How to remove rust from cement

If you have rust stains randomly dotted across your patio, garage floor, or driveway it can make the overall appearance of the exterior of your home look ugly. This can be particularly burdensome if you take pride in the appearance of your house and its surrounding landscape. Learn how to remove rust stains from concrete with this simple method that uses natural ingredients.

Luckily, removing rust stains from the concrete around your home is a relatively simple process. The sooner you tackle the rust stain, the easier it will be to remove.

Rust is nothing more than iron oxide and knowing what causes rust stains on concrete can help you keep them from appearing on the pavement around your home. Rust can come in contact with your concrete from a variety of sources.

Old garden tools that were left out in the rain or a bike left lying on the surface can transfer the rust to your pavement. You can remove old or stubborn rust stains with oxalic acid, a naturally occurring compound, or trisodium phosphate. If the stain is newer, use natural cleaners to remove rust stains from concrete surfaces around your home.

• How to Get Rust Stains off Concrete
• How to Remove Rust Stains from Concrete Garage Floor
• How to Remove Rust Stains from Concrete Patio

How to Get Rust Stains off Concrete

Rust stains on the concrete around your home, like in your driveway or garage, is a common problem, especially for those who rely on well water, because well water tends to contain high levels of iron. It can be challenging to prevent rust stains, and if not adequately removed they can quickly become an eyesore in the neighborhood.

Using all-natural products that you can find around your home is one of the most inexpensive and effective ways to remove rust stains from concrete, as well as any other ugly discolorations. This recipe also works as a way to clean a brick wall that may accumulate rust from a leaky faucet or gutter.

Rust Stain Cleaner Recipe

• Lemon juice
• White vinegar
• Stiff bristled brush
• Spray bottle

For cleaning concrete, pour the lemon juice or vinegar directly onto the rust stain and allow it to sit for ten minutes, so the ingredients can fully penetrate the rust. Using the scrub brush, scrub the stain, using a considerable amount of pressure. Rinse the area off with cold water.

If you have hard to reach rust stains, you can use a spray bottle to saturate the stain with lemon juice or vinegar. Spray the stain with the ingredients and follow the above process. Lemon juice and vinegar are both great solutions for removing rust stains because they are highly acidic. The acid reacts with the rust, which causes it to dissolve.

Use this recipe for how to clean rust off stainless steel or to get tarnish off other metals, too. You must be careful to rub with the grain, however, or you risk scratching the surface.

Not only does this solution eliminate rust, but vinegar and lemon juice can clean mold from concrete basement walls, too. If there is a lot of moisture in your basement, mold can become a problem. Be proactive and treat walls periodically to keep mold from forming.

How to Remove Rust Stains from Concrete Garage Floor

Garage floors are notorious for attracting stains, from mud and oil to grease and rust. While you can learn how to remove oil stains from a concrete garage floor here, removing rust from your garage floor and concrete takes a small amount of time and effort and is a pretty simple fix.

To remove stubborn rust stains from your concrete garage floor, you can create a paste out of laundry detergent and baking soda. Mix the ingredients and apply to the surface of the floor where the rust stain appears.

Leave the baking soda paste on the stain for about an hour, keeping it wet so that it doesn’t harden. Scrub the area with a stiff brush and rinse thoroughly with clean water.

How to Remove Rust Stains from Concrete Patio

Cleaning the rust stains from outdoor furniture and your concrete patio is a lot easier than you might think. To remove rust stains from your concrete patio, you have to use an acid to dissolve the iron oxide.

You can also use this method to take care of rust on the bolts and other hardware that may hold your deck together. Always treat rust on these spots before staining it. When to stain a new deck is after you are sure there is no rust on the hardware. Even new decks may accumulate some rust on screws.

Acids contain a large percentage of ionic hydrogen, which when combined with oxygen will help to dissolve the rust.

Be careful when using strong acids like hydrochloric acid because they can damage your concrete. You can use a tart soft drink, vinegar, or lemon juice to dissolve rust without damaging your concrete.

Follow these directions to remove an unsightly rust stain from your concrete patio, driveway or garage floor.

Concrete Paver Walkway With Pebble Joints

Square concrete paver walkways with Mexican pebble joints connect the different areas of the backyard, and pea gravel makes for a clean and budget-friendly mulch material.

Photo by: Joslyn Amato

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If you’ve ever left metal furniture on a patio or old garden tools on a driveway, you’ve probably noticed the unsightly, brownish-orange stains these items can leave behind. When metal gets wet, it can rust, and that rust can transfer to your concrete surfaces. Homes that rely on well water are also prone to rust stains, as well water tends to be high in iron. However it happens, a rust spot can really tarnish the look of your home.

It’s important to note that the longer the rust stain has been on your concrete, the more difficult it will be to remove. With that in mind, we’re breaking this tutorial down into two categories: minor versus major rust stains. If you’re not sure how old your stain is, we recommend starting with the treatment for minor rust stains and then, should that not work effectively enough, move on to the treatment for major rust stains.

Minor Rust Stains

Before you begin, take into consideration if your concrete is painted or delicate in any way. If it is, you may want to dilute the following solutions with one equal part water and use a brush that won’t strip away paint.

Start by cleaning the surface with soap and water, no matter what level of rust stain you have. This will wash away surface-level grease or dirt that could prevent the acids from effectively removing the stain. Simple dish soap should do the trick.

After the surface is clean, start with pure lemon juice — not a diluted version, as the stronger the acid the better it will remove the stain. Once you’ve soaked the stain thoroughly with the lemon juice, let it sit. This is key. We recommend letting it steep for 10 to 15 minutes.

Once you’ve let it sit, use a wire brush to scrub at the spot. This is another instance when the delicacy of your concrete comes into play. If you’re worried about the paint wearing, use a gentler nylon brush. If your concrete is extremely delicate, you can use a sponge; however, this won’t be quite as effective as a brush.

Next, rinse the spot and let it dry. You may have to go at the stain again with the same process. If the stain is especially deep, you can substitute the lemon juice for something stronger, such as white vinegar. Follow the same process with white vinegar if necessary.

How can I remove rust stains from my concrete front porch? -Ted

There are a lot of claims out there of miracle rust removers, but my experience has been that it is next to impossible to remove rust stains from concrete. In fact, rust (iron oxide) is often the key ingredient used by professionals to stain a concrete floor, and concrete stains aren’t meant to be removed, so I wouldn’t waste my money on high-priced chemicals.

Instead, try making a thick paste from Arm & Hammer Laundry Detergent, which contains baking soda, and scrubbing it into the stain with a scrub brush.

You may need to leave it on the rust stain for an hour or more, but be sure to continually mist the paste with water. Otherwise, the detergent paste will harden and become ineffective. A final scrub with a wire brush, then rinse with a hose, and . . . you’ll probably still have the rust stain, but it may be a shade or two lighter!

Another natural option you might try is to cut a lemon in half, and rub in on the rust stain. Allow the lemon juice to remain on the concrete for a time before hosing it off.

The very best option would probably be to stain the entire porch so it matches the color of the rust stain!

Good luck with your project,

Further Information

• Rust Stains on Concrete (audio)
• White Efflorescence Stains on Retaining Walls (article)
• How to Acid Stain a Concrete Slab Porch or Patio (video/article)

• TAGS
• clean
• cleaners
• cleaning
• concrete
• rust

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6 COMMENTS

How do you remove battery acid stains from concrete porch before staining?

There is a chemical mix that when sprayed on a concrete driveway will completely remove the rust stain from a well sprinkler system with out scrubing. I am again looking for it. Do you know of the product?

I’m looking for a rust stain remover for my large driveway. I have a well for my sprinkler system.

I have had great success in removing small rust stains from concrete using a rotary wire brush mounted on a drill. Eye protection is a must because the bristles do come loose. Don’t forget to remove the bristle debris so it doesn’t make new rust stains. This method, somewhat laborious worked in getting rid of all those ugly stains on my cellar floor. There is also a chemical in stores called Rust Out, it does work with some success but you have to be patient for it to work.

