Tools and Materials
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How to Remove Concrete Stains
When you have stains on your concrete driveway, it’s necessary to treat them with the correct stain remover and clean before applying the sealer. If possible, work on stains while they're fresh. Always follow the directions for using the cleaner. Wear the specified safety gear, especially eye protection. Determining what kind of stains you have will help guide you to the best concrete cleaner for the job.
Before sealing, you should make any concrete repairs if your surface is chipped, cracked or has holes.
Removing Oil and Grease Stains
Cleaning and getting rid of oil and grease stains can be done in several different ways. From using household product to commercial solvents, spots can be effectively removed from the surface.
The first step before applying any remover is to try and blot up any excess oil with paper towels or old rags. Rubbing the stain will only drive it deeper into the concrete.
Household products like cat litter, baking soda and dishwashing soap, or laundry detergent can help absorb and break down the stain. Sprinkle cat litter over the stain and let it sit for several hours, then sweep up the remains. With baking soda and dish soap or powdered detergent, make a paste with water and apply it to the oil spot. Scrub with a brush to help remove all of the stain.
With commercial cleaners, apply a degreaser or concrete soap according to the product directions and then rinse with water.
For older stains, using Trisodium Phosphate (TSP) or WD40 on the stains will help lift them out of the concrete.
Always scrub the stain with a stiff brush to make sure the solution is worked into the stain. Rinse the area with a garden hose or a pressure washer for the best results.
Removing Paint Spills From Concrete
Removing paint stains or spills can be a bit tricky depending on the type of paint you are trying to remove. Water-based latex paints will be easier to get rid of than oil-based paints. Also, fresh spills are easier to clean than dried stains.
Many latex paint stains can be erased with the same methods used for grease stains. Baking soda or TSP mixed with water and applied to the paint spot can work to loosen the stain, followed by scrubbing with a stiff brush. Rinse with water to finish cleaning.
Oil-based paints may require using a chemical paint stripper. This may necessitate applying the stripper and waiting several hours for the chemicals to react and loosen the spill. You can scrape the loosened paint away with a scraper or putty knife.
Pressure washing the concrete surface can quickly loosen paint stains from concrete. Older stains and multiple layers of paint may need to be sand blasted for removal. Be cautious as this can be destructive to the concrete surface.
Removing Rust and Dirt Stains
Rust stains on your concrete will need to be dissolved for proper removal. Household items like lemon juice or vinegar are both acidic and can help dissolve the spot. Apply either directly and let it sit for about 15 minutes. Scrub with a stiff brush and then rinse well.
Commercial products like rust remover CLR (Calcium, Lime and Rust Remover) or oxalic acid will work well on older and tougher rust stains. Apply CLR to the rust spot, let it sit for the appropriate time, scrub with a brush and rinse. For oxalic acid, mix with water and treat the stain by scrubbing. Rinse thoroughly with water.
Clay-based soil is especially prone to staining as it has iron oxide particles that give it the reddish color. These fine particles can penetrate deep into the pores of the concrete and make stains hard to remove. Iron oxide is also not water soluble or vulnerable to detergent, which makes clay very stubborn to remove.
Using a pressure washer is a valuable tool to tackle rust and dirt. The high pressure of the water can loosen persistent stains, saving you time and effort.
Cleaning a Concrete Driveway With a Pressure Washer
After treating stains, you're ready to clean the concrete with a driveway pressure washer. Select the appropriate pressure washer spray tip or nozzle based on how deep your stains are. A 25 degree tip (green) should be good for most cleaning. For heavy-duty cleaning, a 15 degree tip (yellow) may be needed. Many models come with a specific nozzle for spraying soap and cleaners. If your pressure washer kit doesn't include spray tips or nozzles, you can purchase universal ones.
Wear the appropriate safety gear and clothing: splash-resistant safety goggles, a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, closed-toe shoes and chemical-resistant gloves.
Instructions
Sealing Your Concrete Driveway
After the concrete has dried for at least 24 hours, inspect it for cracks, chips, and broken areas. Any of these should be repaired before applying the sealant. You can find concrete repair for fixing and patching to have a smooth surface prior to applying any sealant.
When any necessary repairs have been made, you can apply a concrete sealer. A sealer helps prevent future stains and potential damage from products like ice salts. Some sealers leave the surface with a shiny finish while others have a matte finish. You can also apply a sealer that has a concrete stain included for a new look to your driveway.
Remember to wear splash-resistant goggles and chemical-resistant gloves when applying the sealer.
Newer concrete might already have a sealer that's still in good condition. If it does, it won't accept certain sealants. Test by placing a few drops of water on the concrete. If the water beads up, there’s an active sealer. If the concrete absorbs the water, then it'll accept the sealer.
