Artistic Concrete Designs, your local concrete contractor, has years of experience dealing with concrete. We have worked on everything from installations to maintenance and are happy to share our knowledge with our community. Concrete is a cost-effective, long-lasting, and low-maintenance material, but it is not maintenance-free.
If you do a lot of projects on your concrete flooring, then it can easily get covered in oil drops and other stains. Removing these stains are easier if you act quick, but there is more to removing stains than just acting quick. Here, we’ll go over some ways to remove stains on your concrete driveway. Feel free to call Artistic Concrete Designs if you have any specific questions or concerns.
Removing Oil Stains
If you were working on your car and spilled some oil, then we want to have that removed as soon as possible. Concrete is a porous material, so oil will penetrate through it. Fairly fresh stains are easy to clean for the most part, however. First, grab some “clumping” cat litter and pour it over the entire stain. Work it in with a stiff brush and leave the litter in place for an hour or overnight. The stain should be gone once you sweep up the mess.
If the stain has been there for a while, then we will need some more oomph. Mix a cup of trisodium phosphate (TSP) in a gallon of hot water and pour the solution over the stain. Let the area soak for about 30 minutes before scrubbing with a stiff nylon brush. Blast the area with some pressurized water to rinse. If the stain is stubborn, then mix a cup of TSP with a cup of hot water and a cup of baby powder. Spread the paste over the stain and let it sit for 24 hours. Scrape it off and then rinse the area with water.
How to Remove Paint Stains?
Removing paint is a bit more tough than removing oil but involves a similar process. Mixing TSP with a gallon of hot water and pouring the mixture over the mess should remove most of it. Large or old spills can be taken care of with chemical paint stripper, but be sure to wear protective goggles, gloves, and a mask.
REMOVING RUST STAINS FROM CONCRETE
If you leave rusty metal furniture or tools on top of your concrete driveway, then that rust may transfer its orange brown color to your concrete. Though removing dust completely is difficult, we can reduce the intensity. Bring out some white vinegar and pour it over the stain. Let the vinegar sit for 10 minutes, then scrub with a stiff nylon brush. Old and large stains can be handled with commercial rust remover. Follow the product’s instructions and be sure to wear goggles, gloves, and a mask as these products contain powerful acid.
CONTACT THE EXPERTS
If you would rather have experts take care of removing stains from your concrete flooring, then call Artistic Concrete Designs at (770) 580-2700 or contact us online to speak with a professional. Our experts have years of experience and advanced equipment to take care of those stubborn stains. We look forward to taking your call.