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. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Muriatic Acid
- Tri-sodium Phosphates
- Garden Hoses
- Scrub Brushes
- Baking Soda
- Rubber Gloves
- Buckets
- Pressure Washers
- Safety Goggles
Instructions
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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.
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Try a product called Iron Out, which is sold in plumbing supply stores.
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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.
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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.
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Comments
View all 6 Comments-
Erik Carlseen
Dec 06, 2010
Like davebaldwin67, I'd use muriatic acid only as an absolute last resort. It's not quite accurate to suggest that muriatic acid works by removing concrete - it does react directly with the rust - however, it's powerful enough that it may well remove or weaken the concrete in the process (and your plants, skin, eyes, and anything else it comes in contact with). It's really nasty stuff. That being said, I found something similar that worked reasonably well for me: citric acid, in crystalline form. I had some left over from a cleaning project several years ago, and thought what the heck; I'll give it a shot. Acids need moisture to work with, so I moistened the affected area with the "mist" setting on my hose nozzle, sprinkled the citric acid crystals on the stain, and used a scrub brush on a long pole to work it in. I misted the area every 10 minutes or so to keep the acid from drying... -
aussi
Jul 21, 2010
Don't waste your money just put white vinagar on the rust spot give it a brush and wipe it off. Stubbon stains let it soak for a couple of minutes. Also good for mould.
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sweepersam
May 25, 2010
Have to agree with the others, Singerman works fantastic, and it doesn't harm your lawn.
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davebaldwin67
Feb 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!!
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dorothyoz
Mar 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.
