Easily Eliminate Rust Stains From Pavers With A Gentle And Affordable Solution

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Part of the appeal of pavers for outdoor surfaces is the gorgeous look of a pristine installation. Of course, to maintain the effect, cleaning becomes an imperative. Minor flaws stick out like a sore thumb in a perfectly patterned layout, and with porous stone surfaces, stains can be all too common. Given how much you can use DIY paver projects to add curb appeal to your yard, it's good practice to manage them as soon as they pop up. And the more stubborn the stain, the quicker you should address it, which means any rust should be a top priority.

Rust may form on pavers from water passing across metal, such as fire pits or grills, and depositing rust on the concrete or stone surfaces. Nearby fertilizer runoff containing iron may also wash across your patio edges, leaving marks. Rust stains can readily dig deep and set in. Fortunately, plenty of products exist to make quick and easy work of even the more aggressive staining. You can use CLR and other top-rated cleaning products to banish rust, including Iron Out and F9 BARC. But if you have light staining you want to get rid of right now and at minimal cost, there are also several items you can try at home. Start by cleaning with dish soap and water and a stiff bristle brush, or pressure-washing. While this will clean light rust stains, it will also remove surface dirt and grease that might get in the way of any subsequent cleaning solutions.

Acids are generally the best rust removal solutions for any materials that can handle them. As the acid penetrates the stain, it dissolves the rust and allows it to wash away. More aggressive solutions, such as muriatic acid, are fast-acting and effective. But the safety hazards and potential for damaging your pavers beyond repair can make any DIYer hesitant to try it. Besides, you may be able to tackle rust stains naturally with common kitchen ingredients, saving you time, money, and aggravation.

Two of the best rust removal solutions for pavers are white vinegar and lemon juice. Pour a small amount of either on the rust stain, and let it sit for about five minutes. Using a stiff-bristled brush, scrub the stains in circular motions until they fade. Apply more lemon or vinegar as needed, letting them sit longer (approximately 10 to 15 minutes) for deeper penetration into the stain. Once you remove the stain to your satisfaction, rinse the area thoroughly with fresh water to clear away any lingering acid. Although they're mild, these acids can still etch the paver's surface, resulting in a damaged texture and discoloration that will be far harder to clean than any rust stain.