Thursday, March 28, 2024
HomeBuildHow To Remove Grease From Concrete Patio

How To Remove Grease From Concrete Patio

Removing Grease Stains Using Baking Soda

How to Remove Grease From Patio Grill Droppings

Baking soda has so many uses that it comes as no surprise that it is also how to remove grease stains from concrete. It acts as both an absorbent and cleanser. This process is also useful when you need to know how to get rust off concrete.

  • Nylon brush

To make an easy cement floor cleaner, apply a thick coating of the baking soda to the stained area of the concrete floor and let sit for approximately 30 minutes. Wet the scrub brush with warm water and apply a few squirts of the soap to the bristles.

Use the soapy brush to scrub the baking soda into the stain until the stain is gone. Give the area a good rinsing and allow it to dry.

Cleaning Concrete: What Products Should You Use

Wouldnt it be nice if your concrete driveway could always look as good as it did when it was installed? As careful as you are, stains and spills are bound to happen and ruin the appearance of your concrete surface. Luckily, there are many ways to remove stains and keep your concrete looking good. In fact, many concrete cleaning projects are things most property owners already have on hand.


Below youll find a list of products commonly used to clean up fresh spills and set stains, along with instructions on what you should do prior to the cleaning.

How To Clean Concrete Patio In No Time

By following the steps above, you can learn how to clean concrete patio either by hand or with a pressure washer. This is an essential skill to know so you can keep your outdoor space clean, hygienic, and an enjoyable place to spend time.

Did you enjoy this tutorial? Let me know your thoughts in the comments and share the article if you found it helpful. As always, if you have any further questions, please feel free to request more information.

You May Like: Break Up Concrete Patio

Why Is It Important To Clean Grease As Soon As Possible

If you spill grease on your concrete, the first thing that you should be doing is making an effort to clean the grease up. There are many reasons for this, ranging from the fact that nobody wants hot grease on their patio to it being an eyesore.


However, no matter what your motivation is, you are going to want to clean up the grease as fast as you can to make sure that it doesnt leave anything behind.

The biggest issue is that concrete is a porous rock. This means that the grease is going to seep into the concrete itself, especially if you dont have a good quality sealer over the concrete.

Even if you clean up the grease stain, if you let it sit for too long, its going to end up leaving behind a big stain that you wont be able to get rid of.

The best way that you can combat this from happening is by making sure your concrete driveway has a good sealer on it, and that you replace the sealer regularly.

Of course, the best way to go about making sure that the grill grease doesnt stain is by making sure you clean it up as fast as possible.


Concrete Stain Removal Tips

How to Remove Grease Stains from Concrete
  • Dont scrub concrete with a wire brush, as it can scrape it.
  • Be mindful of rinsing oil and other chemical stains into plants and other sensitive areas, as well as storm drains.
  • Spot test whatever you do on a small, hidden area of your concrete to make sure no further damage will be created by any of these methods.
  • Think about wearing protective clothing, eye wear and gloves, depending on which method you choose.
  • Concrete counter tops require extra precautions, so consult your manufacturer prior to using any of these stain removal tips.
  • Be careful using bleach or other chemicals on colored or stained concrete as it can discolor. Concrete is often colored in shades of grey so check to make sure yours isnt.
  • Pressure washers can quickly remove dirt, debris and some concrete stains, but it is also easy to misuse them and damage your driveway, walkway or patio. If you think a power washer might be your best option, consider hiring a professional with experience pressure washing concrete, or do a bit of research on how to properly use a power washer to remove stains without damaging your concrete.
  • Don’t Miss: How To Paint Wrought Iron Patio Furniture

    Apply A Makeshift Poultice

    Mix some household detergent with baking soda to make a makeshift poultice. Apply the paste to any residual stains. Let the homemade mixture sit overnight. Cover it with durable plastic sheeting. Then, tape it down to prevent children and pets from disturbing it. You can check it after 24 hours. If this method does not work, you may need to employ a more powerful chemical solvent.

    Does Vinegar Remove Oil Stains From Concrete

    Yes, vinegar can help remove oil stains from of your concrete floors, but not on its own. After allowing the liquid to be absorbed by sawdust, you will need to make a mixture of water, washing soda, dish soap and white vinegar, which will help remove the stain.

    Follow these steps:

  • Remove excess oil by covering the area of the oil stain with sawdust, which allows the sawdust to absorb the oil.
  • Leave it overnight.
  • The next day, remove the sawdust.
  • Since the oil is already in the sawdust, use a dustpan when removing it so it doesnt make contact with other concrete surfaces.
  • In a container, prepare a mixture of ½ teaspoon washing soda, 2 cups water, ¼ teaspoon liquid dish detergent, and two tablespoons of white vinegar.
  • Use the prepared mixture as a cleanser then scrub the area with a brush.
  • When there is no remaining oil, rinse the area and monitor it until it dries.
  • Read Also: How To Install Ceiling Fan On Insulated Aluminum Patio


    How To Remove Crayon Stains

    Kids like to spend their time outdoors by doing various things, such as playing board games or drawing.

