How to Remove Rust Stains from a Driveway

Iron can leave rust marks on your concrete drive that may seem impossible to remove. Here are some methods to use for removing those unsightly red stains.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Muriatic Acid
• Tri-sodium Phosphates
• Muriatic Acid
• Garden Hoses
• Scrub Brushes
• Baking Soda
• Rubber Gloves
• Baking Soda
• Rubber Gloves
• Buckets
• Pressure Washers
• Safety Goggles
• Safety Goggles

1. Mix 1 ounce of tri-sodium phosphate (TSP) in a gallon of hot water. This chemical can be found at hardware and paint stores. Wet the concrete and use a scrub brush to apply the solution. Scrub vigorously and let the solution soak into the concrete for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse well.

2. Try a product called Iron Out, which is sold in plumbing supply stores.

3. Combat really bad stains with a pressure washer and muriatic acid. Apply the acid as directed by the manufacturer, leave it to soak for a few seconds, and follow with a pressure washer set at 2,500-3,000 psi. Sprinkle baking soda over the cleaned area to neutralize the acid and wash again.

Tips & Warnings

• Concrete is porous and should be sealed to prevent staining.
• Promptly rinse fertilizers containing iron off concrete surfaces.
• These products can burn eyes and irritate skin. Follow the manufacturer's directions and precautions carefully.
• Muriatic acid is dangerous and should only be used as a last resort. Do not wash it into storm drains.

[davebaldwin67]

on 2/26/2008 I would definitely recommend that people STAY AWAY FROM MURIATIC ACID! It is an extremely dangerous acid and it can do more damage to your concrete than good. It actually removes concrete to reveal new concrete underneath. It is not cleaning, it is etching the area and can cause your concrete to erode away!

Muriatic acid is a highly reactive liquid acid, and one of the most dangerous chemicals you can buy for home use. It is an industrial-strength solution of hydrogen chloride gas dissolved in water, also known as hydrochloric acid.

With the exception of some plastics, muriatic acid can damage most anything it touches, including clothing, metal, and skin! It emits a suffocating odor that can quickly burn the lining of the nose, throat and even the lungs.

It will also kill all your surrounding plants and grass. I repeat do NOT use muriatic acid to remove stains on concrete!!

[taraheat]

on 5/22/2007 I just used the Singerman Concrete Rust Remover too. I got it at www.theruststore.com. The stuff worked wonders on the stains on my sidewalk and patio. I had almost given up hope until I found it. I would definitely recommend it. Now I just have to figure out how to adjust my sprinklers so I don't have new rust stains occur. Any ideas?

[eerway]

on 4/20/2007 I'm going to give Ecotec/Singerman a try, I'm at a loss with CLR and various other off the shelf products that do not seem to work. Thanks!

[dorothyoz]

on 3/16/2007 The Ecotec Rust Stain Remover for Concrete has recently been renamed, it's now called Singerman Laboratories Concrete Rust Remover. It works fabulous. Just thought you'd like to know so you can still find it.

on 11/22/2005 I have used Ecotec Rust stain remover for concrete. It is the most effective cleaner in the marketplace for removing rust stains from concrete and natural stone.

It is supplied as a white powder which is mixed with water just before application, forming a clear gel.

It is spread on the surface and left for one to fifteen minutes, depending on the severity of the stain; the stain disappears without scrubbing. Rinse thoroughly to prevent redeposition of the stain. It will not harm grass or other vegetation.