Get Rid Of Rust Stains On Concrete With These DIY Methods

Concrete is highly durable, making it ideal for high-traffic areas like driveways or patios. It can withstand all kinds of climates and extreme temperatures while maintaining its strength and firmness. It also doesn't decompose because it doesn't contain organic materials that could rot. However, it can absorb liquids, creating undesirable stains, particularly rust. You might try WD-40 to remove rust from concrete, which works well. But if you prefer to use natural ingredients, there are a few DIY solutions you can make at home.

Two of the ingredients you can use for this DIY are lemon juice and white vinegar. So, how do household ingredients like lemon juice and white vinegar help to remove rust staining? The acidity of the lemon juice or vinegar helps to pull the rust from any metal particles, allowing you to scrub it away. 

After applying the lemon juice or white vinegar, you need a pressure washer, a garden hose, and a scrub brush. You do have to take some care when cleaning rust stains off concrete using this hack. Because this material has a high level of porosity, you can damage it if you use a setting that's too high on the pressure washer, especially in a small area.

Before attempting to remove a rust stain, it's important to clean the entire nearby area. You can rinse the surface with water or pour a bit of bleach or dish soap on the area and then power wash and scrub it to remove any grime. Allow the entire area to dry before beginning the next steps.

If the rust staining is minor, you can start with lemon juice. Just pour it onto the area that's showing rust and allow it to sit for 5 to 10 minutes. Scrub the stain with a stiff brush, then rinse the area with a garden hose or pressure washer. If the rust remains, try pouring white vinegar onto the stain. Then add table salt and let it sit for 30 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing with cold water. With the rough surface of your concrete, you'll likely need to repeat the process, as the rust can move into the crevices.

You also have the option of using lemon juice and vinegar combined in a 1:1 ratio. Some recommend sprinkling baking soda onto the stain before adding the acidic solution. Ten to 20 minutes after application, use the scrub brush to penetrate and remove the rust.

It's important to learn how to clean your concrete patio or driveway to keep it completely free from rust stains and increase the longevity of the material. Don't just give up if your initial efforts to clean with lemon juice and vinegar fail. Instead, you can try some more aggressive cleaning options.

For particularly stubborn rust stains, you can make use of hydrochloric acid or trisodium phosphate (TSP). Both of these chemicals are extremely corrosive and will remove rust with ease. With hydrochloric acid, use 2 cups of acid to 1 cup of water and scrub it into the surface. Rinse it away after letting it sit for at least five minutes. With TSP, use 1/4 cup of TSP per gallon of hot water. You then need to mix the TSP into the water fully before applying the mixture with a scrub brush. Rinse it with a garden hose after scrubbing the area. 

While these substances are highly effective, they're also toxic and should be used with caution. Avoid breathing fumes over a long period and only use them in a well-ventilated area. Also, consider wearing safety goggles, protective gloves, and protective clothing to avoid contact with skin. Additionally, if you used bleach to prepare the concrete, thoroughly rinse away all of the bleach before adding hydrochloric acid, as mixing these substances creates a dangerous release of chlorine gas that could be severely harmful to you.