Rust stained surfaces can make even the most well-maintained properties appear dilapidated and run down. Restoring these surfaces and cleaning them while preventing damage can be a difficult and intimidating task without the right knowledge, tools, and products on your side. Follow along to learn more about rust and the best ways to professionally remove it from all types of surfaces around your property.

What is Rust and How Does it Form?

Rust is a reddish –brown chemical compound made when iron and oxygen react with moisture.  Other chemical compounds found in substances like acid rain, seawater and the salt-loaded spray applied to snowy roads tend to speed the process of rusting and other forms of corrosion. If left unattended, rust can ultimately begin to eat away at surfaces and permanently affect their appearance and even structural integrity.

Best Ways to Remove Rust Stains

Soft Washing

Soft Washing uses a low-pressure combination of water and safe, compatible cleaning chemicals to treat and remove organic matter such as mildew, rust, mold, algae, fungus, and spider webs from exterior surfaces. Surfaces that should be soft washed rather than pressure washed include wood siding, stucco, roof shingles, windows, and window screens.

Pressure Washing

Pressure washing uses a high-pressure stream of water to remove all types of common debris including loose paint, rust, mold, grime, dust, mud, and even chewing gum from outside objects. Rusted surfaces that are safe to pressure wash include hardwood decks, concrete, brick, and vinyl siding.

Worst Ways to Remove Rust Stains

Bleach

Bleach has finally met its match and, surprisingly, it’s ordinary rust! One of the main ingredients in bleach is sodium hypochlorite, an oxidizing agent that will actually create more rust when applied to rusty surfaces or fabrics.

Vinegar

Despite contrary belief, cleaning rusted surfaces with vinegar can actually speed up rusting because it contains a dilute form of acetic acid. If this acid is in fact used on rust-prone objects, it will need to be neutralized in order to stop the corrosive process from continuing any further.

Final Thoughts

Unlike other rust removers, soft and pressure washing does not contain acids that could potentially damage or discolor surfaces for good. Commercial and residential property owners in South Baltimore can trust Hydra Pressure Washing LLC for exterior cleaning services focused on rust, dirt, mold, and other common outdoor stain removal. Visit our website for a full list of our services or contact us 24/7 at (410) 977-1357 for more information.