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How To Remove Rust From Patio Furniture

Patio Furniture Rust Removal

How to fix patio chairs that leave rust stains on cement – DIY Grampa
  • Written by Rebecca Hollada on Jun 22, 2009To ensure our content is always up-to-date with current information, best practices, and professional advice, articles are routinely reviewed by industry experts with years of hands-on experience.Reviewed by

Even if you dont have metal patio furniture, youre likely to find some rust on exposed metal parts of plastic patio furniture. Not only is it unsightly, but it can leave stains on clothing, and constant exposure to rust can be problematic to small children and pets. Also, rust from your patio furniture can seep onto concrete, creating stains and making the surface look shabby. Heres a brief guide to removing anything from light to heavy rust on your furniture.

Removing Light Rust

A scouring brush or pad, like steel wool, is just the thing for removing light rust. In some cases, what appears to be rust is merely a rust stain, which can be caused by accumulation of water on certain parts of your furniture. Kerosene can help remove some of these stains just make sure youre in a well-ventilated area and away from open flames.

After using these methods, you may still have some rust visible. However, depending on the style and type of your patio furniture, some people will keep it for an aged look. If youd like to stop here, you should apply a clear coat paint or car wax over the rusted areas. This will maintain the look, yet inhibit new rust from forming. If you choose to remove the remaining rust, move on to the next stage.

Three Ways To Remove Rust From Tools

Grind, sand or scour off the rustPros: No pockmarks and a smooth finish prior to painting. Complete project in a day. No waiting for chemicals to work.Cons: Dirty, dusty, hard work. Requires power tools and lots of elbow grease.


Convert the rustPros: Easiest way to stop rust and prime in one operation. Less expensive than chemical or mechanical methods for removing rust.Cons: Leaves a rough or pockmarked finish thatll show after you paint. May not inhibit rust as long as traditional removal, priming and painting.

Remove rust with chemicalsPros: Soaking removers can do all the work for you if the item is small enough. Spray removers greatly reduce the grunt work, but they require several applications and some scraping.Cons: Long wait times for the liquid removers to do their job. Makes a huge mess. Soaking removers are expensive and can be used only on small items. The surface will still be pockmarked after the rust is gone.

Tip: Dont think you can spray rust-inhibiting paint onto a rusty surface and get good results. The rust will bleed right through the paint and ruin your new paint job. You have to deal with the rust with one of the methods we show here. Theres just no way around it.

  • Choose a regular primer if the surface is completely smooth.
  • To fill in scratches, choose a sandable primer and lightly sand when dry.
  • Use a filler primer to fill in pockmarks.
  • Clean the metal before priming.
  • Apply the primer over the old paint and the newly sanded metal.

Quick Clean Of Wrought Iron Outdoor Furniture

If your time is limited, a general clean can take away some of the dust and dirt that can settle on your wrought iron outdoor furniture. A general clean involves a clean rag and a mix of water and mild detergent soap. Dip the rag into the soap mixture and wipe over the surface. Use another dry, clean rag or towel to dry the excess water. Or alternatively place your furniture out into the sun until dry.

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Cleaning Concrete Using Bleach

  • 1Mix together chlorine bleach and warm water. Pour both liquids into a deep bucket or similar container, being careful not to let them spill or splash. Aim for approximately one quarter of bleach for every three quarts of water you use. Stir the bleach solution using a wooden dowel.XResearch source
  • Chlorine bleach is a caustic chemical that can be extremely harmful if ingested, inhaled or contacted with bare skin. Whenever possible, wear gloves, eye protection and a ventilator or breathing mask when working with bleach.
  • Never combine bleach with hot waterthe steam emitted from the water can carry bleach fumes with it, creating a potential breathing hazard. Heat may also partially neutralize the effects of bleach.XResearch source
  • 2Brush the bleach over the stained concrete. Apply the bleach solution using a long-handled brush or roller. As an alternative, you could place the chlorine mixture in a sprayer to avoid making a mess and exposing your extremities to harsh chemicals. Pay special attention to spotted mildew growth and areas with especially heavy discoloration.
  • Test a sample of diluted bleach on an out-of-the way area of the concrete to make sure it wont leech the color out of a treated surface.
  • Be sure to work in a well-ventilated space. If your patio is partially covered, leave the doors and windows open and plan on spending no longer than about ten minutes at a time inside the enclosure.
  • Remove Rust From Patio Furniture With Aluminum Foil

    How to Remove Rust From Patio Furniture With Ketchup ...

    If youve ever come close to using aluminum foil, its likely that youve only used it to wrap food in get-together parties and backyard grilling. But do you know that you can also use it to clean rust from your patio furniture?

    First, get the WD-40 spray and apply it to all the rusted areas of your furniture piece. Wipe the area with a piece of clean cloth to remove grease and dirt.

    Prepare a mixture of water and salt in the right proportion. Roll a large piece of aluminum foil until its in the shape of a ball then dip into the salty water. Now use the foil to scrub and clean off the rust from the furniture.

