Remove brown stains from paving stones

Paving stones are often used for paths and areas on properties. They create a characteristic look that is destroyed by brown spots. Fortunately, there are methods to remove the discoloration.

Brown spots: 3 causes

rust

Most often, brown stains on paving stones are caused by rust deposits that appear when items are stored. As soon as the rust gets onto the paving stones through moisture, it settles in them and discolors them reddish brown. Is this triggered by the following causes:

• bucket
• tool
• Decorations of metal
• garden furniture
• ferrous water

As soon as you discover rust stains on paving stones in your garden, you need to act because the stains will not go away on their own like other debris. Before using a cleaning agent, you can try a basic cleaning. This proves to be helpful if the rust stains are new and have not been able to eat their way into the paving stones for a long period of time. Moisten the stones and use a brush to scrub the stains thoroughly. With a little luck you can remove the brown dirt in this way. If this does not work, you will need to use one of the following cleaning agents:

• acidic rust remover
• acid-free rust remover

Paving stones can be used with a classic rust stain remover, but it is only recommended if they are compatible with the acids they contain. If you do not want to purchase an acid-free product, apply a small test amount to one of the paving stones. As soon as the agent foams, the stones will not tolerate it and you will have to use a rust remover that works completely without acids. Once you have decided on a remedy, do the following:

• Mix rust remover with water
• Follow the mixing ratio according to the manufacturer's instructions
• Apply mixture to stains
• Work in with a brush
• then remove with a cloth

Do not leave the product on for too long. After working in, you can wipe it off immediately and the dirt should be gone.

Note: Rust stains are also caused by the use of ferrous fertilizers if they accidentally get onto the paving stones. Use the methods mentioned to effectively clean the stones.

Tannic acid

Along with iron, tannic acids are one of the biggest problems when it comes to staining paving stones. In contrast to rust, however, it is not objects that cause the dirt, but organic materials that have a high proportion of tannic acid. If these are stored in one place for a longer period of time or if it is damp, the tannic acid gets into the paving stones and discolors them. In the event of heavy rainfall, not only can individual tannic acid stains appear, but entire surfaces can be discolored. The following materials should be mentioned here:

• Fall foliage
• Cones (for example the alder)
• Berry
• Products made from fruits (e.g. jam)
• Green waste
• wood
• Wooden products

Oak wood and other types with a high proportion of tannins in particular cause intense brown stains that can only be removed with great effort. Water and a brush are not enough with tannic acid, as it sticks in the stones. Likewise, you cannot use any means that are used for rust, as they have a different basis. The best way to counteract such discoloration is to use mold removers, which can be used on the following surfaces:

• Natural stone
• Tiles

Since concrete is made from natural materials, you can use the mold remover to remove stains from paving stones. Suitable products are available from manufacturers such as Akemi or Moellerstonecare or comparable providers. You just have to make sure that it is a cleaner that can be used outdoors. Once you have a mold remover handy, do the following:

• Paving stones must be dry
• Apply mold remover
• do not dilute
• Exposure time: 30 to 45 minutes (depending on the degree of soiling)
• Brush off stones well
• optionally use a scrubber
• rinse thoroughly
• let dry

The stains should now be gone. When taking effect, make sure that the agent does not dry out. If in doubt, work on the stones earlier. If you don't want to use detergents, you can wait until next spring. Precipitation and melting snow clean the stones by themselves. It is therefore often not necessary to clean the stains caused by tannic acid if you do not find them to be bothersome.

Note: Be careful not to place cardboard packaging on paving stones in wet weather. Cardboard also contains tannic acid, which is distributed on the stones when the cardboard softens.

Potted plants

In rare cases, the placing of potted plants on the paving stones can lead to discoloration. The reason for this is moisture that collects under the buckets if they are not provided with collecting containers or if they are constantly overflowing.

The excess moisture ensures that organic residues from the substrate encourage the formation of stains if these are not removed. Another reason for this is the acids contained in the substrate, which are washed down by the water. These make the stone more prone to staining. The dirt is removed in the same way as rust stains, which has already been described above. To prevent the formation of further discoloration, you should observe the following points:

• pour as needed
• Throw away excess water
• optionally dry the floor
• use larger coasters
• raise
• completely change location

Of course, organic matter should be removed when optimizing the location of the potted plants. If the paving stones remain dry under the bucket, it is hardly possible for brown dirt to build up. Often it is buckets without a saucer that contaminate the stones, as the moisture is dissipated unhindered onto the surface.