Tips for Removing Concrete Stains
There are simple solutions for removing concrete stains. It's the first step in enhancing your home's concrete.
From leaky automobiles to rusty patio furniture, you can get rid of those eyesore stains on your driveway, porch, patio, etc. You can also do some easy maintenance to prevent stains from penetrating the surface making cleanup a cinch. Typical stains that give most people problems include:
Removing concrete stains is important if you're going to apply any coatings or decorative concrete stains. They can prevent adequate bonding or leave you with nasty, ugly spots and uneven coloration. Whenever you think you have gotten rid of a stain, always wet it and check for water beading. If water beads, you need to do more cleaning.
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The most common stain on driveways for obvious reasons, concrete oil stains are very unsightly and impossible to get rid of completely. But you can clear it up making it much less noticeable and there are a few methods of doing so.
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Concrete rust stains have many causes and are common to almost any surface, but it doesn't mean you have to live with them. Discover a few tips to eliminate them. The longer you let them go, the more difficult it becomes.
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Near the top of my list of least favorite jobs is removing carpet glue or other floor adhesives. Although it's not really a stain, I include here because so many people ask about it. Unfortunately I have yet to find a simple solution, but it can be done.
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There is a pretty simple way to remove mold stains from concrete. Start by diluting bleach, pouring or spraying it on the surface, and letting it sit for a few minutes. Then use a pressure washer to clean and rinse the dead fungi. If you don't have a pressure washer, then scrub the bleach in and rinse using a hose with a pressure nozzle. A coat of clear concrete sealer will prevent mold and mildew from coming back.
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The easiest way to remove tire marks from concrete is a degreaser combined with a pressure washer. Soak the stain with the degreaser, let it sit for several minutes, and use a pressure washer to rinse. When using a high powered pressure washer, be careful not to leave pressure washer marks on the surface. The stream should be at least 2 inches wide when it strikes the concrete.
Keep in mind that some stains or discolorations are impossible to remove completely, but they generally fade over time. This is especially true with motor oil that has been on the concrete for a long time. Other obscure stains will require some trial and error. Muriatic acid can get rid of most stains, but should only be used as a last resort because it actually etches away the concrete.
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