Rust stains on stamped concrete

[Harry P.]

I need to remove some rust stains off my driveway, which is stamped, colored concrete. My local home center recommended CLR, but the back of the CLR label says specifically not for use on stamped concrete.

I've heard vinegar or lemon juice will work. Any recommendations?

[southpier]

sure klean 600

[charlie8575]

When I worked at a hardware store, we used to sell Iron-Out, and that works well on all sorts of stuff.

Charlie Larkin

[Harry P.]

sure klean 600

Never heard of it. I'll have to look for it and see what the label says. Same with Iron-out. Thanks, guys.

[kylexgore]

Have you read this? http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=31697

[cobraman]

Muratic Acid used to clean swimming pools work but can be dangerous if not careful and do not breath the fumes. Will have to use a stiff brush as well. Other products are probably safer.

[cobraman]

Just noticed you said colored concrete. Do not use the acid method. Sorry.

[Harry P.]

Have you read this? http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=31697

I did, but like I said, the CLR label specifically says do not use on stamped concrete.

[JollySipper]

You can buy WD-40 by the gallon..... nothing cleans rust better, but you would have to pressure wash REALLY well afterward so noone slips in the stuff!

[Harry P.]

You can buy WD-40 by the gallon..... nothing cleans rust better, but you would have to pressure wash REALLY well afterward so noone slips in the stuff!

Maybe a spray can of the stuff? There are only a few small areas. Hmmmm.....

[Quick GMC]

Chrome wheel cleaner. The active ingredient is ammonium biflouride, which is the active ingredient in most rust removers.

[Fabrux]

The problem with using vinegar is that it will actually erode concrete. When I worked in a materials testing lab we used vinegar to clean the concrete testing equipment. Put a slump cone in a bucket of vinegar for a few days and it looks brand new!

[Quick GMC]

The problem with using vinegar is that it will actually erode concrete. When I worked in a materials testing lab we used vinegar to clean the concrete testing equipment. Put a slump cone in a bucket of vinegar for a few days and it looks brand new!

Because it's an acid. It eats the concrete. Not nearly as bad as some others, but it can still damage it. Depending on the concentration, it shouldn't damage it too bad.

[crazyjim]

You could put in a whole new driveway.

[Harry P.]

You could put in a whole new driveway.

It is a whole new driveway.

[Danno]

Two words: (1) Sandblaster. (2) Stain [as in, re-apply].

[my80malibu]

Why not use the Vinegar method, then seal it afterwards like you should have in the first place.Harry didn't the Company give you a repair kit when they installed the concrete, Mine did?

[Tom Geiger]

Harry, I only thought of this when you said it was a new concrete driveway...

Is the rust stain on top from something metal dripping down onto it? Or - was the concrete made with stone from an area with high iron content in the sand? If so it's rusting from within, from bits of iron close to or at the top of the dried concrete.

I know in Monmouth County NJ we had this issue... in fact there was rust washing from the lawn across the sidewalks from the iron content in the soil.

[Harry P.]

It's rust that dripped down off the chassis of a car that had been sitting there a while.