How to remove rust stains on a patio – experts reveal 5 surprisingly simple methods that work

If your garden furniture has been sitting unused on your patio over the winter, chances are you've been left with some unsightly (and not to mention pretty stubborn) rust stains.

While there are many ways to clean paving slabs, it can be tricky to deal with tougher stains, like getting paint off your patio or removing black spots. Rust, in particular, is notoriously hard to shift—something you may already be familiar with if you've ever had to clean metal garden furniture.

The good news, though, if you are wondering how to remove rust stains on a patio, it is actually pretty easy to get rid of once you know how. And more often than not, the solution may already be sitting in your kitchen cupboards.

'Leaving metal objects on your patio can cause rust stains to appear over time,' explains Steven Holloway of RAK Ceramics UK. 'However, these can easily be removed in a number of ways.'

Steven Holloway

Steven has worked in tiles for 4 decades and is an expert in tile trends. RAK Ceramics is one of the world's largest manufacturers of tiles producing 118 million square metres per year, including outdoor tiles for patios.

5 ways to remove rust stains on a patio

Rust stains on patios can be stubborn, but there are several effective methods to tackle them, says Roisin Smith, professional cleaner at Wecasa.

'The best approach often depends on the severity of the stain and the type of surface, such as concrete, stone, or pavers.

'Whichever method you choose, you should always spot-test any cleaner, especially acidic ones, on a small hidden area of your patio first. Some natural stones are sensitive and may discolour or etch when exposed to acids,' Roisin warns.

1. Use dish soap and water

When it comes to how to remove rust stains on a patio, especially if the stains are fairly light, the experts swear by old-fashioned soap and water.

'For lighter stains, dish soap can be used to break down grease and dirt', says Mark Irving, patio expert at Build & Plumb.

'Mix warm water and dish soap together in a bucket, and apply this mixture to the stained surface. Let the mixture sit until the stain loosens and can be easily removed, and then scrub with a stiff-bristle brush.'

This method may not work to remove the stain completely on the first try, so you may need to repeat the process.

'However, it’s unlikely to be effective on older or set-in stains, as dish soap doesn’t contain the acidity or abrasiveness needed to break down deeper rust,' explains Bill Jarvis, patio sealing specialist at Premium Paints.

Mark Irving

With over 20 years of experience in the building sector, Mark oversees Build & Plumb's operation as a leading online retailer - which provides a selection of high-quality landscaping materials and garden essentials. Mark has a wealth of knowledge surrounding building and renovating that he enjoys sharing with others.

2. Apply a white vinegar solution

There's many things around your home you can clean with vinegar, but you might be surprised to learn that removing rust stains from a patio is one of them.

'White wine vinegar is great for cleaning and it can do wonders with mild rust stains,' says Morris Hankinson, director of Hopes Grove Nurseries. The acidity of the vinegar will dissolve the rust without damaging most patio surfaces.

That said, you shouldn't be using vinegar to clean your entire patio, warns Mark. 'Only use it sparingly on rust stains', he advises.

If you want to use vinegar, give this method a go: Dilute the vinegar (this Miniml unscented white vinegar from Amazon is a good, eco-friendly version) with water in a spray bottle in a 50:50 ratio, and spray it directly onto the stained areas. Leave the vinegar to sit for an hour, and then scrub the stain with a stiff brush and rinse with water.

Larger or deeper stains may require multiple applications or a stronger solution, Bill points out.

'Vinegar is most effective on small patches of rust on materials like concrete, tile, or stone. Since it’s only mildly acidic, it doesn’t penetrate deeply and tends to evaporate quickly, especially in warm or sunny conditions,' he says.

Morris Hankinson

Morris Hankinson is the founder and managing director of Hopes Grove Nurseries Ltd, the UK’s only specialist grower-retailer of hedging plants. He established the thriving business in 1992, shortly after graduating with a Commercial Horticulture Degree from Writtle College, Essex.

3. Try fresh lemon juice and baking soda

We love a good lemon cleaning hack, and when mixed with baking soda, it becomes an effective solution for how to remove rust stains on a patio.

'A mix of lemon juice and baking soda can work but may take a few applications depending on how heavy the rust stain is,' says Morris.

'Simply cover the rust stain with baking soda and add some lemon juice on top. Leave this for about 15 minutes, scrub with a stiff brush and rinse off,' he advises.

4. Use a pressure washer

There are many tried and tested ways you can clean a patio without a pressure washer, but there's no denying these powerful garden gadgets can be a game-changer when it comes to blitzing clean your outdoor area.

But will it work on rust? Potentially, yes. Once you know how to use a pressure washer correctly, the key is to pair it with a pre-wash treatment, such as lemon juice or vinegar, recommends Bill from Premium Paints.

'Make sure you’re using the correct nozzle for this to be effective, preferably a 25-degree one – it offers the right balance of pressure and coverage.

'If the stain persists, try a 15-degree nozzle, but be careful as it's much more concentrated and can damage softer materials like tiles if held too close. Keep it roughly 15 inches from the surface and adjust as needed,' he recommends.

We've tried and tested the best pressure washers, so if you are looking to invest, the Karcher K4 Power (available from Amazon) gets our vote.

5. Opt for rust stain removers

Sometimes household remedies just won't cut it, especially if you're dealing with deeper, set-in stains, so you might want to choose a shop-bought solution. This is often the case if you're trying to get paint off concrete or clean decking that has seen better days.

'For tougher marks, rust stain removers are readily available. However, be sure to check it is suitable for use on your patio as different materials have different requirements and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions,' advises Steven from RAK Ceramics.

Morris Hankinson echoes this and warns that these types of removers aren't eco-friendly. 'Shop-bought solutions are available, although many aren’t particularly good for the environment, so do check the label first and use with caution around plants, pets and children,' he says.

We'd recommend this Azpects EASY4Rust Remover available from Build & Plumb, which has an acid-free formula, ensuring you don't damage your surface areas.

What you'll need

FAQs

How do you remove rust from outdoor ceramic tile?

If you have ceramic tiles, the best method to remove them is a combination of white vinegar and baking soda, according to industry professionals.

'It's gentle on ceramic, which can be prone to scratching,' says Bill from Premium Paints.

'Start by pouring undiluted white vinegar directly onto the rust stain and leaving it to sit for around 15 minutes to help break down the rust. Then, sprinkle baking soda over the area. You will notice it start fizzing, which means it's working.

'Using a soft-bristle brush or a non-scratch sponge, gently scrub in circular motions. This helps remove the rust effectively while protecting the surface from marks,' Bill advises.

Once the stain has lifted, rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry the area with a cloth.

Can you remove rust from porcelain tiles?

Understanding how to clean porcelain tiles is key to keeping your patio in tip-top shape, and the good news is you can banish rust from them.

The secret? Use mild household cleaning products to prevent damaging the surface or glaze, says Steven from RAK Ceramics.

'Using mild household products such as white vinegar or lemon juice, a soft brush, and water will remove rust from porcelain tiles. You can also buy rust stain removers that are designed for use on porcelain tiles, but be sure to test the product on a small area before using it and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions,' Steven says.

Now you know how to remove rust stains on a patio, you'll soon be ready to enjoy your sparkly clean patio idea in time for summer!