Patios are the areas we relax to give our brains some freshness. But if the area looks ugly, you will never enjoy the benefits. The orange stains on the slab always sicken. And this article will guide you on how to remove rust stains from stone patio.
Rust stains quickly degrade the appealing look of the patio slab. So, the sooner you remove them, the better. You will stand a chance of saving money on repairs.
Luckily, removing stains is easy because you can use simple ingredients found at home. Additionally, a coca-cola drink can also do wonders.
Read on to learn all these amazing methods.
Contents
- What Causes Rust Spots on Pavers?
- How to Remove Rust Stains from Stone patio
- 1. Dishwashing soap and water
- 2. Using Lemon
- 3. White Vinegar
- 4. Baking Soda
- 5. Hydrochloric Acid
- 6. Coca Cola
- 7. WD 40
- 8. Oxalic Acid
- FAQs on How to Remove Rust Stains from Stone Patio
- How Do You Get Rust off a Stone Patio?
- How Do You Get Rust Stains out of Natural Stone?
- Will Vinegar Remove Rust from Stone?
- Author
What Causes Rust Spots on Pavers?
If you leave metal furniture out in the rain, it will rust and leave stains on the pavers due to oxidation.
The second cause is the porosity of the stone used and the minerals in them. For instance, grey sandstones have iron which can undergo oxidation if exposed to moisture.
Another case is when metal fittings come into contact with rainwater. The water drips from the roof and contacts the fittings.
Then, it trickles to the floor and deposits iron particles that form the rust.
Surprisingly, weed killers have ferric sulfate, which can also form the rust spots on the pavers if sprayed around the patio.
How to Remove Rust Stains from Stone patio
We have gathered eight tested ways to remove rust stains from stone patio. Some methods can remove minor stains, while others are effective enough to deal with stubborn stains.
Before applying any chemical on the stone patio, sweep the area and thoroughly remove the debris with a garden hose.
1. Dishwashing soap and water
Some stains may not be much stubborn to invest in strong chemicals. As such, you may try just dishwashing soap and water, and your stone patio will shine.
Apply the dishwashing soap to the stained areas and scrub with a hard bristle brush until the stains disappear.
Note that some stains may respond slowly. So, you will have to scrub for an extended period. However, check if the stains disappear to avoid spending more time without success.
After the stains have disappeared, rinse the surface with high-pressure water and let the pavers dry.
Also read: Karcher patio cleaners reviews
2. Using Lemon
You can purchase lemon juice or use lemon fruit. Cut your lemon into halves and squeeze them around the stained areas.
If you decide to use the lemon juice, apply it to the stained areas and let it soak for 15 minutes.
Afterward, use a hard bristled brush to scrub the areas and thoroughly rinse with water.
3. White Vinegar
Apply white vinegar to the stained areas and allow it to soak for around 15 minutes. Afterward, scrub with the hard bristled brush in circular motions until the stains disappear.
Once the stains have disappeared, thoroughly rinse the area with water and leave it to dry before use.
4. Baking Soda
Baking soda is another rust remover for natural stone on patios.
However, baking soda effectively works with dishwashing soap. To make the rust remover paste, carry out the procedure below;
Fill a cup with cold water and add equal amounts of baking soda and dishwashing soap. Then, stir the mixture until it transitions into a paste.
Apply the mixture into the stained areas using a paintbrush and leave it for around one hour before scrubbing with a hard bristle brush.
Afterward, rinse the surface and repeat the process if the stains are stubborn.
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5. Hydrochloric Acid
Hydrochloric acid is always the winner when it comes to removing stains. However, it can be hazardous to humans or even the vegetation around.
For your safety, wear protective gloves and glasses before handling the HCL.
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Apply the HCL to the stained areas, leave it for only ten minutes, and scrub. Note that HCL may choke you due to its strong smell. So, only use it in open areas and if your patio is fenced, ensure the doors are open for air circulation.
After scrubbing, thoroughly rinse the surface with water and ensure the water doesn’t come into contact with flowers.
Also read: Cleaning concrete patio without harming lawn
6. Coca Cola
Coca-cola is a carbonated drink that can easily dissolve with metal oxides due to its high carbon concentration. Secondly, it has phosphoric acid, which usually has rust-busting power.
Pour the coke on the stained areas and leave it to soak for 15 minutes. Then, scrub the area with a hard-bristled brush and thoroughly rinse with a garden hose.
If the rust is stubborn, repeat the process and scrub for an extended period to weaken all spots.
7. WD 40
WD 40 is one of the effective rust removers every DIYer should have at home. It’s usually designed for metals, but it can also work well on concrete.
Spray the WD 40 and scrub the areas with a hard bristle brush and later rinse with a hose. Repeat the process and extend the scrubbing period if the stains respond slowly.
![WD-40 Original Formula, Multi-Use Product with Smart Straw Sprays 2 Ways, 14.4 OZ [2-Pack]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51zKbE6lzrL._SL160_.jpg)
Ideally, scrub in circular motions as you apply some force using both hands.
Also read: Outdoor patio vacuums reviews
8. Oxalic Acid
Oxalic acid is the last option and the best patio rust remover. It works just like Hydrochloric acid. As such, you need protective gear before handling it.
Oxalic acid should be diluted with water to form the rust remover mixture. So, carry out the procedure below;
Mix the acid and water in a ratio of 2:1 in a plastic bucket and apply to the stained surface. Note that the area should have good air circulation to avoid being choked.
Scrub the areas with a brush and thoroughly rinse with a hose. Always ensure the grass or flowers around are safe.
Also read: Best potted plants for patio
FAQs on How to Remove Rust Stains from Stone Patio
How Do You Get Rust off a Stone Patio?
The cheapest and most effective method is using white vinegar. But if the stains are stubborn, you can opt for oxalic acid or hydrochloric acid.
How Do You Get Rust Stains out of Natural Stone?
Apply a little hydrogen peroxide to the stone and scrub using a nylon brush. Then, leave the hydrogen peroxide to sit for 24 hours and rinse with a hose.
Will Vinegar Remove Rust from Stone?
Vinegar is very effective in removing rust. However, you should be very careful because the acid may damage the outer coating of the stone.
How to remove rust stains from stone patio is easy. Keenly follow any of the above procedures, and you will be a happy homeowner.
