Content Summary
- The only case in which you should avoid doing this is if you’re dealing with mold or mildew.
- Without a professional’s help, you may get stains further entrenched in the concrete.
What Stains Concrete & How Can You Remove It?
Stain removal is one of the most cumbersome tasks we have to undertake on a good day. When the stain in question affects concrete or masonry, the situation can get worse. Luckily, there are clear-cut ways through which you can clean the surface, but you may need some heavy-duty assistance in your corner. If you’re a property owner or someone responsible for a piece of property that requires some TLC, then this brief guide is for you, especially if you live in a place that’s humid and has been subjected to months of rain on end, with blackened concrete and unsightly green spots adding an unwanted verdant touch to your place.
First off, the most effective methods for removing concrete stains is professional care, depending on the kind of damage we’re talking about, of course. If you’re dealing with oily or greasy stains on concrete, then you’re in luck as these tend to be fairly straightforward to remove, and you have a few methods at your disposal.
One technique you can use is to spot-treat the stain in question with liquid laundry detergent and warm water. Just target the area by pouring a good amount of soap directly onto the stain, grab a stiff nylon brush, and scrub as hard as you can. The only thing to be mindful of is to avoid using wire-bristle brushes since that can lead to scratches on the concrete in the same way as sandpapering a piece of wood. In any case, make sure to rinse with water and leave to air dry for a bit.
If you’re dealing with rust stains, then that could also be fairly easy to wash out. Simply use a vinegar to scrub out the damage in question.
If you’re dealing with a stain that’s covered in dirt, then sweep or vacuum the loose debris first. The only case in which you should avoid doing this is if you’re dealing with mold or mildew. Those are very dangerous substances, and you don’t want to risk your health, given their toxicity. This type of stain tends to be very difficult to remove, and you may need to call in the big guns for help. You should call DC Byers in Grand Rapids at (616) 538-7300 for a full analysis of your building’s restoration to ensure that mold and mildew are not a widespread problem. Depending on the diagnosis, a professional company may help put together the appropriate action plan for your particular situation.
Stubborn Concrete Stain Removal
This brings us to particularly stubborn stains that don’t respond to run-of-the-mill cleaning methods. While there are many harsh chemicals available on the market these days that you can try out, it’s not advisable to do so. Without a professional’s help, you may get stains further entrenched in the concrete. While you should feel free to keep scrubbing as much as possible, if you don’t see any difference after your first attempt to spot clean, then just leave it to the professionals.
Professionals use highly toxic chemicals, which can be disastrous in less experienced hands. So, besides ensuring that there is no damage made to the material in question, you also want to protect yourself and your loved ones from the damage which can be caused because of the misuse of the chemicals.
Long story short, before you hit the local property improvement store, get a full assessment done on your property to fully understand the extent of the damage and then plan accordingly.