Tips on Removing Rust From Concrete

Your driveway and sidewalks may have you seeing red. Rust stains are a common outdoor problem that lend little to your home's aesthetic. The fact of the matter is that you can remove rust stains from concrete. It just takes effort, patience, cleaners and a great scrub brush.

Home Remedy

You can find the key to removing rust stains in your kitchen. This needs to be something acidic. Vinegar or lemon juice will do the trick. You'll also need a scrub brush.

Apply the lemon juice or vinegar to the rust stain and allow it to sit for a few minutes. Once enough time has elapsed, get down and scrub at the stain using your brush. Rinse the area with water and allow it to dry. If the stain is gone, no further action is necessary. If not, repeat the procedure or try a different cleaning agent.

Oxalic Acid

Vinegar or lemon juice may not be enough to remove very tough rust stains. Should this be the case, go to your grocery or hardware store and look for a product that contains oxalic acid, a common rust remover. This is most readily available as a powder.

It is always a good idea to read the product's packaging carefully for instructions specific to that product. Be sure to wear gloves because oxalic acid can be extremely irritating. In general, you apply the powder directly to the stain and dampen it with water. Allow it to sit, then scrub. Rinse the area very thoroughly with water and repeat if necessary.

References

• Cleaning Concrete Driveways
• GoodHousekeeping.com: Removing Rust from Concrete
• Rust Removal From Concrete