Do you have unsightly rust stains around your home? Goof Off Rust Stain Remover promises to dissolve rust stains, limescale, and calcium deposits. These brazen claims seem too good to be true, but are they? We’ve taken the time to carefully test and review Goof Off Rust Stain Remover. In the sections below, we will introduce you to this incredible cleaning product.
Who Manufactures Goof Off Rust Stain Remover?
Goof Off Rust Stain Remover is a chemical cleaning product that is manufactured by W. M. Barr. W. M. Barr has been producing home and automotive improvement products for over 70 years. The company was founded by William M. Barr in 1946. Barr’s premier product was a non-flammable paint remover called Klean-Strip. As such, it’ clear that the company has maintained a consistent position in the home improvement industry.
In recent years, W. M. Barr added several new cleaning products to their cleaning chemical line. In 2008, the company welcomed the Goof Off line of cleaning product. The acquisition of Goof Off was part of a broader procurement.
Goof off Rust Remover Outdoor can be found at both brick-and-mortar and online stores. It is just one of 14 heavy-duty stain and substance removers that make up the impressive Goof Off product line.
Goof Off is currently manufactured at a facility in Memphis, Tennessee. It meets all of the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations. You can read the product warnings and recommendations on the company’s webpage.
Goof Off Rust Stain Remover Review
Goof Off Rust Stain Remover Outdoor is a liquid acid that comes in a 1-gallon plastic jug. Its active ingredients include oxalic acid (ethanedioic acid) and hydrogen fluoride (hydrofluoric acid and fluoric acid). These chemicals turn insoluble iron stains into soluble solutions.
First Impression
We purchased a one-gallon container of Goof Off Rust Stain Remover Outdoors. The product comes in a large white jug with a twist-off top. This container is intended for large outdoor rust stains. The container was rather cumbersome to deal with. So, we used a plastic funnel to transfer some Goof Off into an industrial-strength spray bottle.
Goof Off is a spray gel. It sticks to and eats away at rust stains. You do not need to worry about it dripping down vertical surfaces. While this product is labeled for outdoor use, it is also suitable for removing rust from a range of indoor surfaces. Just be sure to check with the manufacturer before giving it a go.
Still, we found the instructions and warnings on the original package to be extremely helpful. Goof off contains caustic chemicals. As such, it’s wise to read the warnings before giving it a try.
Testing it Out
To start things off, we tested Goof Off Rust Stain Remover on an unsightly outdoor rust stain. Last summer, our trusty charcoal grill caused a permanent orange spot on our patio pavers. The stain was large and difficult to remove. Neither white vinegar, soapy water, nor any other DIY cleaners could get rid of it.
When we first applied Goof Off onto the stain, we didn’t have high hopes. However, we were committed to following the manufacturer’s instructions. So, we remained patient throughout the entire process.
First, we transferred some of the Goof Off into a heavy-duty spray bottle. We spritzed it onto the rust stain and waited. In the first few minutes, the stain seemed to fade. We continued to spritz the stain, keeping it wet until the rust faded away completely. This took a few minutes. However, there was no need for us to scrub or scrape at the surface. The Goof Off did all of the hard work.
When we were finished treating the stain, the orange spot was almost gone. All that remained was a discoloration that resembled a dull shadow. We used a hose to rinse off the remaining solution and called it a day. When we checked on stain the next morning, there was no indication that it was ever there.
After a pleasant first-time experience, we decided to test Goof Off Rust Stain Remover on a wider variety of surfaces. It succeeded in removing rust stains from a stucco wall, a wooden porch, a brick walkway, and more. It didn’t seem to matter how long the stain had penetrated the surface. Goof Off made quick work of all of our rust stains.
We were so satisfied with our initial Goof Off experiences, we went on to eradicate many other rust stains on our property. Each time, we were sure to rinse the treated area with cold water.
One of my biggest pet peeves was the unsightly rust stains on my water sprinkles. Our mineral-rich well water left them looking like remnants of a shipwreck. However, a single application of Goof Off had them looking as good as new.
