Rust Stain Removal

Rust stains on siding and concrete: causes and removal

Orange and brown stains on a house or driveway are almost always rust, and a regular wash will not remove them. Here is where rust stains come from, how they are removed, and how to stop them coming back.

Where rust stains come from

Sprinklers on well water. Many homes outside city water lines run sprinklers on well water with a lot of iron in it. Every time it dries on siding, foundation or concrete, it leaves a little more orange behind. This is the most common cause on houses.
Metal fixtures. Railings, light fixtures, nails, gutters and outdoor furniture can drip rusty water onto the surfaces below.
Fertilizer. Some lawn fertilizers contain iron. Granules that land on driveways and sidewalks leave small orange spots once they get wet.
Things left sitting. Grills, planters with metal parts and tools leave rust rings on patios and decks.

Why washing does not remove rust

Rust is iron oxide, a mineral stain, not dirt or growth. House wash solutions and pressure alone will not dissolve it, and bleach-based cleaners can actually make rust stains darker and harder to remove. Rust needs its own treatment with a cleaner made to dissolve iron.

How rust stains are removed

A rust treatment dissolves the iron so it can be rinsed away. On siding, that is done gently with a solution suited to the siding material. On concrete and pavers, the treatment is applied to the stained areas and then rinsed. Most rust stains on siding come out fully. Old, deep stains in porous concrete usually lighten a lot but may not disappear completely.

What it costs

Rust treatment is priced by how much area is stained and what surface it is on. A few sprinkler stains near the foundation are a small job. A whole side of the house or a long driveway is a bigger one. We quote it separately from a house wash or power washing, and it is often done on the same visit.

How to keep rust stains from coming back

Aim sprinklers away from the house and off the driveway. This solves most cases.
Add an iron filter to the irrigation system if your well water is high in iron.
Sweep fertilizer off hard surfaces right after spreading, before it gets wet.
Fix the drip. Seal or replace rusty fixtures that drain onto siding or concrete.

Want us to take a look?

We wash homes across Lake Minnetonka and the west metro. Get an instant estimate, call (612) 770-8221, or see our house washing packages and prices.

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Wash Masters fits in with your schedule, with flexible service dates for one-time or ongoing service options. We specialize in 1-3 story buildings, storefronts, restaurants, churches, schools, banks, new construction and homes. Receive a discount when scheduling multiple services at a time.