How to Remove Rust Stains From Concrete Easily

Trying to remove unsightly brown rust stains from concrete or brick? Rain or sprinkler water can cause rust to drip from metal objects and stain your stone or brick driveway. Most household products won't do the trick when it comes to these stubborn stains. Here are a few tips on how to easily remove rust stains from concrete.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Broom
• Dust pan
• Coarse nylon scrub brush
• Oxalic acid (wood bleach)
• Garden hose
• Rags

1. Clear the rust stained area of any excess dirt and debris. The area doesn't have to be perfectly clean. Sweeping it thoroughly with a household broom will do just fine.

2. Wet the rusted area lightly with water and then apply a generous amount of oxalic acid to cover the entire concrete rust stain. Oxalic acid is the active ingredient in wood bleach and can be found at your local Home Depot or hardware store next to the wood stains. It normally comes in a small plastic tub labeled "wood bleach". Oxalic acid is not made for this particular purpose, but it commonly used to get rid of rust stains on stone and concrete driveways.

3. Using a coarse nylon scrub brush, scrub the stain in a circular motion. It's important not to use a metal wire brush as it will scratch and discolor stone surfaces.

4. Let the oxalic acid soak into the rust stain for 30 minutes. While the oxalic acid is removing the rust stains from the concrete, soak up any excess water around the pile of acid. This will help prevent any runoff as oxalic acid is harmful to the environment.

5. Sweep the acid into a dust pan. Remove any left over acid with a wet rag or sponge. If the stain is still visible, repeat the process as many times as necessary for complete removal. Concrete cleaning often takes more than one application.