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Stains, Rust and Mildew Removers

Kill Mildew before Painting
To kill mildew on most surfaces use a solution of 10% bleach to cold water. Mix the solution in a pump sprayer or spray bottle and use it before painting mildewed walls and siding. Rinse with clean water and let the surface dry before applying a paint coat. If mildew is a chronic problem use a mildew retardant paint or add a mildew retardant to your finish paint.

Stop Rust
Once rust has begun to form its next to impossible to permanently stop it. It is possible to slow it down however. Scrap, wire brush or sand the rusted surface to remove as much of the oxidized metal as possible. Remove all dust and coat the metal with naval jelly. Naval jelly is a phosphoric acid that converts the red iron oxide (rust) to black iron phosphate. Apply oil on bare metal surfaces after removing the black phosphate coating. When repainting a rusted surface apply repeated coats of naval jelly to convert all the rust and then prime with a rust inhibiting primer and paint. Wear eye protection and latex gloves to avoid acid burns when using naval jelly. Clean spills with plenty of water.

Remove Metal from Ceramic Tile
Aluminum pots and pans can leave marks on porcelain sinks and ceramic tile. Light marks can be removed with repeated scrubbing using a plastic dish pad or an abrasive cleanser. To remove heavy metal marks use an acid metal remover available from hardware stores. Use a little acid on a clean cloth and rub repeatedly until the mark disappears. Wear latex gloves to avoid acid burns.

Repair Water Stains on Painted Surfaces
Shellac or a shellac–based primer–sealer will block most stains including water, ink, smoke, oils, tar, food stains and just about anything that can contaminate wall paint. Shellac stain blockers are available with white pigment added which makes touching–up white paint easier. Use a spray can to make the job quick and easy. Simply spray the stain and touch–up the paint. Coat the area twice to be sure the stain won’t burn thru the touch–up job. Wait about 10 minutes between coats. When the stain blocker is dry, touch–up the wall paint. See Touching-up Wall Paint and Drywall Repair Water Stains for more.

Remove Stains from Wood
Use oxalic acid or laundry bleach to lighten water and urine stains as well as pigmented oil stains in wood floors and other solid wood surfaces. Oxalic acid is commonly available at drug and hardware stores. Make several applications until the desired color is reached. Neutralize the surface using ammonia and water to finish the job. Laundry bleach will also work well to lighten many wood stains. Make repeated application until the desired color is reached. Rinse with water to neutralize the surface. See Bleach and Stains for more information.

Remove Ink Stains
To remove ink from fabrics and most other surface, use acetone on a clean white cloth to dab at the stain to soften and remove it. Acetone is found in many fingernail polish removers or you can buy a small can at a hardware or paint store. Test a hidden spot on the stained surface to be sure the acetone won’t dissolve the finish or remove the dye. Dab at the ink spot until it starts to dissolve. As the ink begins to flow, turn the cloth frequently to a clean spot to soak up the ink and avoid spreading it around.

Remove Dry Paint from Hardware
Remove paint from door hardware and other solid metal surfaces using acetone or lacquer thinner. Be sure the metal is solid and not plated. This process will remove the clear varnish or shellac finish on antique hardware. The clear coat can be reapplied after the paint is removed. Disassemble and remove the hardware. Soak it in a bath of the solvent for about an hour. Use a toothbrush to get into tight spots. Remove the metal from the bath and allow it to dry for a couple of hours before spraying with a clear protective finish.