap in hard-to-reach places.
Conclusion
It is a fact that rust stains can ruin the appearance of concrete walls and floors. These blemishes adhere to surfaces over time. Planning to learn how to remove rust stains from concrete? Prepare your detergent and get ready.
