How to get stains off of a concrete or cement garden bench?
By Suzieqmom
@Suzieqmom (2755)
United States
November 11, 2012 1:19pm CST
Does anyone know how to get rust and other outdoor stains off of one of those white concrete decorative garden benches? (I am assuming it is a type of concrete; might also be cement). I want to try bleach but I am not sure if that is too harsh or corrosive. I want to get it clean but I don't want to damage the finish. Does anyone know how to do this successfully?
2 people like this
4 responses
@celticeagle (159609)
• Boise, Idaho
11 Nov 12
You might try at the www.theruststore.com or http://www.essortment.com/remove-stain-concrete-46851.html
The last one has some very good information on what not to do. Good luck!
@Suzieqmom (2755)
• United States
11 Nov 12
Thanks! I will check them both out--especially the what NOT to do tips! 
@Suzieqmom (2755)
• United States
14 Nov 12
The power washing did remove many of the stains, but not the rust. So now I have to try some of the other suggestions listed on the pages you referred me to. Thanks for the tips!
@jillhill (37354)
• United States
11 Nov 12
I am thinking that my parents had one of these and my mother just washed it with a laundry detergent with bleach in it....so you have the bleach but it's not too strong and you have the soap to aid it. Not for sure though....that was a long time ago.
@Suzieqmom (2755)
• United States
11 Nov 12
That's what I was thinking at first but one of the sites that celticeagle suggested said that bleach would make rust stains permanent...so that's no good! I think I will try steam first, and if that doesn't work, maybe dish detergent or laundry detergent without bleach and see what happens.
@Asylum (47893)
• Manchester, England
11 Nov 12
I believe that a steam cleaner would do the job quite well. My neighbour bought one a while ago and used it to clean the stone flags around the garden. They came up extremely well and he also cleaned the concrete posts in the same way.
I am not sure what kind of price this type of machine would be, but it should not be too expensive. Try the local DIY store, which should have such items in stock and would be able to explain their uses.
@Suzieqmom (2755)
• United States
11 Nov 12
Yes, this is certainly worth a try--better to use plain hot water first, rather than using chemicals--especially since the site that celticeagle referred me too said that while bleach would work for some types of stains, it will seal in some others!
We have a power washer already; I am assuming that would work the same as a steam cleaner. Worth a try! Thanks!
@mariaperalta (19073)
• Mexico
11 Nov 12
Something hot would do it. As another my lotter said a steam cleaner sureley would work for you. Good luck with it.
