How to clean the driveway from stains?

How to clean the driveway from stains?

21st March 2022

How to clean the driveway from stains?

21st March 2022

Your driveway is where stubborn stains can appear even without you noticing. Apart from ruining the whole look of the house, It can damage the integrity of the concrete.

Of course, the easiest option would be to call a team of professionals to clean the stain using machines and detergents, but for some types of stains, it is crucial to act quickly. The sooner you clean them, the easier it is to do it without professional help.

And here are our tips for some of the most stubborn spots:

How to clean paint spills

Traces of paint can very easily “stick” to the surface of your driveway, and the longer they stay there, the harder it will be to remove them. Here’s how to deal with them:

Act fast. The less time the paint stays on the pavement, the fewer layers it will affect.

How to clean the driveway from stains?

For oil-based paints, you will need a paint-stripping cleaner and a brush -to apply it and rub on the affected area. Let it sit for a while but keep an eye on it. The product will break down the oil base of the paint, and then you can easily rinse the rest with water.

For latex-based paints, mix scouring powder with water to form a paste-like product. Take a stiff brush and rub until the paint finally comes out of your driveway. Rinse.

Removing grease or oil stains

When it comes to grease or gasoline stains, the most important thing you will need is an absorbent component. What does this mean? This component can be cat litter, sand, baking soda, or any absorbent powder you have on hand. As soon as you notice the greasy stain, sprinkle your absorbent component on it and leave it for 12 to 24 hours. Powders have the power to “extract” grease from everything – even from the concrete of your driveway. The next day, using a broom, remove the rest of the powder. You can use water to complete the procedure. If the stain is still there, you can repeat the steps until they disappear completely.

Dealing with rusty stains

Rust stains are just as common as the other species listed. To clean the concrete from the concrete of your driveway, you will need Hydrochloric acid (also known as muriatic acid). You should be extremely careful when handling the acid, so we recommend you use protective attire – cover your skin, wear gloves, and safety goggles. Always check the label of such harsh chemicals and follow the provided instructions on the packaging.

The Hydrochloric acid should not be used directly, but it should be deluded, using tab or distilled water. Mix 1 part of the Hydrochloric acid with 4 parts water and stir well. Now you can use a heavy-duty brush to scrub off the rusty stains with the mixed cleaning solution. Always rinse off with water.

For any other “unknown” stains

Sometimes a stain appears on the driveway and we can’t even tell how it got there. For such cases, treat the affected areas with white vinegar and a water cleaning solution. Mix one part of each in a spray bottle and use it on the stain. No need to scrub or brush away the solution. After a few minutes rinse it off with water. It also works wonders to get rid of a moldy patch or unpleasant smells.