6 Different Types of Concrete Stains and How You Can Effectively Remove Them

Over the years, concrete can accumulate many different stains that make the surface look dirty and break down and weaken the concrete. Luckily, with the right tools and a little elbow grease, you can remove the majority of these unsightly splotches, and in no time, your concrete will look good as new. Read on to learn how to remove stains from concrete.

While concrete is one of the planet’s strongest materials, it is also incredibly porous. Made from a mixture of natural materials such as cement, gravel, water, sand, limestone, and more, it can absorb any liquid on its surface.

Anyone with a concrete driveway knows that accidents will happen and nature will take its course on the surface, but that doesn’t mean that stains can’t be cleaned up. Once something is spilled onto the concrete, cleaning it up as soon as possible is essential to prevent further soaking into the surface. In short, the sooner concrete stains are cleaned from driveways and stained concrete floors, the easier it is to remove them from the surface of the concrete.

Dripping oil from cars, lawn machines, and other motorized equipment can cause stubborn, unsightly oil stains. With a little effort, you can remove these stains with just a few simple tools.

First, start by blotting off extra oil with a paper towel or other absorbent material. If there is a substantial amount of oil, try covering the spill with cat litter and letting it sit for a few hours. If the oil stain is relatively new, you may be able to remove it with dish soap, laundry detergent, baking soda, and a scrub brush. If the stain isn’t coming off with these simple tools, try using oven cleaner, WD-40, or concrete degreaser. After using your cleanser of choice, give the concrete a good rinse with a hose.

Rust stains are commonly caused by patio furniture, tools, or other metal sitting on the surface of the concrete and being exposed to the elements, such as water. If you’ve noticed rust stains on your driveway, try removing these concrete stains with a few simple pantry ingredients and household tools.

Scrub the surface with a mixture of soap and water using a soft brush. This mixture will remove dirt or debris, preventing the cleaner from eliminating the stain. Thoroughly rinse off this mixture. Next, you’ll want to add an acid (pure lemon juice or vinegar will work; make sure it’s undiluted) to the stain. Let the acid steep into the concrete for about 10 to 15 minutes, then use a brush to scrub the stain. Rinse with water and allow to dry. If the stain persists after using this method, try using a rust remover that contains oxalic acid. Treat the imperfection in the same manner as you used with the acid. Be sure to follow the safety directions on the packaging.

Leaves and mud can easily stain a driveway, especially when left for long periods. These unsightly stains can leave your driveway looking brown, dingy, and cluttered.

Start by sweeping away all the mud and debris from the concrete surface. In a bucket, mix dishwashing or laundry detergent and water. Using a soft brush, apply the mixture to the stains and allow to sit for at least 15 minutes. Scrub the surface again, then rinse thoroughly.

Because concrete patios and pads are popular surfaces for grilling, they can be subject to grease and food stains. Food and grease stains dirty your concrete and can even attract pests if not cleaned. If addressed quickly, you can remove these stains with just a few simple steps.

If the stain is new and oil has not been allowed to penetrate the concrete, simply remove excess food and oil with a paper towel. Clean the concrete with dish detergent and water, scrubbing to remove the stain, then rinse thoroughly. For tougher stains, cover with baking soda and allow to sit for about 30 minutes. Brush away excess baking soda and discard, then cover again with a light layer of new baking soda. Using a soft brush and a mixture of soap and water, brush the stain until it is removed. Rinse the concrete with water and allow it to dry.

Stains from bird droppings are frustrating and entirely out of your control. While many of us are thankful for our fine feathered friends, we’d rather not deal with the mess they can leave behind. If you’ve noticed some concrete stains caused by bird droppings on your patio or driveway, here are a few cleaning tips you can try.

First, grab a hose and spray off all the droppings from the surface of the concrete. Grab a large bucket and mix two tablespoons of dish detergent and ½ cup of baking soda in one gallon of water. Use a soft brush to scrub the mixture into the stain, then rinse thoroughly. If the stains persist, you can clean the concrete with a mixture of two cups of hydrogen peroxide, a few drops of ammonia, and a few drops of dish soap. Combine in a spray bottle and spray the stains until soaked. Allow to sit for about 10 minutes, then scrub with a brush. Rinse concrete thoroughly with water.

The absorbent nature of concrete leaves it prone to many different stains, even from water, mold, and mildew. These types of stains darken the surface of the concrete, making it appear dirty. If you’re experiencing stains from water, mold, or mildew, addressing them before they worsen is essential.

If the stains are contained in a small area, you can remove them with vinegar and water. Mix together 1 cup of vinegar with ⅔ cup of water in a spray bottle. Make a larger amount of the same solution for a larger surface and place it in a low-pressure sprayer. Scrub off the stains with a brush after spraying the solution on the surface. If the water, mold, or mildew stains cover a larger area or even an entire driveway, consider renting a power washer to blast away the stains.

While removing concrete stains can be simple, if your concrete is damaged beyond repair, a professional paving company can replace it. At Morgan Pavement, we offer various concrete paving and repair surfaces to keep your concrete in tip-top shape and looking new again. Are you interested in what we can do for your paving surface? Contact us today for a free quote from the leading Utah concrete paving contractor, Morgan Pavement.