Rust Removal
in Dacula, GA
Iron stains, fertilizer rust, sprinkler marks, and battery acid streaks don't come off with a garden hose. We use professional-grade rust removal chemicals and pressure washing to eliminate rust stains from concrete, driveways, sidewalks, siding, and more.
Rust stains are some of the most stubborn discolorations you can get on a surface. They show up as dark orange, reddish-brown, or yellowish streaks that stand out against everything around them. You might notice them on your driveway where a car leaked coolant, on your sidewalk where the sprinkler hits metal fixtures every morning, or running down the side of your house from old nails and metal flashing. Once a rust stain sets into concrete or siding, regular pressure washing alone will not remove it. Water just moves the stain around.
At Kidd's ProWash, rust removal is a specialty service we offer across Dacula, Lawrenceville, Buford, Auburn, Grayson, Suwanee, Duluth, and Snellville. Chase built this company five years ago on the idea of people over profits, and that means we take the time to actually fix the problem - not just spray water at it and hope for the best. We use targeted rust removal chemicals that dissolve iron deposits at the molecular level, then wash everything clean so the stain is gone for good.
What Causes Rust Stains on Your Property?
Rust stains come from iron. When iron-containing metal or minerals come into contact with water and oxygen, they oxidize and leave behind that distinctive orange-brown discoloration. Around Gwinnett County, there are several common sources of rust stains on residential and commercial properties.
Fertilizer Stains
Iron-based lawn fertilizer is one of the biggest causes of rust stains on driveways and sidewalks around here. The granules land on concrete, get wet, and leave bright orange spots that won't wash away with water.
Sprinkler Systems
Well water or irrigation systems with high iron content spray rusty water onto driveways, walkways, siding, and fences. Over time, the stains build up and create streaky orange patterns across the surface.
Metal Fixtures & Hardware
Old nails, screws, metal flashing, mailbox posts, iron railings, and outdoor furniture all rust over time. Rain washes the rust runoff onto nearby concrete, siding, and brick, leaving streaks that get worse every season.
Well Water & Iron-Rich Water
Many properties in the Dacula and Auburn areas use well water or have naturally high iron content in their water supply. Anywhere that water touches - house siding, patios, driveways - eventually develops rust staining.
Vehicles & Equipment
Cars, trucks, lawn mowers, and trailers leak fluids that contain iron. Battery acid is another common one - it leaves ugly stains on garage floors and driveways that look like rust and require chemical treatment to remove.
Construction & Rebar
New construction and home renovation projects expose rebar, metal shavings, and iron dust. Rain washes these particles onto concrete and other surfaces, creating rust stains that appear seemingly out of nowhere.
Why Rust Stains Don't Come Off with Regular Cleaning
If you have tried to pressure wash a rust stain off your driveway and it barely budged, you are not alone. Rust stains behave differently than most other stains. Here is why they are so stubborn:
Regular dirt, mold, and algae sit on the surface. You can blast them off with water. Rust, on the other hand, is a chemical stain. Iron oxide particles bond to the pores of concrete, brick, stone, and other materials at a molecular level. Water pressure alone does not break that chemical bond - it just moves loose surface material around.
The Georgia heat makes things worse. Sun bakes rust stains deeper into surfaces, and the humidity keeps the iron reacting with the surface material. A fertilizer stain that lands on your driveway in the spring can be deeply set by summertime. The sooner you treat it, the easier and more complete the removal will be.
Treat rust stains as soon as you notice them. Fresh rust stains come off much easier than stains that have been baking in the Georgia sun for months.
Surfaces We Remove Rust Stains From
Rust stains show up on just about every exterior surface. Each material reacts differently to iron staining and requires a different treatment approach. We handle all of the common surfaces found around Gwinnett County properties.
Concrete Driveways & Sidewalks
The most common surface for rust stains. Concrete is porous and absorbs iron deposits quickly. We use acid-based rust removers that penetrate the pores and dissolve the iron without etching the concrete.
Brick & Stone
Rust streaks running down brick walls and stone retaining walls from metal fixtures above. Brick is very porous, so iron stains can run deep. Our chemicals pull the stain out of the pores without damaging the masonry.
Vinyl & Hardie Board Siding
Sprinkler overspray and metal flashing runoff leave rust streaks on house siding. We treat the stains with surface-safe rust removers and rinse clean as part of our house washing process.
Stucco & EIFS
Rust stains on stucco run into the texture and are nearly impossible to remove without the right chemicals. We treat stucco carefully so the finish stays intact while the stain disappears.
Pool Decks & Patios
Metal patio furniture legs and iron-rich well water leave rust rings and stains on pool decks and patio surfaces. We remove the stains and restore the clean look around your outdoor living areas.
Fences & Retaining Walls
Metal fence posts, hardware, and rebar inside retaining walls bleed rust onto surrounding surfaces. We treat the stain at the source so it stays clean longer.
Our Rust Removal Process
Rust removal is not a one-size-fits-all job. The type of surface, the source of the rust, and how long the stain has been there all affect how we approach it. Here is what we do:
Identify the Source
Before we treat the stain, we figure out where the rust is coming from. If it's a leaking sprinkler head, corroded flashing, or fertilizer residue, we'll let you know so you can address the root cause and prevent the stain from coming back.
