Concrete driveways are meant to be relatively maintenance-free and long-lasting. However, it just takes unsightly rust stains to make them appear old and interfere with your home’s curb appeal. Here we explain how to get rust stains off your concrete driveway to bring it back to its original colour.
Using Natural Rust Stain Removers
If you have pets or want to reduce the number of chemicals you add to the local environment, you can try these natural rust stain removers first:
White Vinegar and Lemon Juice
Lemon juice and vinegar produce an acidic reaction that can effectively dissolve rust. You can either choose one or the other or combine them for an extra punch. The liquids should not be diluted and can be applied using these steps:
- If using both liquids combine them using a 1:1 ratio
- Pour the liquid onto the stained area(s) and let it sit for at least 10, but preferably 20 minutes
- Use a hard-bristle brush to scrub away the stains and then rinse with cold water
You may have to do it a few times to see the best results.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a tried and true natural cleaner that can work to remove rust from concrete. However, it has to be added to laundry detergent using a 1:1 ratio to remove rust stains. You can then follow these steps:
- Mix your 1:1 baking soda and laundry detergent together
- Add a bit of cold water to create a paste
- Spread the paste over the stains using a paintbrush and leave it to sit for an hour
- Use a spray bottle to mist the paste every once in a while, to prevent it from hardening
- After an hour, add more water to the paste and scrub it with a stiff-bristle brush to remove the stain, then rinse with water
Again, it might take a few tries to remove the stain completely. To update your driveway, contact our team today at Breakaway Landscaping.
Using Cleansers to Remove Rust From Concrete
If you don’t see the desired results, you can try rust removers to remove the stains including:
- CLR: This is a safe product to use on your driveway as it doesn’t contain harmful phosphates. However, it can’t be used on coloured concrete. Spray it directly onto the stain, leave it for several hours and then rinse it away with water.
- Commercial Rust Removers: Older stains tend to be more stubborn, so you’ll need to find something like RustAid or Krud Kutter. However, these chemicals are more dangerous. Always read and follow the instructions on the product to keep safe and also see the best results. You should also wear protective gear to avoid issues with inhalation, or getting it on your skin or in your eyes.
If you try all of these options and still can’t remove the stubborn rust stains, there are also commercial rust removal treatments available. Having a stained driveway may not give you the best curb appeal. Luckily, there are solutions to help with rust stains! To learn more, contact our experts at Breakaway Landscaping today.