The best ways to remove rust from wood decks
Most of the time, wood decks are exposed to many forms of elements that could cause weathering and damage. Constant sun exposure causes wood to crack, while cold weather promotes bacterial growth. The water and mist contribute to the rusting of the nails and screws that held the wood in place.
When these things happen, the shine on wood decking wears off, only to be replaced by an unsightly orange tint of rust, as well as mold and cracks. But there is something that can be done to restore stained wood decks. Here are simple ways you can use as a reference to clean your wood decks.
- sodium percarbonate
- To use, simply mix one part sodium percarbonate with one part water. For a much stronger solution, simply add more sodium percarbonate.
- Dip and soak the stiff nylon brush in the solution, then use it to scrub the stained deck. Do this until all rust stains are completely removed.
- White vinegar
- To remove rust stains, soak a clean cloth or sponge with white vinegar, then use it to wipe any rust stains off the wood deck.
- Wipe area immediately with a clean, dry cloth.
- borax and lemon
- Mix one part Borax with a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Dip a stiff nylon brush or sponge into the solution and scrub the stained wood deck with it.
- Once the rust stains are gone, rinse the treated area with water and pat dry.
Sodium percarbonate is a colorless, hygroscopic, crystalline oxidizing agent. It is commonly used in the manufacture of environmentally friendly laundry detergents. When sodium percarbonate mixes with water, it releases sodium carbonate and hydrogen peroxide. These two components are known safe and effective cleaning agents. Given all of that, baking soda is a surefire way to remove rust stains from wood decks.
White vinegar is mainly preferred for removing rust stains. Apple cider vinegar can also be used for this purpose. White vinegar is most effective when it is not diluted. But since vinegar is acidic, it is recommended not to smear the areas that are not stained with rust, so that the unaffected wooden deck is whitened.
Borax, or baking soda, is a common ingredient in many household cleaning products.
If in case, all of these are not effective enough in removing very stubborn rust stains from wood decking, you may want to consider using commercial rust removal products. But do this only when all your safe options are completely exhausted.