Pressure washing is the ideal solution for removing dirt and grime from your properties, driveway, and other surfaces. A single high-pressure cleaning session can transform your buildings and grounds and remove stubborn mildew, mold, and stains. Still, many property managers and owners wonder whether pressure washing is effective on rust, too.
We have great news: with pressure washing, rust removal is a breeze. Whether you have unsightly orange rust stains you want to remove or want to remove rust accumulation on metal surfaces before repainting them, pressure washing is a safe, effective, and time-saving solution. With help from the go-to experts in pressure washing in Orlando, FL, you can eliminate those pesky trouble spots in no time.
What Is Rust, Anyway?
Before we get into pressure washing rust removal, it’s helpful to understand rust and why it forms.
Rust is the result of oxidation that occurs when iron or steel comes in contact with moisture and oxygen. As the oxidation eats away at the metal surfaces, it creates rust patches that spread. Eventually, the rust particles can eat all the metal, destroying the surface.
Rust stains can form when metal objects, like nails and screws, cans, or tools, remain in contact with wet surfaces for extended periods. Water dripping from rusty surfaces, like gutters or pipes attached to buildings, can also lead to ugly stains. The stains themselves aren’t rust, but they are stubborn and not easy to remove.
How Pressure Washing Eliminates Rust
High-pressure washing is an effective method for removing rust and stains. However, this isn’t a project for untrained individuals. Simply pointing a high-pressure spray of water at the surface might loosen some of the rust from the surface, but it can also cause damage if you use too much pressure in the wrong area.
That said, the average consumer pressure washer may not be powerful enough for thorough pressure washing rust removal. Most pressure washers sold in home improvement stores have a maximum psi of 3,000, but rust removal may require up to 6,500 psi. A professional service has the heavy-duty equipment and in-depth knowledge to safely remove the rust without damage.
In some cases, the crew may also need to use chemicals to loosen and remove rust. Applying a rust remover before pressure washing can improve results, but it’s best to leave these products to the professionals for safety reasons.
The Benefits of Pressure Washing to Remove Rust
Pressure washing is the first choice for surface cleaning in many situations because it can deliver exceptional results and totally transform a dirty and dingy-looking surface into a clean one that looks like new.
However, using it to handle rust offers additional advantages.
Safer Than Sanding
Cleaning surfaces with rust accumulation can be a big job that requires a great deal of elbow grease. The most common alternative to pressure washing rust removal is sanding or grinding, which can be time-consuming and tedious. Not to mention, it creates other issues, including:
- Toxic dust in the air
- A sharp surface edge
- Removal of more surface area
Ultimately, pressure washing rust removal is easier and eliminates the health hazards and extra work inherent in other methods. Pressure washing leaves behind a smooth, rust-free surface that’s ready for paint or sealant.
More Thorough Cleaning
When you focus on rust removal, it’s easy to miss other stains or grime that require attention. Hiring a professional service to pressure wash your building ensures that every problem area receives attention, not just the rust. For example, pressure washing the driveway or parking lot can eliminate oil stains, algae, and dirt in addition to rust stains.
Environmentally Friendly
Many cleaning products and rust removers contain harsh chemicals that can discover surfaces, harm plants, and cause other hazards when they soak into the soil or run down to the sewer lines.
Pressure washing companies take their responsibility to protect the environment seriously, and use safe, non-toxic products to achieve the deepest clean. In the event they need to use chemicals to tackle stubborn rust spots, they’ll use the safest options possible.
Don’t Wait to Deal With Rust
If you discover rust spots or stains, the sooner you deal with them, the better. Although pressure washing is the best way to get rid of stubborn stains on concrete, for example, the longer the rust sits on the surface, the deeper it will seep into the porous surface. At a certain point, these deep-set stains will be impossible to remove.
Taking care of rust right away also helps keep it from spreading. Cleaning and smoothing the surface with a pressure washer, then applying fresh paint or sealant, can keep siding, deck, outdoor furniture, playground equipment, or other metal items in good condition longer.
Trust the Professionals for Pressure Washing and Rust Removal
When you need pressure washing rust removal on your properties, get in touch with Community Concierge Services at (800) 742-9176. Our experts know how to handle even the biggest jobs, and will apply their expertise in cleaning methods, how long to pressure wash, and stain removal to restore a pristine, safe, and well-maintained property. Just reach out today.