Remove rust from epoxy flooring

[SloppyDogDrool]

I searched but couldn't find anything quite like my problem. I had a cabinet sitting for a few years, it rusted and let behind a pretty thick crusty rust. Tried CLR and scrub brush which got a lot of off but still pretty bad. Been thru 3 rounds with the CLR. I was thinking a rust converter or a polyester wheel on a drill or wire wheel will get it off but ruin the floor. It appears as if the scale is eat into the floor finish. Probably won't get it perfect but would like to clean it up and so it doesn't transfer to anything else I sit there.

 

[Willjd]

I've had good luck with oxalic acid containing cleaners.

 

[Madison_S]

It is possible to remove rust with oxalic acid. Stable acid is a strong acid that can seriously damage the epoxy coating and cause permanent damage to the floor. If rust cannot be removed, I would use the overlay option. Epoxy coatings are applied over the rust to cover the stains.

 

[mikedodge]

I've had good luck with a steam cleaner.

 

[dcg9381]

From what I read, epoxy is fairly resistant to hydrochloric acid (muratic acid). I just cleaned some rust on untreated concrete (driveway) with it (raw concrete does react)... I'd double check on that, dilute it, and try it in a "test area".

 

[8pack]

Ascorbic acid or vitamin c. I use it all the time on rust stains around the pool area. It just needs to sit for awhile. Make a paste and keep it damp. Shouldn’t damage the epoxy.

 

[SloppyDogDrool]

Tried 30% cleaning vinegar. Worked a little but dulled the clear coat on the floor. I'll try the vitamin C.