Cleaning Driveways with RustAid
- , by Trudy Chuoke Trudy Chuoke
About this time of the year, I answer the questions about rust stains on concrete driveway and sidewalks caused by Ironite applied to the lawn. Ironite is a synthetic lawn additive that will green up your grass in a hurry. However, if you over spray and get some on the concrete, it stains immediately. So, your yard might look good, but the concrete looks bad. Here are some tips to using RustAid.
First remove any leaves and debris on the driveway or sidewalks. Water in the surrounding landscaping. Then on a dry surface, apply RustAid full strength. You can use a garden pump up sprayer or a plastic watering can if the stains are minimal. You will immediately start to see the stain clear. Then when the stain is gone, rinse thoroughly. Let it dry. If you still see a shadow of a stain, repeat the process. Water the landscaping again.
I like RustAid because it requires no scrubbing. It is specially formulated to react with oxidized iron to neutralize and remove tough iron stains from fertilizers, and well water stains. You can use it on most outdoor surfaces from concrete, pavers, stucco, lawn furniture, vinyl siding, fiberglass, and wood.
RustAid also will remove hard water stains and calcium stains. Do not apply to any paint, stain or surface containing iron oxide pigments. In other words, the surface is red. And it might etch glass so rinse immediately if you get it on windows, sliding glass doors. As a precaution you should use gloves and eye protection while using this product. You should find it at any good hardware store near you and on our website, www.happyhandyman.com.
I’ve got a few tips that I wanted to add to the article this week. First, what you should be doing in your yard right now... is applying a pre-emergent. Look for anything that has Dimension in it. This is great for South Texas. You will keep out weeds and stickers in the yard and flower beds. You need to do this now before the temperature heats up to over 60 degrees in the morning. In three weeks, it will be too late. Then after you have done that, apply a compost. So many people ask me about winterizers, and I have asked many garden radio personalities, and they all say you don’t need them in S. Texas. Just put on a good organic compost and that will add nutrients to your soil. That will improve soil structure and enhances water holding ability in the lawn. It also supports soil microbes, which are the backbone of the soil. Build your soil up, before it starts to heat up.
Now to the email….
Question: Last week we had a really strong wind, and it knocked a small concrete birdbath over and a piece broke off the bowl. This birdbath is very important to me and to the birds that come to visit. What would be the best way to put a pie shaped piece back into place.
Answer: Use a little PC-7. This strong epoxy will reattach just about anything. It’s a clear epoxy that is thick and grab quick. You will need to clamp and secure it during the time that it is curing. Which will take about 48 hours. After it cures, brush the inside with a couple of coats of Through the Roof and that will keep it from leaking and is safe for the birds.
Question: I have a rental and in the switching of tenants I noticed that the dishwasher has some rust on the inside racks. It has rusted where it has lost the rubber coating. Well, I was going to order new racks, but the price is almost as much as a new dishwasher. Since this is a rental, I want to fix instead of replace. Any suggestions?
Answer: First take care of the rust with Restore Rust Converter. Using a small brush, wipe across the exposed rack areas and let dry for 24 hours. After curing apply ReRack Dishwasher Rack Repair. It comes with a small brush to get into small areas. I would put on two coats. Once dried, this will give you a repaired rack that will stand up to the hottest water and strongest dishwasher cleaner. Also clean the dishwasher with a product called Dishwasher Magic. It will make the inside look new again and clean out all the jets, so your dishwasher cleans better than ever.