5 Major Causes of Rust Stains on Concrete, Prevention, and Remedy
A common issue many people may have experienced is rust stains on their concrete -floors, pavements, or walls. Rust stains are dark orange spots which appear on the concrete over time due to various causes.
These stains start with a faded appearance on the concrete, and if this problem is not addressed and sorted out fast, the rust stains penetrate the surface of the concrete and become quite hard to remove.
These stains are unsightly, and they also diminish the aesthetic appeal of the concrete. They occur due to different underlying factors that may include; Soft rocks, Rebar, fertilizers, metal decorations, furniture or tools, or Battery acid.
In this article, you will get information on what causes rust stains on concrete, how to prevent them, and how to get rid of them.
1. Soft Rocks
There are small Iron deposits found in soft rocks on the concrete surface. Whenever this Iron comes into contact with water, the Iron absorb the water leading to rust stains on the concrete.
2. Rebar
These are the reinforcing steel bars used in concrete to strengthen it under tension. Generally, steel has plenty of Iron present in it combined with added carbon depending on its quality.
When you expose the steel to weather elements, the condition of the bars deteriorates with time. Rust stains occur where these bars enjoin with the concrete
3. Fertilizer
Most Fertilizers contain the chemical element Iron. When you place fertilizer on the concrete floor, moisture may form underneath it and combine with the mineral residue in the fertilizer. This residue gets onto the concrete surface and rust stains develop.
4. Metal Decorations, Furniture, or Tools
Heavy metal decorations and furniture like chairs, cabinets, tables, and tools rust when exposed to oxygen and come into contact with substances like water and moisture, the tools and decorations which are steel corrode.
When you leave these rusted objects on the concrete, they form stains.
5. Battery Acid
Be very careful when handling battery acid since it produces highly corrosive gases that are dangerous when inhaled.
Battery acid stains on concrete look like rust since the acid rusts the metal deposits in the concrete.
Prevention
Of course, it is always better to prevent these stains than to remedy them. To ensure that your concrete always remains in perfect condition and rust stains do not form, you can take these measures:
i. Using concrete sealers on your concrete
Apply a good quality sealer periodically, especially during the rainy season and humidity. This action extends the concrete’s life, and prevents staining, your concrete always looks pleasant.
ii. Use protective covers on your concrete before placing anything that may contain steel or Iron.
iii. Ensure there is no liquid or moisture left on the concrete. The surface should always remain dry.
iv. You can also consider using decorative concrete colors to minimize the occurrence of rust stains.
Remedy
If you notice rust stains on your concrete, don’t worry, there are solutions to the problem. You can use:
1. Commercial Rust Cleaners
These cleaners, can be bought from your local hardware store or even online. They are for stubborn stains that have seeped into the concrete and are hard to remove. Consult your local hardware or research online to find the best one as there are many options in the market.
Cleaners that contain Oxalic Acid, Trisodium Phosphate and Hydrochloric Acid always work on stubborn stains.
Before purchasing, you should also note that these chemicals are highly toxic to touch, smell, and when ingested. Always take caution when handling them, and test them on a small surface first to prevent further staining.
2. Natural Cleaners
Some rust stains may have a faint appearance and have not yet penetrated the concrete, in this case, you can use acidic cleaners that are natural and easily found at home. These natural cleansers may include;
- Detergents- dishwashing or laundry
- Lemon Juice
- Baking soda and White vinegar
These are easier to use, start by applying a small amount of the clean on the concrete stain, and allow it to soak and react. Then, you scrub the surface using a hard-bristled brush multiple times. Finally, rinse using warm water. If the rust stains are stubborn, repeat the above process severally.
Summary
The about article has information on the causes of rust stains on concrete, prevention of the stains; and how to get rid of them.
If you notice rust stains on your concrete, don’t panic, there is always a solution, you can always use the above-stated methods to remove it.
FAQ
Can You Use Coca-Cola to Remove Rust Stains?
Yes, Coca-Cola has a high concentration of phosphoric acid. Due to this fact, it can be used to get rid of minor rust stains on concrete.
What Quantity of Commercial and Natural Rust Cleaners Do You Use?
It all depends on the concrete surface that is to be cleansed as well as the condition of the Rust stain.
Commercial rust cleaners always have instructions on its label which you can follow for the intended results.
As for natural cleaners, you can mix baking soda with laundry detergent, or baking soda and vinegar at a 1:1 ratio for better results. Lemon juice can also be mixed with salt and applied on the rust stain. Let the above mixtures rest on the stain for a short period then wipe with a clean cloth.
