How to Get Rusty Colored Stains off Roof Shingles

Roof shingles are an inexpensive alternative to tile. But, like tile, shingles become discolored due to a combination of weather exposure and rusting roofing nails. When the roofing nails begin to corrode, rainwater carries the discoloration down across the shingles, leaving unsightly streaks and spots. These stains can be removed with a few supplies and a good amount of elbow grease. For best results, check your local weather forecast to select a sunny day rather than a rainy one.

Ladder
Leaf rake
Broom
Trisodium phosphate (TSP)
Bucket
Scrub brush with extension handle
Hose
Rubber gloves
Oxalic acid
Pump sprayer

Instructions

- 1
  Place a ladder against or near your roof. Climb the ladder with a leaf rake and broom. Rake and sweep off your roof, removing all leaves and other topical debris.
- 2
  Climb down the ladder, and pour in one part trisodium phosphate with three parts water in a bucket.
- 3
  Submerge a scrub brush with an extension handle into the bucket, and use the scrub brush to clean the shingles on your roof. The TSP will clean some of the stains off the shingles, but discoloration may remain.
- 4
  Rinse the shingles with a hose once they are clean. Then rinse out the bucket with the hose.
- 5
  Put on rubber gloves. Mix together 2 to 3 cups of oxalic acid with 1 gallon of water in the bucket, and pour the mixture into a pump sprayer.
- 6
  Spray the oxalic acid/water mixture directly onto the stains on the shingles, and let soak for about five minutes. Then, scrub with the scrub brush until the discoloration is gone. Rinse the shingles with the hose to finish.

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