Concrete can be notorious for picking up unsightly stains from oil drippings from cars.
Concrete is a cost-effective, environmentally-friendly, and durable material and a good choice for indoor and outdoor projects. But in places like driveways, concrete can be notorious for picking up unsightly stains from oil drippings from cars. Here are some tips that will help to take the frustration out of cleaning.
Prevention
If you have a new concrete driveway, or once you have successfully removed the stains from your current driveway, there are a variety of products that you can apply to protect it from staining in the future. Epoxy and urethane coatings resist stains and can also smooth over other minor imperfections. Or you can apply an acid stain, which works like an acid wash or similarly like staining wood.
Absorb and Scrub
Oil stains can be sucked out of concrete by applying a highly-absorbent poultice. Create the poultice from a mixture of an absorbent material like sawdust or kitty litter with a chemical solvent like acetone, until it forms a thick paste. Then apply this paste liberally to the stain. Acetone, like in many nail polish removers, will break down the oil which will then be absorbed. Once the poultice has dried completely, you can scrape it off and apply a fresh batch if necessary. For lighter oil stains, you can often get them out with just some detergent and a scrub brush.
Commercial Concrete Degreasers
For stronger scrubbing options, there are commercial concrete cleaners available. They usually come in acidic, alkaline, and pH-neutral varieties. Concentrated alkaline cleaners, also known as degreasers, are the best for cleaning out oil stains. The high alkaline properties break down the acids in oil. Two things to keep in mind when using it is to allow several hours for the alkaline degreaser to soak in and to lift it out with something like a poultice rather than rinsing. Afterward, any residue can be scrubbed out and rinsed off as normal.
Concrete Masonry and Repair from Del Prete Masonry
For all of your questions regarding masonry repair and restoration, feel free to contact Del Prete Masonry. Our masonry restoration professionals have the experience and history of satisfied clients to prove that we’ll get the job done right, and cost-effectively. To get started with your masonry restoration project, please contact our office today at 410-683-0650 or email us at mike@delpretemasonry.com. We serve Baltimore City, County, Harford County, Carroll County, Anne Arundel County, and Howard County.
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Tags: Concrete, masonry, masonry restoration