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How To Get Stains Out Of Cement Patio

Get Rid Of Grease Stains

How to Remove Grease From Patio Grill Droppings

If your driveway or garage floor has become an easy place to do some Rorschach testing thanks to the grease, oil, and transmission fluid stains all over the place, take heartclean concrete is easier than you think. Rub some cat litter into the stain and let it stand for one to two hours before sweeping it up. The super-absorbent litter will soak up the stain.

Related: How to Remove Almost Every Stain

Keep Weeds Out Of Cracks

Now that your paved areas look so great, keep them that way with this easy trick. To remove unwanted grass or weeds from sidewalk and driveway cracks, squirt them with a solution of 1 gallon vinegar, 1 cup salt, and 8 drops liquid detergent. It will make current weeds die and keep new ones from growing.

Get more great tips for making your yard look great on our Gardening and Yard board on Pinterest. And dont forget to sign up for our newsletter or follow us on for our Tip of the Day!


Preparing Your Concrete For Cleaning

Before the concrete cleaning process starts, check to see if you have the following items:

  • Broom
  • Gloves
  • Cat litter

Depending on the size of the stain and how much of your concrete surface needs cleaning, you may not need everything on this list. If there is no excess liquid on the concrete surface and youre just doing a standard cleaning, sweep the area of any loose debris before using the cleaning methods below.

If there is standing liquid on your concrete pour cat litter over the liquid and allow it to soak up the excess liquid for about 30 minutes. If you dont have cat litter, baking soda will also help to absorb the extra moisture.

Once the liquid has been soaked up, and the litter or baking soda has been swept up and disposed of, then your concrete is ready to be cleaned.

All of the methods below will require a scrub brush to remove a stain. Be sure NOT to use a metallic scrub brush because these brushes can leave behind metal bits that will rust and stain your concrete.


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Getting Rid Of Loose Debris

If the issue is loose dirt and debris on your concrete patio, the solution is relatively easy: sweep it or spray it away. You should regularly sweep your concrete patio anyway to keep dirt and grime from building up.

You can actually sweep most dirt and debris away as long as it is loose and has not ingratiated itself into the concrete of the patio. Even if it has begun to set in initially, you can use a hose to get rid of some of that built up dirt so long as it hasnt been there for too long.

But then there is the issue of buildup of dirt and grime on your patio. When that happens, there are a number of cleaning solutions that can be implemented to get some of that old dirt and grime up without putting it at risk through the use of a pressure washer.

When there is a buildup of grime or something such as fungal growth, you can use commercial cleaners to get the job done. Keep in mind that the harsh ingredients in these cleaners may impact how the patio looks, have a negative effect on neighboring plants, or could cause issues if they are breathed in.


Thankfully, there are also alternatives to using those household cleaners that will be much safer for all involved and better for the environment.

Bonus: Get Rid Of Residual Urine Odors Beyond Concrete

Cleaning Your Concrete Patio

At this point in the process, youve cleaned and dissolved away as much of the smelly uric acid-containing crystals and stains as possible.

You may have even decided to seal your concrete as an extra measure against any future reactivation of odor and to protect for the future.

But is the smell gone in the room? Think you still smell something?

You may still smell urine depending on the specific areas and other physical elements within your house.


As with smoke, pet odors like urine can permeate into areas you cant imagine and leave a prolonged residual, yucky scent.

What to do?

If you want to go the extra mile here and eliminate any possible left over urine odor in the room or house at large, its worth using an ozone generator.

These products are great; a small machine designed to deodorize the air along with any contaminated surfaces.

Just like enzymatic surface cleaners, it will neutralize and destroy odors at the molecular level AND do it 100% naturally free of harsh chemicals or odor masking scents.


If youre at all sensitive to irritants that may be left over in the air, youll love this thing. Enerzen sells a good portable model at a decent price.

This truly will leave your home and living areas smelling pleasant again as it gets rid of any other smelly culprits as well such as mustiness or smoke that has penetrated nearby carpets or wall paint. Odors are just plain gone.

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Remove Your Bedding Layer

Next, remove the sand from your base. Leave a few inches of sand around the perimeter of the area for a point of reference.

While you are removing the sand, be sure to scrape and moss and sand off of the exposed perimeter. That way, when you re-lay pavers, theyll form a tight seal. Once youre done, youll have the gravel layer left to work on.


Acids For Removing Rust Stains

Acids can remove rust stains from concrete by dissolving the rust, but harsh and strong acids should be avoided because they can damage your patio. You can make inexpensive DIY acidic solutions using a few household products that will do the job perfectly.

