Easy Tips To Clean Rust Stains From Concrete Driveway

Some of the worst stains that can ruin the appeal of your driveway are those caused by mold and rust. It is not that difficult to remove mold and rust stains, all it requires are the necessary cleaning materials and a little elbow grease. It’s crucial to remember that rust stains on your concrete will be more challenging to remove the longer it has been there. If you’re not sure how old the stain is, start with the minor rust stain treatment and work your way up to the major rust stain treatment if it doesn’t work.

CLEANING UP RUST STAINS

Wash With Soap And Water

No matter what degree of rust stain you have, start by washing the surface with soap and water. This will remove any grease or grime on the surface that may be preventing the acids from successfully eliminating the stain. Wash the concrete with a sponge or scrub brush after combining dish soap and warm water in a bucket. After washing the concrete, rinse it with a hose or pressure washer, and then wait for it to dry before continuing.

Use Lemon Juice Or Vinegar

Since almost all rust removers use acid to loosen and scrub away the stain, pure lemon juice is a worthwhile cleaning solution due to its high citric acid content. Apply the lemon juice to the stain and wait for ten minutes before scrubbing with a wire brush. For more difficult stains, white vinegar can be used in addition to lemon juice. Before cleaning it with a wire brush, let the vinegar sit for a while. Rinse the rust with cold water, and then repeat with any stubborn spots.

Older, Stubborn Stains

If the procedures listed above fail to eliminate rust spots, you can use commercial rust removers. Many of these industrial rust removers contain oxalic acid, a potent cleaner that can remove even the toughest stains. Make sure the surface is clean, apply the rust remover according to the directions on the package, and then scrub and rinse. Give the cleaner time to soak into the concrete for deeper stains before rinsing it off with a pressure washer. If you are doing the final cleaning before vacating, it’s a good idea to hire professional bond cleaning services to do it for you.

Trisodium Phosphate (TSP)

In a half-gallon of boiling water, stir 1/2 cup of trisodium phosphate until it dissolves. After completely covering the rust stain with the solution, let it sit for almost 15 minutes. Use a wire brush and a circular motion to scrub the area. Remove the trisodium solution by rinsing it with fresh water. If the rust hasn’t completely disappeared, reapply the solution and scour the area once again. To protect your eyes and hands, put on goggles and rubber gloves.

Oxalic Acid

Since oxalic acid is extremely caustic, protect your eyes and hands with goggles and rubber gloves. Add a quart of water to 4 ounces of oxalic acid. You can get oxalic acid in crystal or powder form in most paint stores. Apply the solution with a mop over the stain and let it soak into the concrete for about two hours. After thoroughly cleaning the area, scrub the stain with a stiff brush. If the stain is still present, apply the oxalic acid solution again.