This is for Rich and Rennie who were looking for a chemical rust remover. Home Depot sells Iron Out for under $16.

The only NON scrub chemical for rust remover is F9 BARC. But its maybe half as good as they say. Does not work step by step like they did and dont add the extra half gal of water to it.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means that we earn a small percentage of each sale. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Rust stains on your concrete? This is the cheap and easy, tried and true method that I used to get rust stains off of our concrete patio!

Our DIY molded concrete patio is a fantastic part of our backyard. We love how it looks and loved decorating it with patio furniture and a gas fire pit.

However, I guess we should have purchased a cover for the gas fire pit because it did not weather well.

It had peeling paint and tons of rust. When I tried to make it over, the whole thing crumbled (literally!)

So, we got rid of the fire pit. However, it left its mark on our cement patio.

There was a distinct circle of rust on the patio underneath the rim of the fire pit.

Lesson learned – you can’t leave metal furniture outdoors on top of concrete without risking rust stains.

When it’s left out in the rain, it can make a mess on your concrete surfaces.

So, I decided to try to get the rust stain out of our concrete patio before we got a new coffee table.

It wasn’t particularly easy but it wasn’t difficult either – it just took a little elbow grease.

I did this while 5 months pregnant on a hot sunny day – so you can definitely do it too!

The biggest determinate of how hard it is to get rust off of your concrete is going to depend on how long the stain has been there.

So, as soon as you notice a stain appear, try to treat it! The longer it sits, the harder it is to remove.

What we are going to do is scrub the rust off as much as possible, and then use lemon juice or vinegar – which are both acidic – to help remove any remaining stains from your concrete floor.

You can use a pressure washer, too. But I didn’t need one for this tutorial!

What you need to remove rust stains from concrete

• Hose with sprayer
• Metal scrub brush
• Lemon juice
• White vinegar

How to remove rust stains from concrete

First, let’s try the easiest thing.

This won’t get rid of all rust, but will get rid of anything surface level so you don’t waste your time deep cleaning it.

Cut your hose on JET or a similar setting. Spray the stains directly to see what you can get up.

Use your stiff brush to scrub the area with the rust stains and then rinse with the hose.

Allow to dry completely and asses what came up.

Apply lemon juice to remaining stubborn stains. Lemon juice is very acidic, which helps to remove rust.

Let the lemon juice sit for at least 10 minutes.

Scrub with your metal brush. Rinse the area with the hose.

If a stain is very bad, repeat with white vinegar in lieu of lemon juice. Let sit 15 minutes, and then scrub.

You will likely have the hardest time in any grooves or cracks. Scrub as much as you can, but if it’s too deep, there’s not much you can do.

Finally, you can purchase a rust remover product. Follow the instructions on the package exactly.

Be very careful as it tends to lighten the concrete, leaving a rust-free but noticeably lighter spot where you used it. Hence use it as a last resort.

Rust can be a real problem especially for concrete. Sealing new concrete is a great preventative measure but if you’re looking to refresh an existing surface you’ll first need to clean it thoroughly to ensure you don’t lock in the existing imperfections. Luckily there are a number of ways to remove rust from concrete, you might even already have some of them in your home or office.

Rust stains can be removed from concrete using both household and industrial products. For a rust stain on your countertop lemon juice or vinegar may be strong enough but for stubborn or industrial stains on your driveway or a warehouse floor a stronger acid like hydrochloric may be needed.

Table of Contents

Remove Rust Stains on Concrete with Acids

Most rust stains require some kind of acidic cleaner, such as oxalic acid to remove or at least loosen the rust. The acid helps to lift the stain, making it easy to scrub away the rust stains. Most acids get rid of rust (a form of oxide) by converting it into an oxide that can be dissolved in water. The following are some do-it-yourself (DIY) treatments you can use to remove rust stains from the concrete.

Lemon Juice to Remove Rust Stain from Concrete

For lighter stains, a simple lemon juice is as good as any cleaner. The near concentrated form of citric acid is great for removing rust stains. Squeeze the lemon and let the juice pour all over the stain. It would be less difficult to simply use a store-bought lemon concentrate product instead of squeezing lemon by lemon on to the target surface. Let the lemon concentrate sit for a bit and soak in the rust. After about 10 minutes, scrub the area off with a wire brush. Rinse it out to see how much of the area has been cleared out. Repeat the process if needed.

White Vinegar Rust Removal

If you are dealing with slightly tougher stains, white vinegar instead of lemon juice may work better. Simply pour the white vinegar on top of the rust-stained area and let it set. Once the vinegar has set, use a bristled brush to scrub the rust stain out. You can also mix the vinegar with salt to increase the potency of the acid.

Carbonated Drinks to Remove Rust Stains from Concrete

Carbonated drinks like Coca-Cola, Pepsi, and others have an average pH of 3.4, which means they are leaning towards being an acidic liquid. The carbon mixed with the acid makes simple carbonated drinks quite effective as rust removers since they are potent enough to dissolve metal oxides. Pour the drink over the rusted area and let it sit for a bit. Then, either scrub the area out or use a power hose to rinse the area since the sugar in the carbonated drink may make the area sticky.

Hydrochloric Acid Rust Stain Remover

If the rust stain is extremely tough and you have not had any luck with any of the above DIY remedies, you can try hydrochloric acid but you have to be very careful when using this method. Do not handle the acid without proper protection such as mask and gloves. You may also want to dilute the acid slightly. Remember that when you dilute the acid, always add acid to the water and not the other way round.

This process will require you to act quickly because if the acid is left too long, the acid can stain the concrete surface and turn it into a bluish color. Let the water and acid solution sit on the rust stain for about 10 minutes, scrub immediately and then use a hose to wash the area out. This potent rust remover should be more effective when it comes to stubborn rust stains.

Remove Rust Stains on Concrete with Alkaline Stain Removers

While bases do not necessarily remove rust stains, there are some mild bases that have other useful elements that make them effective as cleaning agents.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is a mild base but is also known as an abrasive element. Baking soda is known to bubble and fizz when it reacts with certain elements. This is why it is used in cakes and baking so the crust can rise and be fluffy. When it comes to removing rust stains, the chemical reaction triggered by baking soda cuts the bond between the rust and metal, making it easier for you to get rid of the oxidized portions.

For this DIY project, you will need to mix the baking soda with water to make a paste so it sticks to the surface. It is important to get the consistency right. The paste needs to be thick enough so it does not become runny but also you have to make sure that it is not too grainy.

Laundry Detergent

Laundry detergent can also be an effective way to clean light rust stains from concrete. Make a paste out of laundry detergent and water and apply it to the area. If the detergent contains baking soda, the paste will become more potent. Make a paste that is thick enough so that it does not run but it should not be so crusty that it dries off too fast. Keep the DIY paste on the stain for about an hour before scrubbing it off with a stiff bristled brush.

Why Is Your Concrete Getting Rust Stains?

If you are noticing rust stains on your concrete more often than they should appear, check the source of your water. Often, when water comes from an underground well, the iron content in the water can be high. This iron-rich water is what could be staining not only your concrete but also any surface it may be touching, including your clothes.

Use a concrete sealer to prevent rust damage on the surface and use a crack filler to fill any cracks that might already have occurred. You should also avoid placing any metal furniture or objects directly on the concrete. You may want to check all your pipes for any possible leaks that may be exposing your concrete surface to excess water. Constant exposure to moisture can do a whole lot of damage to concrete surfaces. The sooner you catch the leak, the better.

Something you need to keep in mind while laying the concrete is that the bars supporting the concrete should be non-corrosive. When water seeps through the concrete, the metal begins to corrode, causing the rust to emerge from within the concrete. If the metal is non-corrosive, you will not have to worry about dealing with rust from within the concrete.

Final Thoughts

Having rust stains on your concrete floor can look extremely unappealing. Like many home improvement endeavors getting rid of rust stains is not hard, provided you act fast and smartly. Most rust stains can be tackled with home remedies. When all else fails, there are more than enough industrial cleaners available in the market to remove such stains.

