How to remove rust stains from concrete driveways

Rust on your driveway is annoying and unsightly. It occurs when metal items such as cans, car parts, furniture, and tools are left for days on the concrete floor. It happens when the metal reacts with moisture and transfers the rust to your concrete surface. Some rust stains are easier to remove than others. If it has been there for a long time, it will definitely be stubborn, but it is possible to remove rust stains from the concrete driveway. Here are some methods on how to remove rust stains from concrete driveways:

Soapy water
 
Soapy water removes rust stains if they are still fresh. Simply pour the water on the stained area and scrub using a nylon brush with stiff bristles. Clean in circles and concentrate in small areas, and you will remove the rust stains leaving your concrete floor clean and flawless. Once you are done cleaning, rinse the area and leave it to dry. If you can still see some small rust traces, clean it regularly, and eventually go away.
 
Never use a metallic bristled brush; it may look effective but removes your concrete surface's upper layer, which leaves the aggregate material below the top layer exposed. This can cause your concrete driveway to start wearing out.

•  ​​Diluted Vinegar

Diluted vinegar can clean a rust stain on a concrete surface without ruining its beauty. Use a sponge and warm water, but make sure you test the surface's sensitivity if it's painted. This mixture strips off some paints. Mix a cup of vinegar with a half cup of water and pour it on the stain and scrub the area in circles. You may have to make multiple washes for the stain to fade away completely eventually.  

• ​Hydrochloric acid 

Hydrochloric acid comes in handy in stain removal, and rust related ones are not an exception. However, you need to act fast when the acid is left too long on the concrete floor; it can discolour it. Also, be sure to dilute the acid; one cup of water should be mixed with two cups of the HCL acid. Failing to dilute the acid can cause a violent reaction, which may not leave your concrete looking great. Follow these simple steps:
 

• Leave the mixture of the acid and water to soak the stain for up to 10 minutes

 

• Start scrubbing the stain and do it fast

 

• Rinse the area with clean water

 

• Clean the affected area multiple times if you need to

 

• Cleaner with oxalic acid

 
 
There are cleaners that contain oxalic acid, and they clean the concrete surface without ruining their smooth appearance. Some of the cleaners include F9 BARC and Singerman's. The best thing is that they are either powder or liquid form, which allows you to spray or sprinkle them easily on stained concrete. When using powder form cleaner, wet the surface with water before sprinkling it. Whichever product you choose to use, leave to soak the stain for a few minutes before scrubbing.
 
 
Nothing beats a flawless driveway. You therefore should apply the best method on how to remove rust stains from the concrete driveway to keep your home or commercial building looking great all the time. Use any of the above options depending on how long the stain has been there. They are straightforward and easy to use.


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