Surface Assessment
We evaluate the surface material - concrete, brick, siding, stucco - and the severity of the staining. This determines which rust removal product we use and at what concentration.
Apply Rust Remover
We apply a professional-grade rust removal chemical directly to the stain. These products contain oxalic acid or similar compounds that react specifically with iron oxide, dissolving the rust at the molecular level without harming the underlying surface.
Dwell Time
The chemical needs time to work. We let it dwell on the stain for the appropriate amount of time based on the severity of the staining and the surface type. Rushing this step means incomplete removal.
Agitate & Rinse
For heavy stains, we agitate the product with brushes to help it penetrate deeper. Then we rinse everything clean with pressure washing or soft washing depending on the surface. Delicate surfaces like siding get gentle treatment. Hard surfaces like concrete can handle more pressure.
Second Treatment if Needed
Deep or old rust stains sometimes need a second application. We repeat the process until the stain is fully removed or reduced to the greatest extent possible. We don't leave until the job is done right.
Common Rust Stain Scenarios We Handle
Every rust removal job is a little different. Here are the situations we see most often across Dacula and Gwinnett County:
Why DIY Rust Removal Usually Doesn't Work
You might have tried CLR, vinegar, lemon juice, or a store-bought rust remover from the hardware store. Sometimes those products lighten the stain a bit, but they rarely remove it completely from exterior surfaces. Here is why:
Consumer rust removers are formulated for small indoor applications - sinks, bathtubs, and tools. They are not concentrated enough to treat large outdoor stains on porous materials like concrete and brick. The active ingredients are too diluted, and the product evaporates before it has time to work on an outdoor surface in the Georgia heat.
We use professional-grade products that are specifically designed for exterior rust removal on masonry, concrete, and siding. They are stronger, they work faster, and when combined with proper pressure washing technique, they get the stain out completely - something a spray bottle and a scrub brush just can not do.
Avoid using bleach on rust stains. Bleach can actually set rust stains permanently by oxidizing the iron further. If you have a rust stain, call us before trying household chemicals that could make the problem worse.
Bundle Rust Removal with Other Services
Most of the time, rust stains are not the only thing going on with your property. If we are already there treating rust on your driveway, it makes sense to take care of the whole surface while we are at it. We can combine rust removal with a full driveway cleaning to get rid of oil stains, tire marks, and mold too. Your driveway will look brand new.
If the rust is on your house siding from sprinkler overspray or metal flashing, we can pair the rust treatment with a full house washing. And if you are getting ready to seal your concrete, rust stains need to come out first - sealer will lock them in permanently if they are not removed beforehand.
Bundle your rust removal with driveway cleaning or house washing and save time and money by getting everything done in one visit.
Why Choose Kidd's ProWash for Rust Removal
Chase Kidd started Kidd's ProWash five years ago right here in Dacula. He grew up in construction, worked as a software engineer at GM, and then came back to build something meaningful in his own community. He lives here with his wife and two boys (with a third on the way), and he treats every customer's property like it's his own.
Rust removal is one of those jobs where experience and the right products make all the difference. We have seen every type of rust stain on every type of surface across Gwinnett County. We know which chemicals to use, how long to let them work, and how to rinse without spreading the stain. Our motto is "people over profits" - we give you honest advice, honest pricing, and we do not cut corners.
We carry full commercial insurance and serve Dacula, Lawrenceville, Buford, Auburn, Grayson, Suwanee, Duluth, and Snellville. If you are in Gwinnett County, we can get to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Concrete is the most common surface we treat for rust stains. We use oxalic acid-based products that dissolve the iron deposits inside the pores of the concrete without damaging the surface. Fresh stains come off completely. Very old or deeply set stains may leave a faint shadow, but the improvement is dramatic.
It depends on the size and number of stains, the surface material, and the severity of the staining. Small fertilizer stain treatments might start around $75 to $150. Larger areas with heavy staining cost more. We provide free quotes and can often give a ballpark over the phone if you send us photos.
The stain itself will not come back once we remove it. But if the source of the rust is still there - a leaking sprinkler, corroded flashing, or ongoing fertilizer application - new stains will eventually appear. We always identify the source and let you know what you can do to prevent future staining.
No. Bleach oxidizes iron, which can actually set the stain permanently into the surface. If you have a rust stain, avoid bleach and call us instead. The right product makes all the difference between removing the stain and making it worse.
Yes. We remove rust stains from vinyl siding, Hardie board, stucco, brick, and painted surfaces. Sprinkler overspray and metal flashing runoff are the most common causes of rust on siding. We use surface-safe products that won't damage your siding or paint.
Most rust removal jobs take 30 minutes to a couple of hours depending on the number and severity of the stains. The chemical needs dwell time to work, so the job is not just about how fast we can spray. We take the time to do it right.
Get a Free Rust Removal Quote
Rust stains do not get better on their own - they get worse. The longer they sit, the deeper they go, and the harder they are to remove. Send us a message or give us a call and we will get you a free quote. If you can text or email us a photo of the stain, we can usually give you a ballpark right away.
Check out all of our pressure washing services to see what else we can take care of while we are at your property. From rust removal to driveway cleaning to full house washing, we handle it all across Gwinnett County.
Ready to See the Difference?
Get a free, no-obligation quote from Kidd's ProWash. We serve Dacula, Lawrenceville, Buford, Auburn, Grayson, and all of Gwinnett County.