However, take note that these chemicals may be harsh so you should always wear protective products, like gloves and masks, when dealing with acid-based cleaners like hydrochloric acid solutions. With all these tips and tricks when it comes to removing rust stains from concrete, you surely will have no problem making your concrete look like it is brand new.

Conquer unsightly splotches on your driveway, patio, and garage floor to restore the handsome looks of those hardworking surfaces.

Concrete driveways, patios, and garage floors may take a beating, but that doesn’t mean they must show the signs. While these rugged surfaces are bound to receive their share of errant oil, paint, rust, mud, foliage, or even “accidents” from family pets, you can banish stains and restore your concrete’s good looks with a little elbow grease and know-how. Read on for tried-and-true treatments that really work on the most common culprits for concrete stains.

How to Remove Oil Stains from Concrete

Oil spills leave unattractive black splotches on concrete flooring that can also track into your home from the soles of your shoes. Attack stains by soaking up as much oil as possible before it penetrates. Pour clay or “clumping” cat litter (but not crystal or clay alternatives like corn) over the entire stain and work it in with a stiff broom or brush. Leave the kitty litter in place for at least an hour—or overnight for an extensive or old stain—and then sweep up the mess. For some new or small concrete stains caused by oil, this is all the treatment you may need.

If the concrete still bears a mark, don rubber gloves and goggles and mix one cup of TSP (trisodium phosphate) in a gallon of hot water, then pour the solution over the blemish. Let it soak in for at least 30 minutes, and then scrub with a stiff nylon brush. Finally, blast the spot with your hose set to the highest pressure. Repeat the process as necessary on deep-set stains.

How to Remove Paint Stains from Concrete

While a slight hint of color might always remain if you spill a large amount of paint onto unsealed concrete, you can remove most of the mess. If the stain is relatively fresh and small, put on rubber gloves and eye protection before mixing one cup of TSP into a gallon of hot water. Pour the solution over the paint, work it into the stain with a stiff, long-handled brush, and then rinse with your hose set to the highest flow.

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Large or old paint spills need a chemical paint stripper—and that requires eye protection, chemical-resistant gloves, and a respirator (best choice) or a dust mask (suitable only if working in an open area with good ventilation). Mix paint stripper with an absorbent material such as baby powder, diatomaceous earth, or finely ground clay kitty litter until you get the consistency of thick paste. Use a brush or thick sponge to smear the paste over the entire paint spill and allow 20 minutes of dwell time.

Use a plastic paint scraper to remove the paste and loosened paint. If there’s still quite a bit of stain, spread the paint stripping paste again and leave on for half an hour before again scraping it away.

Finally, sprinkle a scouring powder like Comet over any remaining stain, scrub thoroughly with a nylon brush and water, then rinse the area with a strong blast from your hose.

How to Remove Rust Stains from Concrete

Rusty metal outdoor furniture, plant pots, and tools can transfer that ugly orange-brown color to concrete. While those marks can be difficult to conquer completely, these next treatments are sure to greatly reduce them.

A fairly new rust stain may succumb to the mild acid of white vinegar. Pour the vinegar over the stain, let sit for 10 minutes, then scrub with a stiff nylon brush. Rinse and repeat if the concrete doesn’t come clean.

For old or large rust stains, use commercial rust remover. Because these products contain much more powerful acid than vinegar, protection for your eyes and hands is a must. Follow the application directions on the package and let it dwell for 15 to 20 minutes (or the length of time recommended by the manufacturer) and then blast the area with your hose. Repeat the process if necessary.

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How to Remove Mud and Foliage Stains from Concrete

It’s easy to sweep away a light coating of dirt, but when mud or soggy fallen leaves sit on concrete for lengthy periods, they often leave brown stains behind. To remove, pour one-eighth of a cup of liquid dishwashing detergent into a spray bottle, then top off the bottle with warm water and shake well. Spray the concrete stains with the soap solution, let it sit for 10 minutes, and then scrub with a stiff nylon brush. Once the stain lifts, hose the area until the spot is completely gone.

How to Remove Pet Stains from Concrete

If Fido has been doing his business on your concrete patio, driveway, or dog run, those pet stains no doubt smell as bad as they look. To clean up after him, first scrape off dried droppings with a metal shovel or poop scooper. Then prepare a cleaning solution of one-eighth cup liquid dishwashing detergent, one-half cup baking soda, and one gallon of water. Mix thoroughly, and then pour over the stained area. Use a nylon scrub brush to work the solution into the stain, scrubbing until the marks are gone, and rinse thoroughly.

To treat any lingering odor, use an oxygenated enzyme pet stain cleaner, which you’ll find at just about any pet store or home improvement center. Some enzyme cleaners come ready to use, others require mixing per the instructions on the label. Spray the entire affected area, and continue to spray as needed to keep the concrete wet for at least an hour. Rinse with water and let the spot air dry, repeating if necessary.

Use these five fast fixes to remove unsightly rust remains in and out of the home.

You might recall from Chemistry 101 that only iron or iron alloys like steel can form rust when exposed to oxygen and moisture. But that doesn’t completely limit rust’s reach. In fact, when rust comes into contact with other materials that you wouldn’t expect to rust—your work clothes, concrete garage floor, or even the ceramic sink in the bathroom—it can leave behind nasty stains that generally don’t come off with soap and water alone. Fortunately, relief from rust stains is close at hand, if you only know where to look. Read on for the strategies needed to remove rust stains from five not-all-that-uncommon places.

THE PROBLEM AREA: Clothing
THE FIX: Lemon and salt

Sporting a rust stain on your favorite white shirt? You can blame a rusty laundry machine drum, a brush with a rusty railing, or sloughed off rust deposits inside old pipes that feed into your laundry room sink. Whatever the cause, the simplest solution for removing the rust stains from your white clothing is a couple of fridge essentials that are tough on rust but gentle on cotton, polyester, and other relatively durable fabrics: lemon and salt.

Rub a cut lemon half onto the stain until saturated to unleash the fruit’s rust-removing citric and ascorbic acid, then sprinkle a dash of table salt over the stain and work it into the fabric fibers with a soft cloth to help draw out the stain. Lay the garment out in direct sun (treated side face up) for two to three hours to fade the stain completely. Finally, machine wash and dry it as per usual to remove the lemon-salt residue and reveal rust-free, like-new threads!

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Do note that, if using this technique on delicate fabrics like chiffon, you’ll want to avoid doing more harm than good by testing the lemon juice out on a small, inconspicuous area of the garment before applying it to any stains on visible areas of the garment. Also keep in mind that, because lemon juice is a natural bleaching agent, this trick is best saved for your white duds that need to be returned to their original color.

THE PROBLEM AREA: Carpet
THE FIX: Vinegar and salt

If your carpet was stained by rusty metal furnishings once dragged across its pile, try this simple trick before you go the route of a costly carpet tear-out and replacement. Saturate a clean, lint-free cloth in white vinegar and lightly wring it out until it no longer drips. Then, sprinkle a scant amount of table salt over the rust stain with salt and place the wet cloth over it. Let the cloth sit for half an hour—the abrasive properties of the salt and the acids in the vinegar will help draw out and dissolve the rust buildup and neutralize any unpleasant odors in the carpet.

Remove the cloth and inspect the stain again. If it’s still visible, re-soak the cloth in the vinegar, lay it over the stain again, and give it another half hour. Once the carpet stain has faded, let the vinegar dry on its own, and vacuum up the spot a few hours later to pick up any lingering grains of salt and restore the fluffiness of the carpet fibers.

THE PROBLEM AREA: Ceramic or porcelain
THE FIX: Hydrogen peroxide

Have you ever picked up a canister of shaving cream from the edge of a tub or sink one day to find a reddish-orange ring left behind in its place? A salve for everyday cuts and scrapes, hydrogen peroxide can also cure ceramic or porcelain tubs, showers, and sinks of these stubborn rust stains and those commonly left behind by dissolved iron in water—all thanks to the stain-lifting and brightening power of its oxygen component.

