Concrete can get stained over time. These stains make your concrete seem old and unpleasant, especially if they were there when you moved in. No worries! Depending on how old the stain is, you can remove it simply.
Concrete Stains Because
Water, sand, gravel, and cement form concrete. Cement is manufactured from natural limestone, clay, sand, and iron ore. Like other natural materials, concrete is porous. Anything on its surface is absorbed.
It’s crucial to clean up spills quickly. Soak up spills with paper towels. Cover the area with clay or clumping cat litter. Use a stiff broom or brush and wait at least an hour. Then, wipe away the absorbent (older stains may require 24 hours).
This may remove minor spots. Depending on the type of stain, follow the procedures below to remove it.
Concrete Oil Streaks
Motorized equipment oil may discolor concrete. If you still have a stain after blotting with a paper towel or using an absorbent material, try laundry detergent or vinegar, washing soda, and dish soap. Degreasers work best.
Never use bleach because it can stain your driveway, garage floor, or patio. Steel wool and hard-bristled brushes can harm concrete.
Use a degreaser to remove an oil stain from concrete.
- Follow the degreaser’s directions.
- Degrease the spot.
- Let it sit for 5 minutes or as advised.
- Soft-bristled sponges may remove tough stains.
- Mop to remove degreaser.
- Repeat as necessary.
Stains may need further treatment. Mix 1 cup TSP in 1 gallon boiling water and pour over stain. Soak for 30 minutes, then scrub. Repeat as needed.
Concrete Grease Removal
Grill grease and plate juices may discolor a patio. Always wipe concrete stains using paper towels. If the stain continues or is old, try this.
- Stain with detergent. Adding water to dried detergent makes a paste.
- Cover everything.
- Wrap and tape the detergent. This stops detergent from evaporating.
- Soak detergent overnight.
- The next morning, scrub and rinse
Concrete Painting
Overspray can discolor concrete. Depending on how long the paint has been there, you may never totally remove it. These techniques will help lessen the stain.
- One cup TSP per gallon of boiling water
- Soak for 30 minutes.
- Softly scrub the stain.
- Rinse and let dry.
- Remove paint with a putty knife or pressure washer.
- Let pressure-washed concrete dry.
- Follow the manufacturer’s directions for paint thinner.
- Scrape or pressure-wash paint.
- Repetition required.
Derusting Concrete
Rust stains on concrete are frequent, created by misplaced tools or iron patio furniture. Newer stains may just need lemon juice or vinegar. Apply juice or vinegar, let it soak, scrub, rinse, and repeat as needed. You may require a professional concrete stain remover for severe spots.
Read the manufacturer’s directions before applying a commercial rust remover. Leave the product on for 15 minutes or as directed. If the stain is stubborn, use a brush. Repeat rinsing.
Cleaning Concrete Of Dirt And Leaves
Long-term dirt and leaves can discolor concrete. Especially if they’re old, dark stains can be difficult to remove. To remove stains:
- Remove dirt and debris.
- Spray or bucket big spots with liquid dish detergent and water.
- The stain needs detergent and water.
- 15 min.
- Soft-brush.
- Repeat as needed.