How to Remove Concrete Stains
Stains unfortunately happen even on concrete garage flooring, sometimes due to accidents and other times neglect. But don’t worry because you can still get rid of these splotches. The treatment just varies depending on the culprit.
Guardian Garage Floors lists some common concrete stains and shares tips on how you can remove them.
Oil Stains
Oil spills can create unattractive stains on concrete floors. They can even track into your home via the soles of your shoes. To help minimize its effect, experts usually advise soaking up as much oil as you can before it penetrates the floor. Then, pour clay or clumping cat litter over the entire stain. Use a stiff broom or brush to work it in. Leave the cat litter for at least an hour (or overnight if you are dealing with an extensive or old stain). Then, sweep it all up.
For small or new oil stains, you can mix one cup of TSP (trisodium phosphate) in a gallon of hot water. Pour the solution on the affected area and let it soak for at least 30 minutes. Then, scrub off with a stiff nylon brush and blast the spot using a hose set to the highest pressure. Make sure to wear goggles and rubber gloves throughout the procedure.
Paint Stains
For relatively fresh and small paint stains on concrete garage floors, you can also use a mixture of one cup of TSP and a gallon of hot water to remove the paint. After pouring the solution, work it into the stain using a stiff brush. Then, rinse with a hose set to the highest pressure.
For large or old paint stains, you’ll need a chemical paint stripper mixed with an absorbent material such as baby powder, finely ground clay kitty litter or diatomaceous earth. It should have the consistency of thick paste. Then, use a brush or thick sponge to smear the paste over the entire stain, which should loosen in about 20 minutes. Grab a plastic paint scraper to remove the paste and loosened paint. And if a bit of stain still remains, repeat the process but this time leave the paste on for half an hour before scraping it away. Make sure to wear eye protection, chemical-resistant gloves and a respirator or dust mask while working.
Polyaspartic Coating
After getting rid of the stains on your concrete floor, seal it with polyaspartic coating for better protection. Polyaspartic floor coatings have excellent stain resistance, making it easier and cheaper to clean or repair your floor. They can also protect your floor from peeling, chipping and denting.
Guardian Garage Floors is a veteran-owned company that specializes in garage floors, basements, polyaspartic floor coating systems and more. With our experience and expertise, you can rest assured that your project will be in good hands. Call us at (615) 645-3696 or fill out our contact form to request a free quote. We serve customers in Rome, GA, and Nashville, TN.