    Youll need to repeat the process above several times depending on the extent of the rust. This should take only a few minutes if the rust spreads only to a small section of the furniture.

    Youll have to put up some serious work if the rust spreads to a great extent, but the results will be worth it nonetheless.


    Also Check: How To Identify Vintage Wrought Iron Patio Furniture

    More Outdoor Furniture Cleaning Tips

    While Charlies Soap Indoor/Outdoor Cleaner makes it easy to clean grimy or rusted outdoor furniture, you can go one better by preventing rust and grime from building up in the first place. Using patio furniture covers can offer some protection in the off-season, as can storing your outdoor furniture inside a shed, basement, or garage.

    Even if you leave your furniture and other fixtures outdoors during the winter, take your outdoor furniture cushions inside.

    Make sure metal items are fully dry before covering or storing to help prevent rust. Another way to prevent rust is to spray Charlies Soap surface cleaner on the item before storing, and then allowing the cleaner to dry on the item without rinsing it off.

    Thats right. Charlies Soap natural indoor/outdoor surface cleaner can work as a rust preventative, too. We told you it was versatile! And dont forget it contains all-natural ingredients that make it kind to the environment.


    Once youre done cleaning your outdoor furniture, you can continue to use Charlies Soap surface cleaner in, around and outside the house to keep countertops, carpet, floors, camping gear, home siding, driveways, and even bicycles happy and clean. Stock up now at Charlies Soap.com.

    Oxalic Acid Rust Removal

    Using oxalic acid is quite risky but it removes rust quite fast. For this method, you need to take certain precautions. Before using oxalic acid, wear rubber gloves, goggles and a nose clip. Try not to inhale fumes because they are toxic. Since, furniture is too big to completely cover in the oxalic acid and water solution, you can pour it in small amounts and use a steel wool to scrub the area.

    As mentioned earlier, the reason why you cannot use these store cleaning agents on the furniture is because theres a possibility that the furniture might get damaged beyond repair.

    Using WD-40 multi use after you have cleaned off the rust is highly recommended because it is a high quality, multi-use agent. WD-40® offers multiple advantages when used to remove rust from metal!

    These rust cleaning tips can be used every time. With the help of WD-40 you can be sure that the rust will be kept to a minimum. WD-40 offers three advantages when it comes to keeping rust at bay. Once you have cleaned the rust, you can use WD-40 for the following things:


  • To Lubricate Rust Prone Parts
  • Parts of furniture that get stuck such as table legs can be easily loosened. It keeps them well lubricated and in working condition every time you open them.

  • Penetrates Rusted Parts
  • If the furnitures armrests have gotten stuck together, you can apply WD-40 with the smart straw. Within a few minutes, they will come apart.

  • Displaces Moisture
  • Also Check: Keeping Cats Off Patio Furniture

    When Rust Stains Your Wooden Deck

    There are several different ways to remove rust stains from your deck. One of the most common and potentially simplest ways is to use white vinegar. All you have to do is put vinegar on a cloth and then wipe the stain.

    Afterward, you should take another cloth and wipe the area until it is dry. If you have a very severe rust stain on your deck , you will likely have to power wash, sand and stain or paint that area of the deck.


    How To Rejuvenate Faded Metal Outdoor Furniture Using Rust

    How to Paint Rusty Metal Patio Furniture

    One of the best ways to enjoy a backyard and patio is with a beautiful, welcoming space with furniture that catches your eye. But that furniture, especially metal outdoor furniture, can take a beating from the elements and look worn and faded. Today Im going to share with you one of the easiest and cheapest ways to update your outdoor space how to rejuvenate faded metal outdoor furniture using spray paint.

    Its an easy project that anyone can tackle in an afternoon. Plus refurbishing faded metal outdoor furniture this way will help your wallet, costing a fraction of the price of brand new furniture.

    This post contains affiliate links, including but not limited to Amazon Associates. As such, I earn from qualifying purchases. Full disclosure located here.

    Heres my metal outdoor side table. I picked it up for free last year from a neighbor through a Facebook Freebie group. Its a small round metal outdoor side table. Very unassuming. But I see a lot of potential in it. It would be perfect in a corner of my patio to hold a small planter, or sit next to my chair for my morning tea or a good book. Or hold a Sangria pitcher and glasses for two.

    While it was in overall decent shape when I picked it up from my neighbor, I wasnt keen on the color. I wasnt necessarily repulsed by the color. It just didnt do anything for me. So I decided to refurbish this faded metal outdoor furniture piece and Im so glad I did!


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    How To Clean Patio Cushions With Lemon Juice Soap And Salt

    This is a classic recipe to save your outdoor cushion from that permanent rusted stain. Here is what you will need:

    • A Toothbrush

    Now follow the instruction downs described below:

    • To a small bowl, add 2 teaspoons of salt.
    • Now add 2 Tablespoons of Liquid Soap
    • Now also add 2 Tablespoons of Vinegar.
    • Mix this well using a spoon.
    • Now add the juice of half a lemon. Once again stir this well.
    • Once you have stored this well, use a spoon to scoop out a portion and pour it onto the area that contains the rust.
    • Leave this wet mixture on your outdoor cushion. Let the wet mixture do its job by leaving it for 15 minutes.