We also had some ghastly calcium buildup on the tiles around our pool. Despite frequent cleanings, the area looked as though it had fallen into disarray. We applied a small amount of Goof Off and watched as the stains disappeared.
Goof Off can remove major rust stains. We found that it yielded better results than pressure washers and other caustic chemicals.
How to Use Goof Off Rust Stain Remover
There’s no learning curve when it comes to using Goof Off Rust Stain Remover. According to the manufacturer, all you need to do is spray some undiluted Goof off Rust Remover on to your rust stain and allow it to work its magic. After you apply the solution, you will need to wait until all of the stains has been dissolved. If the stain is deep or stubborn, you may need to apply multiple applications of Goof Off. For the best possible results, keep the stain saturated until all of it has been removed.
Once you are satisfied with the results, use water to rinse away any remaining Goof Off residue. Remember, Goof Off contains chemicals that are harmful to your health. Do not allow your bare skin to come in direct contact with the rust remover. It is extremely acid.
Tips and Tricks
Never add water to your Goof Off Rust Stain Remover. The cleaner does not need to be diluted before use.
Never apply Goof Off to rusty metal surfaces. Goof Off contains a combination of acids that will cause more rust to develop.
Put Goof Off in a spray bottle for a more precise application. Unfortunately, the 1-gallon jug is extremely cumbersome to carry and difficult to pour. Make sure to wear a protective mask to avoid inhaling any airborne Goof Off.
Always wear rubber gloves when using Goof Off. While the hydrofluoric acid in this product is highly diluted, it still has the potential to harm your skin.
Always use Goof Off in a well-ventilated area. We suggest using a fan to circulate the air. Goof Off has an intense chemical scent that serves as a warning to unsuspecting users.
Don’t be afraid to use Goof Off on painted exterior surfaces. Many users have had good results removing rust stains from the exterior walls of their homes. Your siding should not incur any damage if it is properly rinsed.
Customer Reactions
Goof Off has an overwhelming number of positive reviews. After testing out this product, we can see why. It’s an affordable way to eradicate rust stains from many indoor and outdoor surfaces. If you have hard water stains outside your home, Goof Off may be able to restore the damage.
Goof Off’s ability to remove stains seems to overshadow its hazards. It’s worth noting that this product is 100% biodegradable. When used as directed, it poses little to no risks. With that said, you should always keep your Goof Off out of the reach of children and pets.
Overall Thoughts
We were highly satisfied with Goof Off Rust Stain Remover performance. This product worked according to the manufacturers promise. We were able to successfully remove rust stains from a variety of surfaces, including concrete, stucco, wood, plastic, and more. The best part was that we didn’t need to scrub or rub the stains. The solution appeared to eat away at the rust in just a short period.
After looking at several rust stain removers, we were happy to discover that Goof Off was a truly all-purpose solvent. While a gallon-sized container goes a long way, it’s a great product to keep on hand. We can see ourselves pulling Goof Off out to deal with reoccurring issues, such as well water stains and lime buildup.
If we could change one thing about this product, it would be the packaging. Unfortunately, the bulky jug it comes in isn’t very easy to use. As such, we were forced to purchase a spray bottle.
If you’re looking for a product that will provide you with instant results, check out Goof Off Rust Stain Remover. This is a cleaning product that lives up to its claims!
I am a regular user of this product as I have been using it for years to remove the tannin stains that develop on my boat deck. It doesn’t do anything about rust, but is one heck of an effective stain remover! Even though I’ve never used it before on hulls (I was just trying some out), after doing a test spot and seeing how well-removed the tanning from small spots can be, you might want to give it shot if your not confident with other products or chemicals.
The solution for tannin & hard water stains is pretty much the same. I have had some success with it in removing rust as well, but you must be willing to accept a certain amount of pitting and light surface oxidation on the areas where you apply it. You can’t expect to use any type of acid or etchant and remove ALL rust without removing SOME metal. If this does not bother you then go for it! One thing that worked really well was using a non-metallic scraper when applying the solution (as per directions) – all you need is something like a flat plastic spatula to help spread the solution around.