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Mix up a paste consisting of one part 3 percent hydrogen peroxide and two parts cream of tartar, then apply it with a soft sponge to the offending stain. Let the paste dwell on the ceramic or porcelain surface for one or two hours, then scrub down the stain with a stiff-bristle brush. When the rust is gone, run water from a tub or faucet tap (or use a water-dampened cloth if no faucets are nearby) to rinse away the crustiness that’s leftover.

THE PROBLEM AREA: Stainless steel
THE FIX: Baking soda

While the chromium oxide that coats stainless steel sinks and countertops makes them more resilient to rust than traditional steel, that coating is not foolproof. It can degrade with time, after which rust stains can crop up on stainless steel just like on ordinary steel. Fortunately, a dash of baking soda can remove rust stains small and large from stainless steel; its mildly abrasive properties and alkaline pH allow it to lift stains and neutralize any acids on the steel surface that may worsen the rusting.

To banish small rust stains on stainless steel, use a soft clean cloth to work a baking soda paste—one tablespoon baking soda and two cups of water—onto the stained area of the steel in the direction of the steel grain (horizontal or vertical). Then, wipe away the paste with a water-dampened paper towel.

To remove rust stains that are on the larger side, sprinkle a layer of baking soda over the stained area and let it dwell for 30 minutes to an hour. Then you can gently scrub the soda into the stain with a soft-bristle scrub brush (again, go with the direction of the grain). Wipe down the soda-laden area with a water-dampened paper towel, follow up with a dry paper towel, and watch your stainless steel sparkle!

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THE PROBLEM AREA: Concrete
THE FIX: Trisodium phosphate (TSP)

Corroded garage door parts, rust patches on vehicles, and iron deposits in pipes or wells that supply water to lawn sprinklers are common culprits behind rust stains that appear on your garage floors, driveways, and other concrete surfaces. You’ll typically need to bring in an industrial-strength degreaser known as trisodium phosphate (TSP) to give them the heave-ho, as rust stains on concrete tend to be larger and cause more severe discoloration.

Donning protective gloves and glasses, mix one-half cup of TSP with a half-gallon of hot water in a large bucket and pour enough of the mixture onto the concrete to cover the stain. Let the solution dwell for 15 to 20 minutes, then scrub down the concrete with a push broom (a broom with a handle attached at an angle) featuring stiff bristles. Rinse the solution away with plain water from a pressure washer, and you should see that your concrete has reclaimed its original hue.

Cleaning your garage floor is one task that rarely makes it on your list of to-dos. However, without regular cleaning and maintenance, serious clutter and grime can build up leaving the garage in poor condition. Removing dirt, chemicals and unwanted stains will keep your garage floor from wearing away and safe for you and your family.

How to Remove Oil and Grease Stains from Concrete Garage Floors

Occasional oil or grease stains are inevitable in a garage. Cars, lawn mowers, and other outdoor power equipment may leak fluids. You may also spill a drop or two of oil when working with tools. It’s best to try and clean these spills right away to avoid slipping on fresh oil, tracking it into the house, or leaving a stubborn stain.
To clean a fresh spill, sprinkle cat litter or sawdust on oil or grease to absorb the liquid. Leave the litter or sawdust on the spill for about a day, then sweep it up and dispose of it properly.

Once you’re done sweeping, pour dry dish soap or laundry detergent onto the stain. Let it sit for 45 minutes. Next pour water on the area and scrub with a nylon-bristle brush, which will not scratch the surface of the concrete. Allow the soap to sit for 10-15 minutes and scrub again. After scrubbing, rinse with a power jet wand, diluting and directing the soapy water out of the garage.

Older stains are more difficult to remove. You can repeat the cleaning process several times, or buy a de-greasing product at a home- or builder’s-supply store. Even with these products, you may need to apply them and scrub several times to remove stubborn stains.

How to Remove Rust Stains from Concrete Garage Floors

Rust stains leave a telltale mark on concrete garage floors. Tools like screwdrivers, hammers or nails, will leave rusty spots if they sit too long on the garage floor, especially if they get wet. Wheel hubs, garden tools or metal buckets can also leave rust stains.

To remove these stubborn marks, squeeze a lemon or pour white vinegar on the stain and allow the liquid to sit for 10 minutes or so. Then scrub with a nylon-bristle brush and rinse the area with water. You may need to repeat the process several times for stubborn rust stains.

Another option is to make a thick paste using laundry detergent that contains baking soda. Mix water and detergent together and leave it on the rust stain for an hour. Be sure to continually keep the paste wet otherwise it will harden and become ineffective. Finally, scrub with a nylon-bristle brush and rinse with a hose.

How to Remove Paint from Concrete Garage Floors

Paint stains can be hard to remove. However, with a few simple steps, you should be able to get rid of them. First, use a putty knife to scrape off loose paint, then sweep the area around the stain.

Mix a solution of TSP and water, follow directions on the label and wear glove. Pour the solution on the stain and scrub it into the remaining paint. Rinse with water. Next, scrape any remaining bits of paint off the concrete floor and rinse again.

For tough paint stains, you may need a commercial paint stripper. This solution should stay on the stain for several hours before scraping or scrubbing the concrete. Wear gloves and make sure the garage is well ventilated.

Homemade Concrete Cleaning Solution

For regular cleaning, a solution of baking soda and water will loosen dirt and grease and help keep your garage floor clean. Mix a half-cup baking soda in a gallon of warm water and use it as an all-purpose cleaner.

You can also mix baking soda with a few drops of liquid soap, to make a paste, and use it to scrub light stains.

Don’t underestimate the power of warm, soapy water to keep your floors clean and remove minor stains. Mix about one-third cup powdered laundry detergent in a gallon of warm water, and scrub with a nylon-bristle brush. After cleaning your garage floor, always rinse with your power jet wand. The power jet wand is perfect for this job because the powerful stream will make rinsing quick and easy.

A garage is a hard-working room and spills are bound to occur. Put a little muscle into existing stains to clean them up, and take care of new spills without delay. Doing it a bit at a time makes it easy to keep your concrete garage floor clean.

Related Articles

• How to Clean Rusted Metal
• How to Clean Rust Off of a Brick
• How to Remove Discoloration From Poured Concrete
• How to Paint Concrete Fireplaces
• How to Fix Concrete Scuffing

Rust can come in contact with your driveway from a variety of sources. A bike left lying on the surface or an old garden tools left out in the rain can transfer rust to the concrete, and often it won’t come off with a simple spray of water. Old or stubborn rust stains can be removed with trisodium phosphate or oxalic acid. Newer rust stains are often easily removed using natural cleaners such as lemon juice or vinegar.

Trisodium Phosphate

Wear goggles and rubber gloves to protect your eyes and your hands. Trisodium phosphate is an irritant to your skin and eyes. It can also be harmful if inhaled or ingested.

Mix 1/2 cup of trisodium phosphate into 1/2 gallon of hot water until the trisodium phosphate has dissolved.

Pour enough of the solution onto the rust stain to fully cover it and leave it for about 15 minutes so that the tridsodium phosphate can penetrate the rust.

Scrub the area with a wire brush. Use a circular motion when scrubbing and apply firm pressure to the brush to loosen all of the rust within the concrete.

Rinse the trisodium solution away with clean water. Repeat the application of the solution and scrub once more if the rust hasn’t fully disappeared.

Oxalic Acid

Wear goggles and rubber gloves to protect your eyes and your hands. Oxalic acid is extremely caustic.

Mix 4 ounces of oxalic acid into a quart of water. You can buy oxalic acid in crystal or powder form at most paint stores.

Apply the solution over the stain with a mop and leave it to penetrate the concrete for about two hours.

Rinse the area with clean water and scrub the stain with a stiff brush. Repeat application of the oxalic acid solution if the stain isn’t fully removed. You may have to treat the area several times depending on the severity of the stain.

