| Cleaning Concrete |
From "Ask DIY"
episode ADI-414 |
|
|
|
advertisement
|
Q: How can I clean stains off concrete? A: (from Brad Staggs, Ask DIY Home Repair expert) One of the most common stains on concrete is an oil stain from a car or a lawn mower. Oil stains are really simple to remove, however, with products that you may already have around the house. Cat litter is the best product to start with, because it acts as an absorbent to remove the surface layer of oil (sawdust is a good alternative if you don't have any litter on hand). Simply sprinkle on enough to cover the stain (figure A,), and then grind it into the stain with your foot (or a brick, if you prefer not to run the risk of getting oil on your shoe) to break it up and increase the absorbency (figure B). Use a stiff broom or brush to sweep up the powder. Having removed the surface oil, you're now ready to clean up the soaked-in residue. For this part of the job, you'll need a stain remover (there are a number of commercial concrete cleaners available) and a stiff-bristled brush. Simply spray on the cleaner, use the brush to work it into the concrete (figure C) and then remove with a pressure washer (figure D), which can be rented for a reasonable daily fee. Safety tip: Always wear eye protection when using a pressure washer. Note: Before starting the pressure washer, be sure to attach the garden hose and turn it on -- this will keep the pump cool so it won't burn out. Note: Cover any nearby plants with a tarp before beginning -- the cleaning products can be harmful to plant life, and the powerful pressure washer is capable of washing plants right out of the ground! Turn on the pressure washer and point it at the spot to be cleaned (figure E). In just a matter of seconds the residue should be removed (be aware, however, that a stain that has been in place for a long time may never be completely removed). If the concrete has any other stains such as algae, mold or mildew, use the pressure washer to remove these at the same time (figure F). After you've finished cleaning the concrete, sprinkle a few drops of water on the surface. If they soak in within five seconds, you should go ahead and seal the concrete. You can use any of a number of products on the market that are suitable for sealing concrete -- check at your local home-improvement center for recommendations. Apply the sealer with a brush or a roller for an attractive, lower-maintenance finish.
RESOURCES :
The Queen of Clean: The Royal Guide to Spot and Stain Removal
ISBN: 0743437837
Author: Linda Cobb
(2001)
Simon & Schuster / Pocket Books
Website: www.simonsays.com
The Super Stain Remover Book
Model: 0806994835
Author: Jack Cassimatis
Published by Sterling Publishing, 1996
Website: www.sterlingpub.com
Stain and Spot Remover Handbook
Model: 0882668110
Author: Jean Cooper
Published by Storey Communications, Inc., 1995
| 
)
)
)
)
)
)
