If your patio tiles look a little rusty, don’t worry! There are several ways to remove rust and make your patio tiles look new. This article will go through the most effective strategies for eradicating rust from your patio tiles. We will also provide tips on preventing rust from forming in the future.
Why is my Patio, Rusty?
There are several reasons why rust might form on your patio tiles. Rust is most commonly caused by exposure to water or moisture on a patio, a bit like moss. This can happen if your patio is located in an area with high humidity or gets a lot of rain or snow. Rust can also be caused by spills from garden chemicals, like fertilizer or pesticides. Also, furniture or other metal objects on your patio can cause rust stains.
How to remove rust from patio tiles
Lemon juice, baking soda, vinegar, or hydrochloric acid may remove rust from patio tiles. Each product and approach has benefits and downsides, so select the best one for you. Some procedures entail socking and lathering a substance, while others need scrubbing. Rinse tiles afterward and test a small area before proceeding.
Remove Rust from Patio Tiles with Vinegar
Vinegar, a natural acid, can remove rust from most tile surfaces without damaging them.
Types of Patios This Method Is Safe On
This method is safe for most patio tiles, including concrete, brick, and stone pavers. However, vinegar can damage some natural stone tiles, so avoiding using this method on those surfaces is best.
What You’ll Need
- White vinegar
- Water
- Spray Bottle
- A clean cloth or brush
- Old rags or towels (for protecting surfaces)
- Safety goggles and gloves (optional but recommended)
Here’s how to remove rust from patio tiles with vinegar:
- Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
- Spray the solution on the rusty areas.
- Leave it to sit for 10-15 minutes (or longer).
- Scrub the area with a scrub brush or steel wool pad.
- Rinse with water.
- Dry the area with a clean cloth.
Pros & Cons of Using Vinegar to Remove Rust
Vinegar is an acidic substance, so caution is essential to remove rust.
Here are some pros and cons to consider before using this method:
Pros:
- Vinegar is inexpensive and easy to find.
- It’s safe on most surfaces, including tile, glass, and ceramic.
- It’s not as harsh as other rust removal chemicals.
Cons:
- Vinegar can damage some surfaces, like natural stone or marble. Before treating the entire surface, it is advisable to do a trial in an inconspicuous area first.
- It may not remove all the rust and often removes just the top layer.
- Vinegar can discolor some metals, like copper or brass. Again, test in a small area first before treating the entire surface.
Removing Rust from Patio with Lemon Juice
This method is effective, natural, and gentle on patio tiles. It’s a superb alternative for individuals searching for an eco-friendly approach to cleaning your patio.
This method is safe on most patio tiles, including ceramic, porcelain, stone, and brick. However, it’s always best to test the lemon juice on a small inconspicuous area of your patio before treating the entire surface.
Here’s how to do it:
First, mix fresh lemon juice/lime and water in a 1:1 ratio. Next, apply the mixture to the rusted area using a clean cloth or brush.
Allow the mixture to sit on the rust for 10-15 minutes before scrubbing it off with a brush or gentle brush pad. The last step is to give the area a thorough rinsing with clean water, allowing it to dry naturally.
Lemon juice rust removal benefits and drawbacks
A more eco-friendly option is to use lemon juice. But does it work? Let’s examine the pros and cons of using lemon juice to remove rust from patio tiles.
The Pros of Using Lemon Juice to Remove Rust from Patio Tiles
- Eco-friendly option.
- Lemon juice is safe for humans and animals and will not damage the environment.
- Often less expensive than other methods.
- Lemon juice also has antibacterial properties.
The Cons of Using Lemon Juice to Remove Rust from Patio Tiles
- It can take a few applications to remove the rust if it is particularly stubborn.
- Lemon juice for rust removal is that it works best on surface rust.
There’s a chance that lemon juice won’t be effective against rust if it’s set in deeply enough on the surface.
Eliminating Rust on Patio Tiles with Sodium Bicarbonate
This natural rust remover is safe on most kinds of tiles. To eliminate rust, use sodium bicarbonate, form a soda and water paste, apply it to the rust, and let it settle for several hours. The rust will disintegrate and come off the tile; you may wish to use a scrubbing pad to speed up the process.
The pros of using baking soda to remove rust from tiles include:
- A safe and non-toxic way to clean the tiles
- Affordable and readily available
- It is easy to use
The cons of using baking soda to remove rust from tiles include:
- It may take longer than other methods to remove the rust
- is inefficient against some types of severe corrosion
- The solution can be corrosive and may damage the tiles if not used correctly
This method works best on newer patio tiles. If the tiles are older or have been exposed to weathering for an extended period, there may be some rust that is not removable with this method.
Remove Rust from Patio Tiles with Commercial Products
Several commercial rust removal products on the market can help you get your tiles looking like new again in no time.
A few of the most popular ones are below:
WD-40: This versatile product can be used for various tasks around the house, including removing rust stains from patio tiles. Simply spray WD-40 onto the surface rust and wait 10 minutes before wiping it off with a clean cloth.
C.L.R: A calcium, lime, and rust remover that does an excellent job of removing rust stains from patio tiles. Apply it to the rust stain and scrub with a brush or sponge. Once you’ve removed as much of the stain as possible, rinse the area with water.
HCl: Hydrochloric acid is a strong acid commonly used by industrial facilities to remove rust quickly and efficiently. While it is very effective, it should be used with caution as it can cause skin irritation and corrosion of metals.
Evapo-Rust: The safe alternative to hydrochloric acid that removes rust from concrete, masonry, porcelain, glass, and stone tiles. It’s easy to use; just apply it to the afflicted region, wait an hour, and then wash it off with water.
Bar Keepers Friend: Oxalic Acid-based cleaner that removes rust from porcelain, tile, and fiberglass surfaces. Simply apply it to the stain and scrub with a brush or sponge until the rust has been removed.
Watch Dizzy Angie remove rust in this video, demonstrating how she used Bar Keepers Friend to clean up some outside patio tile with severe rust.
[DizzyAngie]. (2019, July 19). HOW TO CLEAN & REMOVE RUST | Bar Keepers Friend Review | Before & After Outdoor Patio Tiles [Video]. YouTube. Retrieved September 21, 2022, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzY2cjA35nQ&t=295s
Conclusion
Did you know that rust is the name of a family of iron oxides? When these oxides form on metal, they create the familiar orange-brownish color we call rust.
While rust may look unsightly, it’s not that difficult to remove. With a little hard graft and the right cleaning supplies, you can get rid of rust stains on your patio tiles and have them look new again in no time.
Feel free to pose questions or make observations in the section provided. Happy cleaning!