    Clearing Off The Patio

  • 1Remove all furniture and other objects. Before getting started, youll want to make sure your patio is completely clear. Find a place away from your work area to stash patio furniture, dining sets, planters, grills, toys and anything else that may be damaged by free-flowing water or cleaning solutions. Your work area should ideally be as empty as you can get it.XResearch source
  • Bring lightweight furniture inside, and move heavier pieces to the yard, sidewalk or a covered porch.
  • Prolonged exposure to moisture can cause metal furniture and appliances to rust.XResearch source
  • 2Sweep away excess dirt. Use a broom to dislodge as much loose debris from the patio as you can. This will make it easier to reach the more stubborn stains underneath, as well as give you an idea how extensive the cleaning methods you employ will need to be.XResearch source
  • Substances like compact dirt, dried mulch or sidewalk chalk may need to be scrubbed by hand using an abrasive sponge.
  • 3Spray the patio with a garden hose. Once youve swept the concrete, hose it down with a heavy stream of water. Push the dirt off to an adjoining section of the yard to drain. The concrete will then need time to dry before you can move on to other, more involved methods.XResearch source
  • If its been awhile since you last cleaned your patio, add some mild liquid dish detergent to a bucket of warm water to make a soapy rinse. The surfactants in the soap will help break up dirt and oil more effectively.XResearch source
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    How To Remove Rust Stains From Concrete Without Having To Paint It

    • on Jan 23, 2017Try pouring lemon juice or vinegar on the rust and leave on for awhile then use a scrub brush.
    • on Jan 23, 2017These Hometalkers got really helpful answers that can help you out as well: and
  • William on Jan 23, 2017WD-40 ***** Just spray it with a generous amount of WD-40 and then hose it down with water. ***** Soda ***** Work the cola in with a bristle broom, and leave the cola for about twenty minutes. Mix 1/4 cup laundry detergent with 1/4 cup bleach in 1 gallon warm water and use it to mop up the mess. ***** Oven Cleaner ***** Spray them with Easy Off No Fume Oven Cleaner in the BLUE can. Let it settle for 5-10 minutes, then scrub with a stiff brush and rinse it off with your garden hose at its highest pressure. Severe stains may require a second application. ***** Kool-Aid ***** Nasty rust stains on your concrete? Mix unsweetened lemonade Kool-Aid with hot water. Scrub and the rust stain should come right out. ***** Ammonia ***** Tired of those annoying discolorations on your concrete work? To get rid of them, scrub with 1 cup ammonia diluted in 1 gallon water. Hose it down well when youre done.
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    Hardscaping : How To Care For Metal Patio Furniture

    Patio Furniture Rust Removal

    With spring in swing, were liberating our outdoor furniture from storageand noticing that it could use extra care and cleaning to get in shape for the season.

    Heres our guide to cleaning and caring for metal furniture. .

    N.B.: Featured photograph by Bethany Nauert for Gardenista, from Enchanted Garden: Whimsy and Wit at Palihouse in Santa Monica.

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    What About Stains On My Concrete Patio

    Rust on concrete or pavers can be a bit more complicated than rust on wood because the rust tends to seep down a bit further.

    Luckily the same natural methods of lemon juice or vinegar should work to remove most of the stain. Simply pour the vinegar on the spot, let it sit for about a half-hour, and then scrub it was a brush.

    After you have scrubbed to loosen up the rust, you can wash the area down with water.

    If a natural solution is not working to remove your rust stain, then some chemicals can help, but they are usually a bit harsh. Professional cleaning companies also can be hired for severe stains.

    How To Remove Rust From Sinks And Surfaces

    Potatoes aren’t just for French fries, oh no. They contain contain oxalic acid which actually dissolves rust and so works a treat when you want to remove rust from a sink or another lightly affected surface. Start by slice a potato into two, then coat the open end with Dawn or another dish soap. Next sprinkle baking soda onto the potato and rub it over the rusted area. The combination of the abrasiveness from the salt/baking soda and the cleaning plus dissolving power from the potato and the dish soap should disintegrate the rust nicely. Clean the gunk off and dry thoroughly.

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    How To Paint Rusty Metal Furniture

    Be sure to work in a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors, that’s not exposed to direct sun or strong wind, which can affect the adhesion of the paint. To protect surfaces from overspray, lay down a drop cloth and make sure you’re not spraying too close to the side of your house or other areas where you don’t want paint.

    Proper Storage Of Metal Bottomed Furniture

    How to Refurbish Metal Patio Furniture

    Try to keep your patio clean as much as you can. Keep all metal tools properly, and remove the wet ones as soon as you notice them.

    You can also place felt runners or outdoor mats to protect your concrete. You can try applying a sealant to your metal furniture to prevent rust. You can also apply a sealant to already rusted furniture to prevent the rust from spreading to your concrete.

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