This Is A Hammer 9/1/11

Samantha Mazzotta | Sep 01, 20110

THIS IS A HAMMER

Cleaning Up “Rusty” Concrete

Q: My concrete driveway has several bright-orange stains that look like rust. How did this happen, and how can I clean it up? — Jane C., Winter Park, Fla.

A: There are several ways that rust finds its way onto concrete to stain it: a metal tool left sitting on the driveway in the rain, rust washing off of a vehicle parked on it, and so on. The good news is that most rust stains can be cleaned off of concrete fairly easily.

Home-improvement stores sell an array of cleaners that specifically address rust-stained concrete. They’re generally not too expensive; simply apply and clean according to the package instructions.

However, one of the most effective cleaners that will remove many rust stains is probably in your kitchen cabinet: citric acid. It can be found in the spices section of most grocery stores, typically sold as “sour salt.” Many powdered drink mixes contain citric acid, which means, in theory, that you could take a non-staining drink mix like, say, lemonade flavored Kool-Aid, mix it with a couple quarts of water, pour onto the stain, scrub with a coarse brush and rinse clean.

You also can use plain white vinegar — straight up or diluted half and half with warm water — or even lemon juice to tackle rust stains.

One thing you should never use to remove rust stains on concrete is bleach. It can make the problem worse.

If the driveway is extensively stained, or if repeated scrubbing doesn’t clear up the problem, contact a driveway specialist. He or she will likely recommend the driveway be resurfaced and sealed to correct the problem and prevent it from happening again anytime soon. If that’s the case, ask for a written quote before agreeing to any work.

HOME TIP: To prevent future rust stains, keep outdoor concrete clear of metal tools, and repair areas where water leaks or drains across the concrete, particularly from metal structures like carports or gutters.

Send your questions or comments to ask@thisisahammer.com, or write This Is a Hammer, c/o King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475.