Lemon Juice or Vinegar

Pour undiluted lemon juice or vinegar over the rust stain. Make sure to cover all parts of the rust stain. Use caution when treating rust stains near grass or valuable plants. Undiluted, these liquids can damage or kill your plants.

Allow the lemon juice or vinegar to penetrate the surface for about 15 minutes. This gives it time to break down the rust stain, which makes scrubbing it away easier.

Scrub the area with a wire brush. Use a circular motion when scrubbing and apply firm pressure to the brush to loosen all of the rust within the concrete.

Rinse the lemon juice or vinegar away with clean water. Repeat application and scrubbing if the stain isn’t fully removed.

Things Needed

• Rubber gloves
• Goggles
• Trisodium phosphate
• Hot water
• Bucket
• Wire brush
• Oxalic acid
• Mop
• Lemon juice
• Vinegar

Warnings

• Do not use chlorine bleach to clean rust off any surface, including your driveway. The bleach will only make the rust stain worse.

• Light rust stains may also be removed with household cleaners containing oxalic acid.

References

• Good Housekeeping: Removing Rust from Concrete
• Orlando Sentinel: Oxalic Acid May Remove Rust Stains On Concrete
• River City Commons Association: Driveway Maintenance
• Science Lab: Material Safety Data Sheet: Trisodium Phosphate
• Orica Chemicals: Material Safety Data Sheet: Oxalic Acid

Photo Credits

• Hemera Technologies/ Images

About the Author

Renee Miller began writing professionally in 2008, contributing to websites and the “Community Press” newspaper. She is co-founder of On Fiction Writing, a website for writers. Miller holds a diploma in social services from Clarke College in Belleville, Ontario.

Questions

Ask a Question Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community or ask a new question.

Question: Rust Stains on a Cement Bird Bath?

Our daughter has a cement bird bath that somehow has rust marks in it. Does anyone know how she can get them out of the bird bath?

Thanks to all.
Karifl from Florida

Answers

i know this sounds crazy but if you rub a lot of dirt or scrape some sandstone into the cement (instead of trying to get the satin out) you will darken the bowl of the birdbath and it will actually attract more birds. it has a more natural appeal to the birds that way than a pristine new look. you can also add some stones or sand to the bowl.

lay a paper towel on the rust, soak with water, let sit, and 10 minutes later, wipe up the rust.

And if you still want to get rid of the rust stains, try the salt and lemon juice that took stains out of my bathroom sink where an un-named teenager dropped a metal framed mirror and left nicks in the the porcelain. Just cover with an old rag to prevent the paste from drying out too fast.

I use a cap full of bleach in the water and I no longer have that rust.If it does appear, I use a tire brush and it cleans right out. That small amount of bleach does not hurt the birds.

Question: Removing Rust Stains on Concrete?

Anyone have a good solution for cleaning rust stains off of concrete? A car has leaked rust onto our concrete driveway. I tried mixing OxiClean with hot water and pouring it on top but no luck.

Answers

The best thing I have found for any kind of rust stain is “Whink rust stain remover” I buy it at the ACE hardware stores. So far it has worked on every rust stain we have had on every kind of surface. It even works on clothing. Just squirt it on and you usually can watch it just disappear.fI hope you have good luck with it too!

Question: Removing Rust on Concrete?

I have looked and looked for a cleaner that will remove rust from concrete with no luck. Does anyone know of something to clean it off or of another options that will work to get rid of it? I want it to look like before.

Answers

While I haven’t had this experience myself, I would try using a power washer.

Question: Removing Rust Stains from Concrete?

How do I get rust stains off of concrete?

Answers

Muriatic acid, rubber gloves, and a good stiff brush.

Question: Removing Rust Stains on Driveway and Walls?

How do I clean a battery rust stain off a concrete drive?

By brenda from Springfield, MO

Answers

Try pouring full strength vinegar onto stain. The longer the stain the longer you leave vinegar on.

Archives

ThriftyFun is one of the longest running frugal living communities on the Internet. These are archives of older discussions.

Archive: Removing Rust Stains from Concrete

How do I remove rust from a concrete step?

By Ron from Princeton, ON

Answers:

Removing Rust Stains from Concrete

I know a product that will guarantee you get the stain out, but it is hard to find if you don’t want to purchase it online. It is called “Whink”. It absolutely works! It works for rust stains on clothing also. It is a liquid and here is a link if you want to buy it online.

Removing Rust Stains from Concrete

Simply use a 50/50 mix of liquid muriatic acid (for swimming pools) and water and spray it on the area after you have watered it down first. Do not breathe the fumes! Use a hand sprayer. It will eat off the stain in seconds. Rinse it off every 5 seconds or so to see the results. This works on efflorescence on basement walls, too! (04/03/2010)

Archive: Removing Rust Stains from Concrete

How do I remove rust from concrete?

Answers:

Removing Rust Stains from Concrete

I found a great rust remover, so far it has worked on everything. I have used it on my concrete stairs, the wood on my deck, and my husband’s clothes just to name a few. It is called “Whink” and comes in a brown bottle. I usually get it at Walmart. Good luck.

Removing Rust Stains from Concrete

Whink is a very strong acid, really nasty stuff, as acids go. I have some, but don’t leave it on. Use it and watch the stain go, then rinse. For concrete try muratic acid, you can get it at most home centers. Acid is what dissolves oxidized iron, which is what those stains are. You could try white vinegar, pour it on and let it set. You may have to do it again, but it’s easier to deal with. It’s PH is about 4.5, the Whink is much lower, so is muratic. (06/18/2009)

Archive: Removing Rust Stains from Concrete

We purchased a new fire pit for the patio. We never used it but the wrought iron still left rust spots on our patio. Could anyone please tell us how can you clean rust from concrete without damaging the concrete?

Jerri from Florence, AL

Answers:

Removing Rust Stains from Concrete

Try Barkeeper’s Friend, it is usually found along the cleaning cleansers like Comet and such. Read the directions on how to remove rust stains from concrete. (01/08/2008)

October 30, 2017

Using Oxy Cleanze rust removal gel on wall render*

Rust stains on renders can be caused by flue pipes, satellite dishes, mild steel fixings, overflow pipes, etc. And they can cause an otherwise sound property to look unsightly.

* Our tests showed positive results on all the renders we’ve tried it on except cement based render. (i.e. sand and and cement, which should be painted anyway – and in which case it too will be fine).

Quick tip: Because there are so many types of render, with varying constituents, and formulas are constantly changing, it is impossible for us to test them all. So, with your customer’s permission, always test a small, out of the way area of any surface you are considering treating with any of our products – and obtain your customer’s agreement that the result is acceptable to them – before treating the entire area.

In the picture below you can see rust stains caused by fittings on a flue.

We brushed Oxy Cleanze on and left it to work. Temperature was 15 ℃

Notice the difference in the photo below after only 3 hours (it would have been much quicker in warmer conditions).

You can see that, although dramatically improved, there are still some faint marks, which will likely become less pronounced over time. You can see the shadow left behind as a result of the treatment, which is a side effect on some renders. A repeat application of our rust remover gel could be beneficial.

Quick tip: The key to successfully removing rust stains from renders is to apply Oxy Cleanze rust removal gel only to the specific areas that need treating. On some renders and masonry there may be an undesirable bleaching effect. Always treat a small, inconspicuous test patch, and get your customer’s agreement to treat the whole area, before completing the contract.

In the photo below you can see the stains caused by rust from a hanging basket bracket.

We treated the rust with Oxy Cleanze rust remover gel and and successfully removed the staining.

However, notice the shadow left behind, which is the side effect of over-using Oxy Cleanze on this type of render. This photo shows the importance of applying rust remover gel only to the areas that need treating .

The photo below shows a similar bracket where we used a smaller quantity of Oxy Cleanze and the results, as you can see, were much improved.

We hope this information is helpful.

Does your patio, driveway, garage floor, or other concrete or asphalt area have unsightly stains? Whether they’re from oil, dirt, rust, dog urine, or anything else, we have the easy solution to get rid of them for good.

