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Gardening

Rust stain on patio slabs

(8 Posts)
Esspee Mon 14-Mar-22 08:54:08

I was disappointed to find one of my paving slabs badly marked by a galvanised planter. Is there any way of removing the mark?

Kate54 Mon 14-Mar-22 09:38:14

A difficult one. We had a new patio last year and opted for paler slabs (virtually white) than we really wanted due to shortages. Bad idea! They show everything. Had to resort to bleach on one or two stains. We sealed them as recommended but that seems to have been a waste of time as they don’t look great at the moment and will need jet washing before the season gets under way.
I’m sure there are products you can try. I also invested in some of those wheeled pot stands which help and also make it easier to move your plants.
Note to self - don’t buy porous slabs in future! And go for a sensible colour......

Kalu Mon 14-Mar-22 09:50:10

I have searched for a product to remove rust stains from a few slabs but so far, haven’t found one.
A friend tells me she has had success at removing the rust with a scrubbing brush and bleach. It’s on my to do list?

Esspee Mon 14-Mar-22 12:30:59

Thanks, OH intends to use lemon juice and failing that bleach.
I was hoping that someone who has been successful at removing rust stains might see this post and advise.
There are patio cleaners on sale but at £16+ I would want to be sure they worked.

Rosie51 Mon 14-Mar-22 19:54:47

I know with laundry I was taught never to use chlorine bleach on rust stains as it makes them worse, even permanent. Lemon juice and salt is a much better option. Of course paving slabs aren't fabric so bleach may not set the stain on them.

karmalady Wed 16-Mar-22 06:33:30

I had 2 large corten steel troughs on my patio and was horrified to see the rust after the troughs were removed. My slabs are just 450mm grey rough concrete and the rust seeped in. It does not come out, I tried every which way so am learning to live with it. Perhaps the sun bleaching will help over time. The rust is very much there but I don`t notice the rust now, after three years. I have used patio cleaner each spring, with a pressure washer, no help at all.

vegansrock Wed 16-Mar-22 06:35:59

Use those rubber pot feet underneath your planters in future, put another pot over the stain.

Esspee Wed 16-Mar-22 07:48:15

Thank you all. If I am successful I will get back and let you know what worked.