Rust stains can be a real eyesore on your driveway. Not only do they look awful, but they can also be difficult to remove. In this guide, we will teach you how to remove rust stains from your concrete driveway without risking any damage to the surface itself. We’ll provide you with step-by-step instructions as well as some helpful tips along the way. So whether your driveway is brand new or has been stained for years, follow these steps and say goodbye to those pesky rust marks!
Sources of rust stains on concrete
Rust can come from a variety of sources, but the most common are metal objects that come into contact with the concrete. This can include lawn furniture, BBQ grills and even sprinklers. On top of that, you can also get rust stains from rusting pop-outs (when the metals within the concrete rust and bleed through the porous soft rock), and even fertilizer spillage.
What you’ll need to remove rust from concrete
Here is everything you need to remove rust from driveway:
- Acid based cleaner: Unfortunately, rust cannot be removed with basic solutions like detergent or water and so you’ll need to get an acid-based cleaner like the F9 Barc Rust Remover
- Pressure washer: This will help remove any loose rust particles before you start the cleaning process
- Stiff bristled brush: This is to scrub the concrete once you’ve applied the cleaner
- Protective clothing: You’ll want to wear gloves, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt to protect your skin from the acidic cleaner.
Removing Minor Rust Stains
For minor rust stains, you can get away with using a milder cleaner like lemon juice. Then just follow these steps:
Step 1: Pressure wash the area to remove any loose rust particles, and then wait to dry.
Step 2: Apply your cleaner of choice and allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes.
Step 3: Scrub the area with a stiff bristled brush and then rinse clean.
Minor stains are fairly simple to remove and don’t require any specialized equipment. Just follow these steps and you’ll have your driveway looking good as new in no time!
Removing Major Rust Stains
For major stains you’ll need a more heavy duty acidic cleaner like F9 Barc Rust Remover. Then you simply follow these steps:
Step 1: Use a pressure washer to clean the area thoroughly, making sure to remove any loose rust particles. Then leave to dry fully.
Step 2: Apply the F9 Barc Rust Remover to all the affected areas evenly. Make sure not to spray or wash at all, just leave the F9 Barc Rust Remover to do its job.
Step 3: Finally, allow the F9 Barc Rust Remover to dry and it should remove the stain. If it’s not all gone then repeat step 2 as needed.
With major stains it’s important to be very careful as you are using much stronger cleaners that can damage your driveway if not applied correctly. If you need expert help with cleaning rust stains or other kinds of house washing, then be sure to get in touch with a professional.
Are there any specific products that work better than others for removing rust stains from concrete?
We absolutely recommend F9 Barc Rust Remover, as it’s a heavy duty cleaner that will absolutely get the stain removed and it will brighten the concrete too. Just be aware that while you can buy this yourself, it is more typically used by professionals and if not applied properly it can stripe your driveway.
If you want help with concrete rust removal, then get in touch with Keep It Clean Florida, for a free estimate today.
Can power washing be used to remove rust stains from concrete?
Pressure washing can be a very useful tool in the removal of rust stains as it will help to remove any loose rust particles before you start the cleaning process. But it won’t be enough on its own (particularly with major stains) so it’s important to also have a strong, acidic based cleaner to do the heavy lifting.
Does vinegar work for removing rust stains from concrete?
Unfortunately, when it comes to major stains, vinegar simply won’t do the job. It’s a weak acid and it won’t be able to penetrate the concrete enough to remove the stain.
Final thoughts on removing rust stains
Rust stains can be extremely unsightly and will only get harder to remove if not dealt with. But with the right cleaner and some know-how, you can absolutely get rid of them! Just be sure to take care when using more heavy duty cleaners, as they can damage your concrete if not used correctly.
If you need help in cleaning rust stains or just don’t want to deal with the hassle, then our expert team at Keep It Clean Florida can get the job done right. So, for a free estimate, get in touch