If you have stains on paving stones or a concrete patio, sometimes the solution is simple. Try pouring hot water from several feet above the stone onto the stain. Repeat several times, and your stain may just disappear. If this doesn’t work, try rubbing some dishwashing liquid into the spot with a toothbrush, then rinsing off. For really tough stains, first douse with vinegar or ammonia and let sit for several hours before rinsing off. But for even tougher stains, we have the hacks you need to remove them.

Buy Now

For Driveway Stains Caused by Dogs

Lately, all the dogs in the neighborhood seem to think your driveway is the perfect place to pee. Neutralize the odor that is driving them to mark their territory there by mixing together 7 cups vinegar, 7 cups water, and 1 cup baking soda. Saturate the area with the solution, allow it to dry, then hose it off. The stains will be cleaned off and neighborhood dogs will find a different place to relieve themselves.

For Rusty Concrete

If you have rust stains on your concrete, pour some cola direct from the bottle or can onto the stain and let it sit. By the next time it rains, the stains will be gone. Cola contains some of the same ingredients as store-bought rust removers (scary, but true!).

Get Rid of Grease Stains

If your driveway or garage floor has become an easy place to do some Rorschach testing thanks to the grease, oil, and transmission fluid stains all over the place, take heart—clean concrete is easier than you think. Rub some cat litter into the stain and let it stand for one to two hours before sweeping it up. The super-absorbent litter will soak up the stain.

Final Assault Against Stains

If you have a grease or other stain you still can’t remove from concrete or asphalt, it’s time for a different approach. Spray any stained areas with oven cleaner, then let sit for 10 minutes. (Make sure to use in a well-ventilated area, as oven cleaner is some nasty stuff!) Rinse off with a hose, and the stains will disappear.

Keep Weeds Out of Cracks

Now that your paved areas look so great, keep them that way with this easy trick. To remove unwanted grass or weeds from sidewalk and driveway cracks, squirt them with a solution of 1 gallon vinegar, 1 cup salt, and 8 drops liquid detergent. It will make current weeds die and keep new ones from growing.

Get more great tips for making your yard look great on our Gardening and Yard board on Pinterest. And don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter or follow us on Facebook for our Tip of the Day!

About the Author

Bruce Lubin and Jeanne Bossolina-Lubin are the proud parents of three boys and more than a dozen books. After saving thousands per year using everyday tips and simple lifehacks, they started their own business in the hopes of sharing their knowledge with others. They have been known to go into their friends’ refrigerators to turn their eggs upside down so that they last longer.

Always follow instructions on the product labels, technical information and videos.

Always test products on a small area first.

Call us on 01962 732 325 if you have any queries.

For Cement Staining use Builderase.

For Efflorescence (white mineral salts that can appear on a stone as it dries) use Builderase. You will find a more specific article on removing Efflorescence by clicking here or see the article listed below.

For Mud you will find that Powerase is best although you can try Builderase if you already have some. A wet vacuum cleaner can be used to remove the cleaning solution and rinsing water which will do a much better job than using a mop or a hose.

For Rust Marks please see our article by clicking here.

For Algae use Biorase followed a few days later by Algerase. You will find a more specific article on removing algae by clicking here.

For Leaf and Plant Stains use Biorase.

For Bird Droppings use Powerase first then treat any remaining coloured stains with Biorase. You will find a more specific article on removing Bird Droppings by clicking here.

To remove BBQ Grease and Oily or Greasy Food Stains use Powerase.

To remove “Coloured” Food Stains such as Tea and Wine use Biorase

Cleaning rust stains off concrete isn’t that hard. Most of the time those reddish-brown spots on your driveways, porches, patios, and other concrete surfaces can be removed with cleaners you can find at home, such as vinegar and lemon juice. This said, occasionally you will run into stains that are so stubborn that you will need professional assistance.

However, before we get to the cleaning part, let’s clear a few terms. Rust is different from rust stains.

Rust vs. Rust Stains

That reddish-brown layer hiding your concrete floor is rust. It’s a slim layer, barely a few millimeters thick. Luckily, it is not even glued to your concrete floor. You can clean rust off your concrete rather quickly and effectively with a simple scrubber.

Scrub the area, collect the debris, and throw them in a dustbin. Rust will be history after this simple process.

But if rust had been sitting on your concrete for a long time, more likely than not it will leave a mark behind; not a pretty sight, especially if your flooring is new or if you are planning to sell your home.

To make matters worse, rust stains are more difficult to get rid of that rust. You need chemicals, readily available at your home or not, and sometimes expert assistance. That’s not always easy. And that brings us to the first method to keep your concrete free of rust stains.

Prevent Stains from Occurring

Rust stains can appear on your concrete for several possible reasons. A lot of the time, it is iron sulfide particles that at fault. But it is not the only reason.

What Causes Rust Stains on Concrete?

1. Reinforced Bars

Loose iron or steel particles can prove troublesome. Or, reinforcing bars close to a concrete surface can leave behind marks of their presence. The latter scenario becomes more likely when the bars are not protected against corrosion. Incorrectly positioned reinforced bars can be a source, so do bars that often come in contact with water and concrete.

2. Water Flow

Your concrete patio, driveway, or porch can develop rust stains if it comes in frequent contact with water flowing out of natural stone, or water rich in minerals. The minerals can accumulate, get oxidized, and turn reddish-brown.

3. Abandoned Furniture

A radiator leak or a metal tool that was left out in the rain are perfect ingredients. If left in contact with concrete, they can cause discoloration.

How Can You Prevent Rust Stains?

1. Bars

Positioning the bars at least a few inches away from concrete, polishing them with the erosion-resistant material, and seeing to it that water does not come into frequent contact with the bars will prove handy.

2. Water

Some regions in the U.S. have naturally high concentrations of metal in them. If that is the situation you find yourself in, you can negate the harmful effects of excessive metal by saturating your water with baking soda, or another chemical base with high pH value.

3. Furniture

Keep your patio clean. Remove all metal tools, especially the wet ones, as soon as you notice them.

Try Rust Stain Cleaners

This subject alone deserves a blog of its own. There are so many options available in any supermarket that you will be hard-pressed to decide which one to choose. Some cleaners, like those containing trisodium phosphate or oxalic acid, are effective. But they are so powerful that you will need to cover yourself before using them; the fumes are toxic. It’s virtually impossible to use them in enclosed spaces, and when you have pets or children around.

Other chemical cleaners are safe to use, but they happen to be low on the force. Even with the most advanced scrubbing brush, they will fail to clean rust. Essentially, you will be wasting time and money on them.

Do your research, or speak to a plumber, before buying a chemical cleaner.

Hire an Expert

For rust stains on concrete, that refuse to go away, no matter what you do, consult the experts from Pacific Exterior.

They provide immediate results that last many times longer than traditional cleaning methods, and will not damage your property.

With pressure washing that does not damage your concrete, the experts at Pacific Exterior can eradicate rust stains rather quickly. Calling them is especially handy if you are a commercial organization. They will remove the rust stains from concrete without obstructing your day-to-day operations.

Residential property owners love them because they do their job quickly, and the results are far superior to anything a typical homeowner can do themselves.

Takeaway

The best way to clean rust off concrete is to prevent it from occurring in the first place. In case that has already happened, you can try removing them with natural or chemical cleaners. And for those who just want the rust stains off their concrete quickly, hiring an expert from Pacific Exterior is the best option.

Do you want to know how to remove rust effectively? On this page you can read how rust is formed, how it can be prevented and the solution for how to remove rust quickly and easily from metal, but also from fabrics.

• Before the rust treatment – want to know how rust is formed?
• 2 tips for rust prevention
• Tips on how to remove rust
• 3 rust converter products
• HG has the solution for rust treatment

Before the rust treatment – want to know how rust is formed?

