Remove Bore Water Stains at Home
Table of Contents
What Is A Bore Water Stain?
A bore water stain refers to the accumulation of rust in areas where a bore pump is used. With time, the iron oxide in water leaves brown marks on various surfaces on your property. The brown marks grow darker as you continue using the bore water, and if left unattended to, they can be very problematic. In many areas, especially in Western Australia, groundwater contains a high amount of iron oxide.
The iron stains usually come onto the surface, and when the water evaporates or soaks into the ground, the iron residue is left staining the surface. It makes the surface look dirty and nasty, making it necessary to immediately remove the bore water stain. This article provides a guide on how you can remove bore water stains from different surfaces on your property.
Where Can You Find Bore Water Stains?
Bore water staining is mainly found in properties where a bore water pump is used to pump underground water to the surface. This underground water is mostly used for domestic use or irrigation. The water contains iron oxide that produces unsightly rust stains on fences or building paths. This problem is usually more prevalent in low-lying areas.
How Can You Remove Bore Water Stains?
Here are some useful tips and step by step procedures on how you can remove bore water staining from different surfaces.
Bore Water Stain Removal Products
It can be challenging to remove bore stains on various surfaces, especially if the problem has already escalated. That is why it is essential to ensure you remove the water staining as soon as you detect the problem. To avoid problems, you are advised to use non-toxic chemicals to do the cleaning. Moreover, ensure that you use iron stain removers that do not cause any damage to the surface you are dealing with.
You can use non-toxic chemicals alongside low-pressure cleaning to avoid damaging the surface. If you use sandblasting with the right solution, it can help remove iron stuck under your surfaces. For the best results, make sure you use eco-friendly products that are non-toxic, non-acid, bio-degradable products, non-alkaline, and fragrant-free.
Surfaces Affected By Bore Water Stains
Glass
A bore water stain may appear like a tiny droplet or maybe an unusual haziness on your glass. To get rid of the stain, simply use a bore water stain remover and a soft scourer. However, do not allow the cleaning solution to sit or dry on your window frames. Clean it instantly using a soft material to avoid scratching the glass material.
Fence
If a fence surrounds your property, it has a high chance of getting bore water stains. If you have neglected your fence, leaving it corroded and damaged by bore water stains, you can still do something to turn the situation around. The best way to get rid of the stains is by respraying your fence.
You can use the best paint that is stain, mould, and UV resistant. Respraying your bore-stained fence will definitely leave it looking new again.
Tile
Like other stains, regular cleaning of all debris and residue left behind by bore water on your grout and tiles can make a huge difference. With time, iron oxide build-up from the bore water accumulates into layers, making it challenging to get rid of the stains.
An excellent bore water stain removal method is using white vinegar. Mix an equal amount of water and vinegar depending on the intensity of the stains. Proceed to put the solution into a spray bottle. Now spray the solution onto the affected tiles and grout. Allow the solution to sit overnight. Finally, use a brush or sponge to scrub the area and remove the bore water stains.
Note: Vinegar is also an effective agent since it prevents mildew or mould from growing on your tiles.
Avoid using brushes with stiff bristles or an abrasive cleaning solution as you scrub your tiles and grout. It helps prevent any damage that may occur by scraping and scratching the surface.
You can also visit your local store and choose from a wide range of commercial cleaning or stain removal products made to help get rid of bore water stains from grout and tiles. However, take care when using commercial cleaning products that may lead to permanent damage to your flooring.
Brick Wall
Your brick wall is also prone to bore water stains. The best way to get rid of the stains is by using the vinegar and brush method. Below are the supplies and steps for removing bore stains from your brick walls.
Supplies you need:
- Bucket
- Spray bottle
- Nylon scrub brush
- Bottle of undiluted white vinegar
- At least a quarter cup of trisodium phosphate
- Plastic drop cloths
- Warm water
- Protective gear including goggles, a pair of rubber gloves and long clothing
Steps to follow:
- Start by covering any grass in the surrounding area with plastic drop cloths to protect it from any solution runoff. Then, spray all the bricks that have been affected by bore water stains with white vinegar.
- Now scrub the bricks as hard as needed in order to get rid of the bore water stains. Once the stain deposits loosen up, rinse the white vinegar from the bricks using a sprayer or garden hose. Check the bricks to confirm if there are still any stains remaining.
- If you still find some stains, proceed to mix a quarter cup of trisodium phosphate into a gallon of warm water. Use the solution on the stained brick until the stain gets removed. Apply the brick cleaning solution on the stubborn areas and let it sit on for a few minutes before rinsing with water.
- Make sure you wear safety gear such as long clothing, goggles, and rubber gloves when applying the trisodium phosphate.
- Another way you can remove bore water stain from brick is using an industrial brick cleaner. The best products can get rid of the bore water stain fast.
How To Prevent Bore Water Stains After The Removal Process
If you reside in an area prone to bore water stains, you should apply the right preventative measures to avoid the problem from occurring again. The first way is to stop the use of the bore water on your property. However, this method is a bit extreme as it only works if you have other sources of water that you can use domestically and for irrigation.
Another method to prevent bore water stains is to make use of sealants and coatings. After you clean the different surfaces affected by bore water stains, you can apply sealants to seal the surface to enhance its longevity. It helps keep your surface intact and minimises the rate at which the bore water affects your property. It is also effective as it does not require you to stop using bore water.
Hire Professional Services To Help Remove Bore Water Stains
Depending on the intensity of bore water stains on your property, you may find it more appropriate to hire professionals to help. With professional cleaners on your side, they can ensure that they remove the water stains instantly. The experts can also recommend and apply the best preventative measures to use in the process.
Professionals use the right cleaning tools and products that do not cause damage to your surfaces. Moreover, they also use cleaning agents that are eco-friendly and do not cause any health issues. With their services, you can be sure that bore water stains will never be a problem on your property in the future.
