How To Remove Rust from Flooring

Q: We have pretty bad rust imbedded in our concrete floor.  Would Citranox be the answer to remove rust from flooring?

A: Once rust is embedded in a semi-porous substrate like concrete, removing the rust from flooring can be tough.  We would suggest repeated soaking with very hot (140F/60C or greater) 4% Citranox® Liquid Acid Cleaner and Detergent followed by a water rinse.  Let the Citranox solution soak in, sit, then rinse.  You will likely have to repeat.

Depending on the exact age and oxidation state of the rust, this process may need to be repeated more than once.  For very old applications, you might need to do a very thorough rinse, soak with hot 4% Keylajet® Low-foaming Chelating High Alkaline Liquid, and then rinse.  Possibly you would have to alternate Citranox and Keylajet detergents with thorough rinses in between.  We have seen noted successes in removing rust from flooring, but every application is different.  Foaming floor scrubbers using can be considered as well, where either are foaming or low foaming detergents can be used.

Note that Citranox detergent is a foaming cleaner, while Keylajet detergent is low foaming.  If a low foaming acidic detergent is required, Citrajet® Low-Foam Liquid Acid Cleaner/Rinse is considered.

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