Rust is one of the most common forms of corrosion, or in other words metal that is affected by a reaction with its environment. Rust affects metal, because it reacts with a combination of water and oxygen. A rust treatment can prevent this reaction by protecting metal with a layer of paint, as you do with cars. However, if the paint is damaged, the metal becomes vulnerable to rust. Rust in clothing is caused by it coming into contact with rusted parts, but also by an old washing machine or a rusty iron.

2 tips for rust prevention

HG has various rust converter solutions for rust treatment, including HG rust remover. But rather than knowing how to remove rust, you would like to prevent the rust in the first place. We share 2 tips for preventing rust formation as much as possible.

1. Dehumidifier
Rust is caused by humidity, so it is important to ensure the lowest possible humidity. It ensures that metal objects will not rust, or at least less quickly. In industry they use large dehumidifiers to protect ferrous materials and products against rust. Dry off metal parts that have become damp immediately

2. Inspect the car
For rust prevention on your car, it is important to inspect your car regularly. Places that become damp quickly, such as wheel housing and bumpers, are prone to rusting. Check places where two pieces of metal come together, because that causes friction and wear that may damage the paint, producing a greater chance of rust. The underside of your car is another important area to check. The underside suffers most and comes into contact with dirt and damp more than any other part. Remove any rust you find immediately to stop it from spreading. Treat the affected areas with a rust treatment product that protects against rust, such as metal paint.

Tips on how to remove rust

If you have found rust, you can de rust the surface with one of the following anti rust household tips. Make sure you choose the rust stain remover product that is best suited to the surface!

3 rust converter products

Besides the effective HG solutions, there are some other household tips that can be tried as anti rust treatment.

1. Cola
One of the products you can use as a rust converter for minor rusting is cola. Throw some cola on clothing with rust patches, leave it to absorb and put it in the washing machine. You can also put a rusty key in the cola until the rust has gone.

2. Cement
For rust on walls, you can try to make a small amount of cement mixture that you spread on the patch. Brush the cement away as soon as it has dried.

3. Water and oxalic acid
According to some websites, you can use a light solution of water and oxalic acid to de rust natural-stone floors. Apply with a brush, leave to work and then rinse it off. Our advice is that you should always try this in an inconspicuous place first!

If these rust dissolver tips don’t work, try the HG solutions that have been developed especially to remove rust.

HG has the solution for rust treatment

HG has three rust converter or rust stain remover products. First of all we have HG rust remover. This extremely effective rust remover works as a rust cleaner without needing to sand. The rust remover is suitable for fences, garden tools, skates, nuts and bolts and tools. The rust converter evaporates very slowly, which means it stays active for a long period of time. This anti rust product also has an anti-corrosive effect, which means the metal can be varnished immediately after treatment.

We also have HG rust stain remover, which is a safe rust stain remover product that removes rust stains and other oxidation stains from all ceramic tiles, concrete, marble, roof tiles, metal and wood, without any difficulties. This rust killer does not contain acids and is absolutely safe for the above-mentioned surfaces and it is equally safe for marble, hardstone, concrete stone and other calciferous stone.

Did you accidentally get rust on your clothes? Use our HG stain away no. 7 that has been developed especially for removing rust stains from clothes.

If you have a tip for removing rust, please let us know.

10 Answers

Try using a toilet bowl cleaner, that will remove rust. I tried it on my vinyl siding and it worked GREAT! I used “The Works” toilet bowl cleaner for $1. from a Dollar Store.

I found an awesome product on the internet that I was nervous about trying because I couldn’t find any information about whether or not it really worked. I took a chance and ordered it, and it is great. It’s called Rid o’ Rust. You can buy it premixed or in a powder form. You just spray it on your driveway (the premixed comes in a spray bottle, the powder form you mix up in a garden sprayer). Let it sit for a couple of minutes and rinse it off with a garden hose. It won’t harm your grass or bushes either. I had tried Rust Out from the nursery on our sidewalks first and it worked okay, but you had to scrub and it killed the grass next to the sidewalk. The Rid o’ Rust is so easy. There’s no scrubbing.

I used a rough grade of sandpaper on my exposed aggregate patio very carefully. Rub it gently and then hose it off. It worked beautifully. I used this after I spent a fortune on special cleaners. The rust was from the legs of furniture.

Sweep away the cement driveway and put in a concrete one.

Go to air conditioning parts dealer and get coil cleaner. Use a pump sprayer to apply with. Let it sit 30 minutes. Rinse with water. Theres one catch to this method , you cant let rinse/cleaner get on grass/plants, so use plastic tarp

Muriatic acid does a decent job. Be careful with it though. Read the directions and follow them carefully.

use a powerwasher (aka pressurewasher). comes right out

Concrete is porous, meaning it readily absorbs paint so given this ease of penetration, removing paint from concrete is not easy, but definitely possible. It would’ve been easier if the concrete were sealed prior to being painted, but sometimes the paint might have stained the concrete therefore may leave some color behind after the removal process. It also depends on the size of the area where you have to remove paint from concrete, but it’s safe to assume that this can be a long process. Here are a couple ways to remove paint from concrete so choose one that you think will work best for you.

Method 1 – Remove Paint from Concrete

Things you will need:

• Scrub brush
• Paint stripper
• Hose
• Soft cloths

Steps to Remove Paint from Concrete

1. Paint manufacturers make paint, but most reputable ones also make products to remove paint. If conventional strippers such as mineral spirits and turpentine don’t work for you, it is best to get in touch with the paint manufacturer first to get the best stripper to remove paint from concrete.
2. Once you’ve got a hold of the recommended stripper to remove paint from concrete, you will need to apply it to the affected area as recommended by the manufacturer.
3. In most instances, the stripper should be applied to the surface and left undisturbed for a specific amount of time.
4. After the stripper is set, use the scrub brush to scrub it off. This scrub action should remove most of the paint as well.
5. Once most of the paint comes off the concrete, wash it thoroughly with a hose to remove any stubborn residue.
6. If there is still some paint leftover from the fist cycle, let the concrete dry and repeat the process.

Method 2 to Remove Paint from Concrete with Soda Blasting

Soda blasting is a great way to remove paint from large areas of concrete. Paint stains on concrete completely disappear using this method, leaving you with a clean surface for repainting if necessary. Soda blasting is also an environmentally friendly way to remove paint from concrete, and causes no damage to the underlying concrete.

Things you will need:

• Blasting unit (pot blaster)
• Special sodium bi-carbonate
• Respirator

Steps to Remove Paint from Concrete with Soda Blasting

1. Wear a respirator
2. Prepare the blaster
3. Start blasting by maintaining a distance of a foot and a half away from the affected area
4. If you’re blasting near vegetation or plants, make sure you don’t let any of the blasting chemicals get on the plants. Flowers and bushes will not be able to live through the high pH soda in blasting chemicals.

Tips and Advice for Removing Paint from Concrete

Instead of using traditional strippers, there are several soy-based gel paint removers that are non-toxic and environment friendly. Set the gel just as you would with the paint stripper and wipe it off with the soft cloths. One of the advantages of using gel is that it can be moved to a new spot and reused so if you have many paint stains on concrete, this may be your best option.

Another option is to use power washers, where the pressure from the machine removes paint from concrete, and generally works well with wet paint. There are other alternatives to chemical based passed strippers as well such as an orbital sander to remove paint from small areas of concrete or a floor buffer for larger areas.

You can find the products from the article here:

We recently had an accident in the garage when one of our kids spilled some paint all over the floor. I may have to try your first tip to see if it can come off. I would love to have a clean floor again! Thanks for sharing this.

Paint stripper and a wire brush

Wire brush and paint stripper

Please help I live in Spain and the gloss plaint if peeling of the balastraders. Which are concrete, and ideas

Your best bet is to sand blast using crushed walnut shells as the media

I have metal paint splashes on patio slabs. How can I remove them?

Have read all the comments on concrete, but the replies are for walls and flooring, balastraders are ornate concrete fencing.

I need to remove paint from a concrete arch but it seems to be absorb into the arches I’ve tried paint stripper xylene turps peel away 7, and 10 still no result do you recommend sanding or grinding? Its indoor around food prep areas what is the best way to remove it??

