Stained concrete around your home can be quite and unsightly mess. Whether it’s oil stains on your driveway or stains from normal wear and tear over the years, we’re going to show you how to fix your stained concrete so that it looks great again!
Removing oil stains from concrete
Oil spills can build up on your driveway and the floor of your garage over time. These oil spots can also be stepped in and tracked into your home making them both hard to look at and an inconvenience. If you have oil stains forming, pour clay or cat litter over the stain and work it with a stiff brush. The cat litter or clay will soak up any loose oil and stop it from penetrating further into your concrete. Leave the litter there overnight and then sweep it up in the morning.
If the stain is still staring at you in the morning, then you may need to take it a step further. Put on safety goggles and gloves. Then mix trisodium phosphate (TSP) in hot water and pour the solution over the stain. Let the TSP soak for about 30 minutes then scrub the stain with a stiff brush. After scrubbing, blast it with a high-pressure hose or pressure washer.
You may need to repeat this process a few times to fully lift the stain.
Removing paint from concrete
We wrote a post dedicated to removing paint from concrete. In a nutshell, you can remove paint from concrete using paint thinner (look for eco-friendly options), a wire or stiff nylon brush, and a pressure washer. For highly stubborn stains, you can also try soda blasting.
Removing rust stains from concrete
Outdoor furniture, grills, and other metal items can leave rust stains on your concrete that are pretty hard to look at. Fortunately, it is possible to remove or at least reduce the appearance of those brown and red-colored stains from your patio.
For new rust stains, you may be able to remove them with a simple application of white vinegar and a scrub brush. To do this, just pour the white vinegar on the stain, let it soak for 10-15 minutes, then scrub with your brush. You can repeat this several times until you’re happy with how it looks.
If the stain is older and been there for a bit, it may require a more thorough approach. For these stains, you want to use a commercial rust remover. These are very powerful acids though so make sure you’re wearing proper safety equipment (gloves, goggles, etc.). Follow the directions on the bottle for application, let it soak for 20-30 minutes then blast it away with a high-pressure hose. Repeat this as many times as needed.
Need assistance with concrete work?
Is your concrete uneven, broken, or crumbling? Perhaps it’s so stained that you’re ready to replace it with something that matches the appearance of your home. At AM Construction & Concrete, we can repair, replace, or install any concrete you need. We also offer unique stamping and coloring options so you can make your concrete look like slate, wood, or anything you like. Contact us today for a free quote.