The best choices for cleaning your concrete are:

  • Distilled white vinegar, which contains acetic acid
  • Lemon juice contains, containing citric acid
  • Cream of tartar, which contains tartaric acid
  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Baking soda
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    Clear The Patio And Mix Cleaner

    After you have removed everything from the patio, mix a solution of one part chlorine bleach to two parts water in a plastic bucket or spray bottle. You will need to protect the lawn and shrubbery from the solution with old towels or plastic sheeting. The bleach will burn and possibly kill greenery. Always wear old clothes to prevent bleach spotting and protective eyewear for safety.

    How To Clean Rust Stains Off Concrete

    How to clean a stained concrete patio
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    Cleaning rust stains off concrete isnt that hard. Most of the time those reddish-brown spots on your driveways, porches, patios, and other concrete surfaces can be removed with cleaners you can find at home, such as vinegar and lemon juice. This said, occasionally you will run into stains that are so stubborn that you will need professional assistance.


    However, before we get to the cleaning part, lets clear a few terms. Rust is different from rust stains.

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    An Ounce Of Prevention

    Of course, it would be preferable not to let any grease stain your concrete in the first place. The best way to do this is to apply a sealer to the concrete surface before you set up your grill. This will make it easier to clean up any spills that might occur afterward.

    Youll need to make sure the patio is free of any dirt, yard debris, or existing stains before applying the solution. For a visual demonstration, take a look at this video tutorial.

    Once the concrete has been properly sealed, a measure of vigilance is still required. Because concrete is porous, any spilled grease will soak in quickly, making it even more difficult to clean.

    Clean up any spilled grease or food residue immediately to prevent stains from setting in. Its a good idea to keep a supply of old towels nearby for this specific purpose. Just make sure the stack of towels isnt too close to the open flames.

    Concrete Cleaner Or Degreaser

    Typically, concrete cleaners and degreasers are made from concentrated alkaline soap. These will loosen up the oil for easy cleanup. They do not, however, break down the oil so they will not work well on concrete that has been stained for a long time. This solution is most effective on porous concrete.

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    How To Remove Motor Oil From Driveways

    Motor oil from cars is a common stain found in most driveways. To remove the motor oil, cover the area with kitty litter or corn starch and grind it in with your feet while wearing old shoes. Sweep up and rinse the area and repeat as many times as necessary. If this does not work, you can try spraying a generous amount of WD-40 or oven normal cleaner on the stain. Let the substance sit for 5-10 minutes and use a high-pressure hose to rinse it off.

    For older grease stains, you might want to consult a professional cement cleaner like COIT.

    Removing Dried Stain By Using Sandblast

    How to Stain a Concrete Patio (Easy DIY Project) ⢠The ...

    If you are worried about how to remove spilled wood stains from cement, you need to follow this process carefully. It also helps to remove the dried stain from concrete. Well, I am talking about sandblasting. It surely does sound harsh but believe me, it works.

    You can rent a sandblaster from any local store and get the instructions on using it. By following the instructions, you can get an effective result. It creates quite a mess with all the sands. Cleaning after the process is a must.

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    How To Remove Acrylic Paint From Concrete

    It is far easier to remove acrylic paint when it wet. As such, always blot up your spills in a timely manner. After the bulk of the paint has been removed, use a soap and water solution to cleanse the area. Use a sturdy scrub brush to dig deep into the porous crevices of the concrete.

    For dry messes, consider using an acrylic paint remover such as Blick Acrylic Remover or Goof Off. Acrylic paints are water-based. As such, they are far easier to remove than oil-based alternatives. Still, you may need to use a little elbow grease to work the acrylic out of the porous surface of your concrete.

    Why Do Outdoor Pavers Sink

    Sinkage is a completely normal and natural process. As the earth moves, underground waters flow so its just a shift in the soil beneath your property.

    However, if you think the problem is bigger and it may cause problems with the foundations of your home, get in touch with a professional right away. He will be able to determine whether there is an actual danger for your house and what are your options.

    Are you in need of reliable handyman to take good care of your property? Weve done all kinds of projects and will do our best!

    Also Check: How To Remove Mildew From Patio Furniture Cushions

    How To Repair A Paver Patio That Has Dips And/or Bulges

    Posted on:Rick Hamilton

    If your paver patio was not properly installed and/or it has shifted underneath, it may have developed dips and/or bulges that are unsightly and drain poorly.

    No need for despair! ;Unlike concrete and asphalt surfaces, paver patios can be easily repaired with a few tools, some additional materials and little bit of your labor. ;Of course, if your patio is still under warranty, just pick up your phone and ask your contractor to come fix it! ;To keep this as short as possible, well focus on minor repairs you can do yourself.

    And if our considering a new paver patio, dont let this repair article discourage you. ;Most of these kind of problems arrise from poor workmanship and contractors that dont stand behind their work. ;Paver patios are;excellent;solutions for areas with freeze/thaw cycles like in Cincinnati and will provide years of enjoyment if done right! ;And thats the only kind of patios Distinctive Patios installs. ;Now, on with the repairs.