    Although you have given them a drawing book, they like doing it on your concrete patio, leaving such hard and colorful stains to remove.

    So, do you know how to clean concrete patio without pressure washer? Try using an oil-based cleanser. If you have WD-40, congratulations! You can utilize it to clean non-washable crayon stains.

    You just need to spread the cleaner on the stained area. Let it stay for a few minutes. Next, scrub it with a hard-bristled brush. Finally, rinse it off with water.

    How To Deal With Grease Stains

    How to Get Grease off a Concrete Driveway

    Besides mildew, grease is another stain that is hard to tackle. It will be more difficult if you let it sit on a porous surface like concrete for a longer period.


    When it happens, so what are the steps on how to clean concrete patio without pressure washer?

    To overcome this problem, you will need kitty litter or cornstarch and commercial degreaser. First, add a thick layer of kitty litter or cornstarch over the stain. Leave it for up to three days to enable it to absorb the grease.

    After that, sweep the cornstarch or kitty litter and see whether the stain has nearly gone. If it has not, try repeating the first step.

    If the stain is almost gone, use a commercial degreaser to spray the area. After that, scrub it with a nylon-bristled brush. Finally, rinse it off with a garden hose.

    In addition to using kitty litter or cornstarch to remove grease stains from your concrete patio, you can also use the mixture of laundry detergent and water until it forms a paste.


    Apply the mixture onto the grease stain and use cling film to cover it. You can also use parcel and gaffer tape to secure it. Just make sure it is pretty tight.

    Let the mixture sit for 24 hours before removing the cling film. After that, scrub the stain and rinse it with water. If you can still see the stain, you probably need to repeat the steps.

    Recommended Reading: Restring Patio Umbrella

    Can I Use Muriatic Acid To Remove Grease Stains On Concrete

    Yes. Using muriatic acid is the usual go-to method when other milder stain removal techniques are unsuccessful in eliminating stubborn grease stains on concrete surfaces. This potent acid can clean grease-stained concrete surfaces by causing acid etching on your concrete. However, this method is not ideal in removing stains, as handling muriatic acid is extremely dangerous.

    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

    • No Sales Tactics, Just Our Best Price
    • $0Free Design
    • 25+Years of Experience With Dedicated Specialized Crews

    Recommended Reading: How To Remove Mildew From Concrete Patio

    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.

    Why Does My Patio Get Dirty

    Discover How to Remove Oil Stains From Concrete

    Before learning how to clean concrete patio without pressure washer, you may need to know why it can get dirty.

    Your concrete patio sits in your backyard all the time. It is normal for it to get exposed to the sun, rain, dirt, and dust, especially if you do not cover it.

    The furniture can also leave some stains. As a result, you will have to break a sweat to remove the rust stains and find a way on how to clean concrete patio without pressure washer.

    It does not mean you need to forgo the beautiful furniture, though. You just require cleaning the concrete surface regularly.

    You May Like: Outdoor Storage Box Plans Free

    Use Trisodium Phosphate To Clean Concrete Patio

    If you are looking for a heavy-duty cleaner for your concrete patio, you should take TSP into your consideration.

    TSP, also known as trisodium phosphate, is renowned for being a strong cleaner. It is odorless and colorless. Besides, it does not contain any bleach nor ammonia.

    How to clean concrete patio without pressure washer, but using TSP, instead?

    Trisodium phosphate comes in the form of dry powder. Therefore, you have to mix ½ cup of TSP with 2 gallons of hot water in a few minutes until you get a mostly clear solution. It will be slightly cloudy, though.

    Bear in mind that TSP is toxic. For this reason, you will need to wear insulated gloves, long sleeves, and an eye shield. You may also use plastic sheeting to cover other areas.

    Once you get the cleaning solution, soak a sponge in it and squeeze the excess water from it. Make sure it is rather damp and begin to clean the stain from the bottom upward.

    You need to move it in broad strokes for a better result. Repeat the steps several times. If the stains do not come off, you can try applying TSP with a nylon-bristled scrub brush.

    To avoid any white spots on the surface of your concrete patio, try rinsing the cleaned area using warm water. Use a new sponge and a new bucket to do it.

    Those were the steps on how to clean concrete patio without pressure washer.

    How To Remove Rust Stains

    In some cases, you will find rust stains on some areas of your concrete patio. Where did it come from? Well, it might have happened because of the furniture legs and grills, and it is usually hard to get rid of.

