Removing Rust from Concrete

Written by Lee Wyatt (last updated June 12, 2023)

Removing rust stains from concrete may seem a little difficult to do at first glance. However, when the proper steps are taken just about any rust stain can be removed from any concrete surface. Keep in mind though, that if you are not particularly careful, you can actually cause some serious damage to your concrete, which will lead to a need for earlier replacement of your concrete. Here are a couple of methods that you can use to ensure that your concrete is free from rust.

  • Muriatic acid. By applying a little bit of muriatic acid to the rust stained concrete, you are certain to remove the stain. Only one little problem with this method though, it is an acid. This means that if you are not particularly careful you can not only remove the stain, but more of the sidewalk than you plan, as well as some of your own skin. This is an acid after all. When using this method, be sure that you carefully read and follow the directions on the back of the package as posted by the manufacturer. In addition, make sure that you are wearing proper safety equipment such as gloves and goggles before handling this material.
  • Commercial cleaners. Most hardware stores carry commercially made and mixed concrete cleaning detergent. Usually these cleaners will come in either powdered or pre-mixed liquid forms. When using them, make sure that you follow the directions as listed on the cleaner (also, the use of a good, stiff bristled brush wouldn't hurt either).
  • Use a power washer. Another option that you can use to help remove some rust stains from concrete is to use a power, or pressure washer in conjunction with either laundry detergent or concrete cleaner. Make sure that you completely clean the entire concrete surface by sweeping, and then wetting the surface down. Then apply the cleaner and scrub using a stiff bristled brush. After scrubbing, simply power wash the area and you should be finished. However, you may need to repeat the process a few times before you get the stain completely removed.

Finally, after you have finished removing the rust from your concrete, you will need to reseal it. This will help protect you concrete surface from getting stained again, as well as protecting it from the elements. In addition, by resealing the concrete you should also have an easier time of cleaning things in the future.

Author Bio

Lee Wyatt

Contributor of numerous Tips.Net articles, Lee Wyatt is quickly becoming a regular "Jack of all trades." He is currently an independent contractor specializing in writing and editing. Contact him today for all of your writing and editing needs! Click here to contact. ...

MORE FROM LEE

Cooking Bacon without the Grease Splatter

Bacon is a great tasting, and long standing favorite, food item. What isn't all that well liked is the grease and spatter ...

Discover More

Organizing a Cookbook

Organizing a cookbook can be a great way to pass on family legacies. In addition, it can also help you get your kitchen a ...

Discover More

Properly Using a Chainsaw

If you have a chainsaw, or are planning on getting one, then knowing how to properly use it is a vital necessity. ...

Discover More

Keep Your Hardwood Floors Like New Bona's hardwood floor cleaner is the #1 choice of professionals. The no-residue formula is specially designed to be safe for floors, families, and the environment. Check out Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner Refill today!

More Cleaning Tips

Bubble Stained Concrete

One of the most favored of all children's toys is that bubble solution that you can use to blow bubbles. However, this ...

Discover More

Removing Rust Stains from Driveways

When removing rust stain from your driveway you want to start with the mild cleaners and if they do not work move on to ...

Discover More

Removing Oil Stains from Concrete

Oil stains in concrete are difficult to remove since they have to be absorbed out. Start by laying down kitty litter or ...

Discover More
Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in Cleaning Tips from Tips.Net. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

View most recent newsletter.

Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is 7 - 3?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)


Newest Tips
Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in Cleaning Tips from Tips.Net. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

(Your e-mail address is not shared with anyone, ever.)

View the most recent newsletter.