How to Remove the Rust Stains From a Concrete Driveway
Rust is an annoying problem that can eat away at metals. When a metal item—such as tools, car parts or cans—is left on concrete for long periods of time they can leave behind a stain. Rust stains on concrete driveways are not uncommon but they can be difficult to remove.
There are a few rust removal methods that can get rid of those stains and restore the look of your concrete driveway.
Things You Will Need
- Stiff broom
- Distilled white vinegar
- Stiff bristled brush
- Water hose
- Water
- Pot
- Stove
- Unsweetened lemonade mix
- Distilled water
- Iron removing product
- Plastic container
- All-purpose flour
- Plastic spoon
- Plastic wrap
- Tape
- Paint scraper
Vinegar Rust Stain Removal
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Remove the surface dirt and debris from your driveway by sweeping the area with a stiff broom.
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Pour distilled white vinegar directly on the rust stain. Allow the vinegar to work into the stain for several minutes.
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Add more vinegar to the rust stain. Scrub the area with a stiff bristled brush until the rust stain is gone.
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Rinse the driveway with a water hose.
Lemonade Rust Stain Removal
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Pour ½ gallon of water in a pot. Place the pot on the stove and bring the water to a boil. Once boiling turn off the stove and remove the pot from the heat.
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Stir in 1 packet of unsweetened lemonade mix until it is thoroughly dissolved.
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Pour half of lemonade directly on the rust stain.
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Scrub the lemonade and the rust stain with a stiff bristled brush. Add more of the lemonade to the stain if needed.
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Continue scrubbing until the rust stain is gone. Rinse the driveway with a water hose.
Rust Stain Removal
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Dampen the rust stained area with distilled water.
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Pour an iron removing product to a plastic container. Add all-purpose flour to the container until a thick paste with the consistency of peanut butter is formed.
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Spread the paste ¼ in. thick on the rust stain with a plastic spoon. Cover the stain with plastic wrap. Tape the edges of the plastic wrap down. Allow the paste to dry for 24 hours.
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Remove the plastic wrap. Scrape the paste off the concrete driveway with a paint scraper.
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Rinse the driveway with a water hose.
The Drip Cap
- Rust is an annoying problem that can eat away at metals.
- Rinse the driveway with a water hose.
- Scrub the lemonade and the rust stain with a stiff bristled brush.
- Add more of the lemonade to the stain if needed.
- Scrape the paste off the concrete driveway with a paint scraper.
References
Writer Bio
Amanda Flanigan began writing professionally in 2007. Flanigan has written for various publications, including WV Living and American Craft Council, and has published several eBooks on craft and garden-related subjects. Flanigan completed two writing courses at Pierpont Community and Technical College.
Photo Credits
- new home image by Scott Patterson from Fotolia.com
- new home image by Scott Patterson from Fotolia.com
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