    • How big is the problem? ;Is this a small isolated problem or is the entire patio a mess. ;With the former, you can use a string line or level to mark the problem area with chalk since it will be harder to locate the problem area after your start the repairs. ;For the later, you may need to remove all the pavers to do the repair. ;This is a much more involved project and you might want to get some help.

    How To Clean A Cement Patio Using Vinegar

    Remove Fertilizer Stains from Concrete – Driveway, Pavement, Patio

    To tackle more stubborn stains, including rust stains and for removing paint from concrete, combine equal parts white vinegar and water. Let the mixture sit for ten minutes on the stains, and then clean the stained areas with a soft bristle brush. If, after rinsing, the stains have not disappeared, try scrubbing your patio with undiluted vinegar.

    While youve already got the supplies out, did you know that you can also clean patio furniture with vinegar? For example, plastic furniture benefits from a combination of white vinegar and water.

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    Use An Ionic Cleaner If:

    • Youve already cleaned with another product but still detect a lingering urine smell, especially when wet.
    • You want an instant remedy because you dont have time to wait and check for days, and/or repeat the removal process. When ions re-balance in stains, its an instantaneous action, so the odor vanishes on contact.
    • You dont like fragrances that have the potential to temporarily cover up smells you mightve missed. The ion-cleaner I recommend is odor free allowing you to truly smell its actually worked
    • You want a 100% safe solution
    • You plan on keeping what you dont use for some time and depend on a very long shelf-life

    How Do You Get Stains Out Of Concrete

    As you can see above, there were still a few stained areas on the porch. Stains can be extremely difficult to get out of concrete since its a porous material.;Thus, you have to draw them out. To get stains out, make a thick paste using your cleanerit should be the consistency of peanut butter. Spread the paste mixture onto the stain and let it sit for a few hours, then scrape it away and rinse. Repeat as necessary.;

    See? So much better!

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    General Maintenance Of Concrete Floors

    Concrete floors should be cleaned at least once a year to keep them in tip-top shape. Before starting, remove any items from the areaif its an outdoor patio, remove all potted plants, furniture, and decorative items. Do a spot test by testing your cleaner in an inconspicuous area to ensure your method will not cause any additional discoloration or damage to your concrete.

    To clean a concrete floor in your basement, you may need to do it in sections by moving everything from one side of the room to the other, and then switching back to finish the job.

    Inspect your floors for cracks or chips and make any necessary repairs before beginning the cleaning process.

    Easy Recipes For A Homemade Concrete Cleaner

    How To Stain A Concrete Patio

    Before cleaning your concrete or even staining your deck, you need to get rid of dirt and leaves that may be on the surface. Sweep or use a blower to get rid of loose debris first. If you will be sealing your concrete after cleaning or need to clean a deck before staining, look over our recipes for stain removal to bring back the original color of the material.

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    Neutralize Pet Urine Smells On Concrete Once And For All

    This article was first published in 2009, and its information has helped thousands of pet owners solve this very common, stinky problem!

    Learning how to get dog or cat urine off concrete requires a few steps if you want to be thorough and do it correctly.

    Follow the guidance above and you too will be set for lifeat least when it comes to smelly dog or cat urine stains!

    Have Your Driveway Professionally Cleaned

    If commercial degreasers still dont do the trick, or if you are not comfortable working with degreasers, you canhave your driveway professionally cleaned. If you go with this alternative, make sure you choose a contractor familiar with cleaning paving stones. It is particularly important that they know not to use a wire brush and that they know they need to take special care if using a pressure washer.

    You might also consider having your pavers sealed after they are professionally cleaned. This can help limit staining in the future.

    If all else fails, you can always replace the stained pavers. This is one of the benefits of choosing paving stones over stamped concrete or slab concrete. If concrete driveways or patios are damaged or have stains that cannot be removed, you would have to cut out and replace an entire slab. And, even after making this costly repair, the new section will be clearly visible, since it is nearly impossible to get new concrete to match the color of older concrete. However, with a paver driveway or patio, you can easily have one or more paving stones replaced and no one will even notice. So, if you cannot remove oil from pavers, replacing them is always an option.

    How to Clean Paving Stones: Further Reading

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    For Cats: Treat Symptoms To Stop Cats From Peeing

    If you have a cat that frequently misses the litter box and leaves a wet or poop stain behind you can actually address this behavior. There are methods available to try and help solve problems such as your cat peeing on carpets.

    One popular system developed by vet, Sarah Richards, is called Cat Spraying No More. to check out her page, and see how it can help you and your furry loved one. A lot of people have had success with it. Thanks, Sarah!

    *Note: If you click through to her checkout page, then attempt to go to another page youll get a special discount offer. Definitely worth it!


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