    Some soil is high in iron. As a result, it may produce red stains, which are hard to eradicate. Here comes the most significant question how to clean concrete patio without pressure washer? In this case, try using Oxalic acid.

    To remove rust stains on your concrete patio or driveway, you will need oxalic acid, a nylon-bristled scrub brush, and a garden hose.

    Before starting to clean your patio with oxalic acid, you will have to sweep away any loose dirt and debris. Make sure the surface is clean and ready for the next step.

    Once the concrete patio is clean, you can begin to apply oxalic acid to the stained area. You have to follow the directions on the packaging thoroughly.

    Let the cleaner stay for a few minutes before you scrub it using a nylon-bristled brush.

    Next, rinse away the areas with the garden hose. Let them dry. If the stains remain there, consider repeating the steps.

    Recommended Reading: How To Replace Webbing On Patio Chairs

    How To Remove Oil Stains From Concrete: Step

    February 15, 2021 By Richard Jenkins

    Are there unsightly oil stains on your garage floor or driveway? Whether your lawnmower sprung a leak months ago or you fumbled the last time you serviced your vehicle, those crude oil blemishes arent going to wash away on their own.

    As a first-time homeowner, I didnt realize how important it was for me to stay on top of the oil stains on my driveway. It didnt take long for a faulty oil seal to destroy the cement drive in front of my house. It took me a while to get around to fixing my car and cleaning my driveway. When I finally did, I realized how much of a headache oil stains can be.

    Oil has no trouble seeping deep into the nooks and crannies of porous materials. In many cases, crude oil stains resurface even after theyve already been treated.

    The good news is that there are plenty of proven ways to remove oil stains from concrete surfaces.

    If the oil stain your targeting is just starting to sink in, you can try hitting it with a strong detergent and some elbow grease.

    For The Most Stubborn Concrete Stains Coit Concrete Cleaning Can Help

    How to Remove Oil Stains from a Concrete Driveway

    In some cases, over-the-counter cement cleaners can make a difference in removing stains from concrete, but this is definitely not a guarantee. The main reason concrete stains are so stubborn is due to how it can be difficult to bring set-in stains to the surface. Our Concrete Floor Care aggressively attacks tough stains by removing stains that are trapped deep within concrete floors. If normal cleaning and maintenance is not effective, we can help you handle the tougher stains.

    Remember, whenever you find yourself feeling frustrated with a concrete stain, give your local COIT franchise a call for a free estimate!

    Don’t Miss: How To Measure Patio Door For Replacement

    Indoor Concrete Stain Removal

    Indoor concrete surfaces typically require less maintenance than outdoor concrete because the surface of indoor cement is usually sealed. Stain removal for indoor concrete is needed less frequently since sealed surfaces are nonporous and therefore more resistant to staining.

    The best way to keep your indoor concrete clean is to regularly dust, vacuum, and mop. This will help prevent any lasting damage from dirt or grit. You also have to be careful about what products you use to clean your sealed concrete. Harsh cleaners can break down the sealant or paint, which could lead to lasting stains. Check out the spot removal guide to combat tough stains. Call COIT for concrete cleaning services

    Outdoor Concrete Stain Removal

    Cleaning outdoor cement surfaces can be trickier because the stains often sit for longer periods of time and set in before they are cleaned. This is what makes outdoor concrete stain removal so difficult, often requiring the equipment and training of an expert COIT technician.

    If you do attempt cleaning outdoor concrete yourself, the first step to removing any stain is to clean debris or dirt off of the surface. Once the surface is clean, you can then determine how to best clean the remainder of the stain.

    Recommended Reading: Refurbish Wrought Iron Patio Furniture

    Win Against Grease Stains On Concrete Using Trisodium Phosphate

    You already know that the baking soda is a two-in-one grease stain remover for fresh stains. But since old grease stains are hard for the baking soda to remove, you can also use trisodium phosphate . When battling against grease stains on concrete, the use of TSP can perform a three-in-one role. All at the same time, TSP can degrease your concrete, remove the grease stain, and clean up grease residues.

    The following are the steps to remove old stains with TSP:

  • In a bucket, make a solution of a cup of trisodium phosphate with a gallon of water. Mix well.
  • Add sawdust to the bucket until you reach a thick consistency as that of a paste.
  • Cover the grease-stained surface with the trisodium phosphate paste.
  • Allow the paste to stay in contact with the stain overnight.
  • In the morning, scrape the paste off the stained surface.
  • Rinse the area and dry it with a clean cloth.
  • Remember, when doing this method, you must use protective gloves and eye shields, as TSP can be harmful when mishandled.


    RELATED ARTICLES

    Most Popular