Our builders put an acrylic seal on our concrete floor, as we had no flooring budget and would be using our concrete (basically in its original state) for the foreseeable future. I went in and covered a good portion of the house with ram board…but something happened and it got pulled up. Drywall material, paint spray from primer and ceilings , and some weird brown mastic is now in every room of my 4,000 sq ft home. The painters also put down the red paper, which got wet in areas, due to flooding this spring, and now I have pink concrete. My house looks like a joke. I have actual footprints that say Reebok throughout my living room. What can I do in a finished space? I need to clean this up before the bank comes to appraise and close out my construction loan. And I have no money to hire anyone?

I’m looking to take the paint off of an angel statue of concrete. Any suggestions. Thanks

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It’s inevitable: brick patios and walls get exposed to the elements or something else creates a stain: mortar, mildew, rust, paint, even graffiti. Before you attack it with your power washer, find out the best remedies for your patio or wall’s particular stain, or it will not-so-mysteriously find its way back onto your brick masterpiece. Remember: there’s never a quick-fix, one-size-fits-all solution to anything.

Mortar

When using mortars, workers—do-it-yourselfers included—sometimes get sloppy. What results are mortar smears, which show up after the mortar has dried. To remove stains, use a muriatic acid solution:

• Dark bricks or stone: 1 part acid to 10 parts water
• Light: 1 part acid to 15 parts water.
• Caution: Pour acid slowly into water; never pour water into acid. Apply as directed, allow to stand for 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.

Efflorescence

Efflorescence is that white, or grayish white substance that shows up on brick, stone, paver and other outdoor construction projects in which mortar is used. It happens when mineral salts in the mortar are dissolved by water, and can also be referred to as calcium hydroxide or free lime.

It usually appears a few weeks after the project has been completed, creating a certain anxiety for the homeowners. Before complaining to your contractor though, why not tackle the cleaning project yourself?

Wear a ventilation mask, long sleeves, protective eyewear, and strong, synthetic gloves when applying acid. Use a long-handled, coarse-bristled brush.

Mildew

For mildew stains:

• Use a solution of 1 part regular household bleach to 3 parts water, with a small amount of mild laundry detergent or trisodium phosphate mixed in.
• Allow to stand for 15 minutes, then rinse.
• Repeat, if necessary.

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I cracked the new paving brick in half. Look at how light-colored the aggregate is! Over time when the red cement paste wears off, the pavers will look different. My traditional clay paving brick patio will stay red forever, because the red clay is the same color throughout the entire brick. © 2017 Tim Carter

Rust Removal TIPS:

• Use oxalic acid crystals CLICK HERE to ORDER
• Mixes with water
• Test on small area with cotton swab
• Check for surface damage – if none, proceed
• CLICK HERE to Get Tim’s FREE & FUNNY Newsletter!

DEAR TIM: Last fall, we had two new colored interlocking concrete paving brick patios installed. This spring we noticed the color of the patios is not the same and some of our patio furniture has left some rust stains. To make matters worse, something fell on one of the brick and took a large chunk out of it exposing a different colored core. What is causing the color fade? Is it possible to remove the rust stains? Can the damaged brick be easily repaired to match the existing colored paving brick? Vicki L., Villa Hills, KY

DEAR VICKI: Congratulations on the new patios! My wife and I love our regular red clay paving brick patios. They differ from yours in that my patio will always stay the same color because the clay used to make the brick is the same color throughout the entire brick.

Fading and Rust

The fading you are witnessing is a small, but pesky, problem with your concrete paving brick. Unfortunately, the color fade will continue to get worse over time.

Concrete paving brick surfaces look stunning when new because all of the sand and small gravel aggregate in the brick are covered with the pigmented cement paste. The same thing happens with new blacktop or asphalt roadways and regular brick mortar in a brick home.

A freshly laid roadway looks as black as night when new because the deep-black asphalt cement coats all of the sand and gravel in the asphalt. But over time, the roadways start to turn gray as the black asphalt cement is worn off the gray stones and sand by traffic and weathering.

Look at a new brick job and the mortar joints are one color. But look closely at 30 or 40 year-old brick homes and you will notice that you can see the actual colored grains of sand as the thin cement paste has worn away exposing the sand particles.

Remove Rust with Oxalic Acid

This rust can be removed with oxalic acid. © 2017 Tim Carter

The rust stains are somewhat easy to remove. The first thing to do is to remove the offending furniture from the surfaces and repaint them so there is no exposed metal. I love to use special metal primers that contain zinc or zinc-chromate pigments.

These are often hard to find because the metals are considered to be toxic. If these primers are unavailable, go to a real paint store and ask them for their best rust-preventative metal primer.

I happen to like a wonderful spray paint that’s got both the primer and finish paint in one. I’ve seen the actual lab samples where the paint is exposed to accelerated salt-fog testing and it outperforms all other consumer paints.

It’s X-O Rust Professional spray paint.

Here’s a spray paint that’s great for steel beams and columns. It contains a metal primer. This brand also is available in quart or gallon cans if you have LOTS of steel to paint. CLICK THE IMAGE TO ORDER IT NOW.

Follow the directions on the paint can label and then apply the paint as directed.

If you use a traditional primer, always apply the finish paint the instant the primer says it can be recoated. Doing this allows the primer and the finish paint to interlock chemically and mechanically for an excellent bond.

Buy Oxalic Acid!

You need to buy some oxalic acid to remove the rust stains. It is a crystalline toxic organic compound that is mixed with water.

This is a bag of oxalic acid magic crystals. It’s great for removing extractive chemical stains, especially on redwood. CLICK THE IMAGE NOW TO ORDER IT.

Commercial laundries often use oxalic acid to remove rust stains from fabrics and it will really work well as it chemically reacts with the iron oxide in the concrete. The iron oxide is put into solution with the acid and then simply rinses away.

Be careful using this acid and follow all instructions on the product label. It is a good idea to capture the runoff from the process as otherwise it may kill nearby plants and trees.

Repair Damaged Brick

The hole in the brick reveals the different colored aggregate. © 2017 Tim Carter

The damaged brick can be repaired by using a coarse sand, Portland cement and a colored pigment powder that will colorize the patching material to match your existing brick. These colored pigments that are added to the sand and cement can often be purchased at brick yards. Brick masons use these same pigments to color mortar.

You’ll probably have to mix several different batches and make test samples to get a perfect color match. The mixture always dries lighter than when it is wet, so don’t fret once you have mixed the material. It can take up to 30 or even 45 days for the samples to cure to a finished color.

Replace Paving Brick

The best way to repair damaged concrete paving brick is to simply replace the damaged brick with a stored one. I hope that your installer left behind extra paving brick of all the sizes and colors within your patios. Better yet, these brick should be stored outdoors in an out-of-the-way location where they weather at the same rate as the patio brick. This way when it is time to replace a brick, it is an exact match.

If you are forced to buy new brick that do not match in color, you can accelerate the weathering process to make them match your existing pavers. Simply mix some muriatic acid with water – one part acid to ten parts water – and start to dissolve the colored cement paste from the top surface of the brick. Do this carefully and make sure the brick completely dries so you see how much cement paste you have etched away with the acid solution.

Work Like a Dentist

The key to long-lasting repairs in the brick is to ensure the patch is keyed into the brick. Typically most holes that occur are smaller at the bottom of the hole than the top area or outline of the hole. The resulting hole is similar in shape to an ice cream cone. If you simply install patching compound, frost action can pop the patching material out of the hole with ease.

If you carefully chisel the sides of the hole so that the bottom is larger than the top, the patching material will not pop out. This is how dentists put a filling in a tooth.

You can also achieve the same results by using a small rotary hammer drill bit to drill angled holes at the base of the defect. These holes should mimic tree roots that angle out away from the base of a tree. When the patching compound is packed into the hole, it enters these small tubes and permanently roots the patching compound to the brick!