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fireplace was leaking.. how do i get rust off the stone

18 years ago

We are moving into our first home in 2 weeks. We had to get the fireplace checked out b/c we noticed that it was leaking water. Turns out just needs to be sealed and used. The house has been vacant for a while and was a summer vacation home, so the FP was not used very much in 20 yrs.

There is some rust on the hearth area where the doors are. (which will be removed). Any suggestions on getting the rust out of stone/slate. I am not sure the exact material of that area. Heres a pic of the FP:

Thanks for any help you can give :-)

Ruth

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Comments (2)

kframe19
18 years ago
Well, try mild acids, like lemon juice or white vinegar, first, along with a nylon bristle brush.

Bar Keeper's Friend is also good for removing rust stains.

There's a product that I found at Restoration Hardware that's a rust remover. It works really well, but I'm not finding it in their on-line catalog anymore.
nancyfc
18 years ago
You need a chelating agent for rust, namely oxalic acid. You can buy oxalic acid crystals where paints are sold (it's usually used as a wood bleach), or look for it on the label as an ingredient in products sold for rust stain removal, like Zud or Whink. Because stone is porous, it's always a good idea to use a poultice when removing a stain, to draw the stain up and out, instead of dissolving it deeper into the stone. Home centers sell clay powders for use as a poultice (look in the tile section), or just use corn starch. Mix some oxalic acid crystals, or the cleaning product containing the acid, with the poultice powder (say about 50/50) and enough water to form a thick paste. Apply the paste to the stain, let it dry, and vaccuum up the dried poultice. You may have to repeat this several times. The oxalic acid chemically converts and dissolves the rust, and the poultice absorbs and removes it from the stone.
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