With the return of sunny days, rust often reappears on garden furniture, tools or exterior surfaces. Difficult to remove, these stains can nevertheless disappear thanks to a natural, simple and effective method, without using aggressive products.
Rust stains on exterior tiles generally appear after prolonged contact with a metal object exposed to moisture. Table legs, garden chairs, metal pots or planters fitted with rusty screws can leave reddish or orange marks on the ground. Rain and watering promote the oxidation of the metal, which ends up impregnating the tiles. In certain cases, these traces can also be caused by water rich in iron, particularly when it comes from a borehole. Over time, iron deposits oxidize and form stains that are difficult to remove.
And it is difficult to remove rust from tiles because it seeps through. It’s not just a stain on the surface: iron oxides penetrate the microcracks or pores of the tiles, especially if it is a slightly porous material like terracotta or certain stoneware. And the longer the rust sits, the more it sticks. It can even deeply stain the surface, especially with heat and humidity, which speeds up the process.
If we know the effectiveness of baking soda, mixed with a little water to form a paste, that of white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide, when even these products do not overcome it, it is time to turn to a grandmother’s tip that has proven its worth. Start by blotting the area to dry the surface thoroughly. Pour lemon juice over it, then add coarse salt and leave to act for a good two hours. Then rub gently with a steel sponge and that’s it, you will find immaculate tiles, as on the first day. In fact, citric acid attacks rust while salt reinforces the abrasive action.
The ketchup trick also exists and it’s not so far-fetched: the acetic acid it contains (as in vinegar) can act a bit like lemon. But the effect is often less powerful. Let’s say it can work on a light stain.
To avoid the appearance of rust stains on exterior tiling, be careful not to place metal objects directly on the ground, especially if they are in regular contact with water. Consider using runners or wooden blocks under pots and garden furniture. If your tiles are porous, a water-repellent treatment helps limit infiltration. In case of rain or watering, it is also useful to dry the affected areas quickly. Finally, a little regular maintenance of the furniture, with anti-rust or protective paint, can avoid many unpleasant surprises.
