Symptoms
- Orange-brown stains under furniture legs
- Stains match the shape of furniture feet or frame contact points
- Staining worsens after rain or watering nearby plants
Likely causes
- CommonRusting metal furniture feet or frame in contact with the surfaceUnsealed or worn-coating metal corrodes when exposed to moisture.
- CommonMoisture trapped under furniture feet without airflowAreas that stay damp longer accelerate corrosion at contact points.
What to do
- Move the furniture and assess the extent of rust on both the furniture feet and the stained surface.
- Clean rust stains from concrete or pavers using a rust-specific stain remover or a paste of oxalic acid-based cleaner.
- Scrub gently with a stiff brush, then rinse thoroughly, since some rust removers can affect surrounding vegetation if not rinsed away.
- Sand and treat the rusted furniture feet with a rust converter and touch-up paint to stop ongoing corrosion.
- Add furniture coasters or rubber/plastic feet caps under metal furniture to prevent direct contact with the surface going forward.
- Periodically move furniture to allow the surface underneath to dry out and avoid trapped moisture.
Tools and parts
- Stiff brush
- Rust stain remover
- Rust converter/touch-up paint (for furniture)
Concrete rust stain removerSearch: “concrete rust stain remover”
Furniture leg coasters/capsSearch: “outdoor furniture leg protectors”
When to call a pro
Not typically needed for this cosmetic issue; DIY cleaning products handle most rust staining effectively.
Safety
Use caution
Wear gloves and eye protection when using acid-based rust removers, and keep them away from nearby plants and grass.