I'm looking for an effective rust stain remover to remove stains from granite steps and adjacent granite areas where wrought iron railing is installed. Today a friend mentioned a product that he thought was called something like OXFOE or OXIFOE. He said nothing works better. Trouble is I haven't had any luck finding a product with the name Oxfoe or Oxifoe. Has anyone else?
Thanks.
You are looking for Oxalic acid, sold as wood bleach, or as a number of rust stain removal products. One that used to be sold in the hardware stores around here was "Bartender's Friend".
Kevin Gallimore
One product that comes to mind is called "Iron Out".
On Sun, 09 May 2004 00:34:36 GMT, "John" brought forth from the murky depths:
Look in local stores for deck bleach/renewer. The active ingredient, oxalic acid, removes iron stains in wood. It should work for stone. CAUTION: Do NOT breathe the dust.
Try lemon juice.
I think Jim is right. You're thinking of the stuff that you put in your water softener right? Purple colored IIRC.
I've used it on rust stained floors with quite good results.
He might mean Ospho... but that is little more than naval jelly.
Many years ago, we used to remove stains like this with a poultice of marble dust and bleach. It worked with some stains... not with others. Instead of bleach, today I might try "Whink," which is available in most grocery stores. Bear in mind, however, that this is an exercise in futility unless you remove the rust donor....
In response to the replies about Iron Out, etc, I have found that oxalic acid based rust removers such as Iron Out and Rust Aid [and Rust Aid Pro] do not work very well on severe rust stains in concrete/masonry. I've been trying to find one that has a totally different chemical formula. We had something in a tiny tube called 'Rust Magic' that worked nearly /instantly/ on rust, but it wasn't for big jobs, just for small stains in clothes. It smelled sort of like slightly rotten watermelons. I've always wondered what was in it. Another thing I've seen is something I think is called 'Aqua-Solv' but I haven't tried it yet.
My thanks to all who replied with suggestions. I think it has to be the Ospho mentioned by Gene Kearns that my friend was referring to.
John
My thanks to all who replied with suggestions. I think it has to be the Ospho mentioned by Gene Kearns that my friend was referring to.
John
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