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If your home has a concrete area or driveway with trees and plants nearby, it’s expected that leaves will fall on the surface. Concrete is porous so as the leaves decay, their colour pigments can leach into and stain the concrete. [1] X Research source Removing these stains is easy with a little effort and the right tools.
Steps
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Sweep the concrete area with a broom. Remove any leaves and debris from the surface. Leaves that have settled on the surface for longer are more likely to stain the concrete. [2] X Research source
- Although the leaf stains may be concentrated in a small area, it's best to clean the entire slab. Otherwise it can look patchy if you only clean the stained areas. [3] X Research source
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Put on protective clothing. Depending on what agent you use to clean the stains, you may need to wear gloves or safety glasses. [4] X Research source Wear closed footwear to prevent exposed skin coming into contact with the chemicals.Advertisement
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Make the cleaning agent in a bucket. Most products will require you to dilute them with a few gallons or litres of water. You can use a regular laundry detergent with bleaching properties (e.g. Oxiclean) or a special organic stain remover. Granular detergents are also great as they provide added friction when scrubbing. [5] X Research source
- Darker, tougher stains may not be removed with detergent.
- You can also prepare the cleaning agent in a watering can. This can help with applying it during the cleaning process.
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Spot test the cleaning solution first with a sponge. Choose a stained area that is hidden from view. If you have coloured concrete, some chemicals may cause the colour to change or fade. [6] X Research source
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Place gravel or sandbags to collect runoff if required. Put them around the perimeter or dig a shallow trench if appropriate. [7] X Trustworthy Source National Resources Defence Council Multinational environmental advocacy group focused on grassroots activism and legislative action Go to source
- Consult with local authorities about runoff disposal. Some chemical contaminants are not permitted to enter storm drains. [8] X Research source
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Wet the stained concrete with plain water. Use a garden hose or a pressure washer. This will help remove any remaining debris from the surface. Damp concrete will allow the cleaning agent to permeate better. [9] X Research source
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Rinse the concrete surface. Once it is clean, wash all the detergent or organic stain remover from the concrete. Dispose of the contaminated water safely. Leave the concrete to dry.
- You may have to repeat the process if the stains have not been removed completely. Organic stains are carbon-based, making them the toughest to remove. [18] X Research source
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Clean the concrete every so often. Aim to do it once a year. This will help to extend the lifespan of the concrete and keep its colour bright. It will also stop stains and grime from building up. [19] X Research source
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Fill cracks in the concrete. Use mortar or a concrete filler. Repairing cracks reduces water seeping into the concrete and degrading it. [20] X Research source
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Use a sealant to seal the surface. A thin coat of sealant is usually applied with a roller or sprayer. It can prevent the concrete from staining and provide resistance against UV sunlight and abrasions from foot traffic. [21] X Research source
- The concrete must be clean and completely dry before you apply a sealant. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for the product you are using. [22] X Research source
- Look for sealants that are “breathable”. This allows water to escape without getting trapped in the concrete. [23] X Research source
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References
- ↑ https://www.totallandscapecare.com/business-best-practices/how-to-keep-pavers-clean/
- ↑ https://www.totallandscapecare.com/business-best-practices/how-to-keep-pavers-clean/
- ↑ https://www.concretenetwork.com/fix-concrete-cleaning/removing-stains-leafs-pinecones.html
- ↑ https://www.installitdirect.com/learn/concrete-stain-removal/
- ↑ https://www.concretenetwork.com/fix-concrete-cleaning/removing-stains-leafs-pinecones.html
- ↑ https://www.installitdirect.com/learn/concrete-stain-removal/
- ↑ https://www.nrdc.org/stories/6-ways-you-can-help-keep-our-water-clean
- ↑ https://www.concretenetwork.com/fix-concrete-cleaning/removing-stains-leafs-pinecones.html
- ↑ https://www.concretenetwork.com/fix-concrete-cleaning/removing-stains-leafs-pinecones.html
- ↑ https://www.familyhandyman.com/tools/how-to-use-a-pressure-washer/view-all/
- ↑ https://www.familyhandyman.com/tools/how-to-use-a-pressure-washer/view-all/
- ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/driveway-cleaning/
- ↑ https://www.concretenetwork.com/fix-concrete-cleaning/removing-stains-leafs-pinecones.html
- ↑ https://www.familyhandyman.com/tools/how-to-use-a-pressure-washer/view-all/
- ↑ https://www.familyhandyman.com/tools/how-to-use-a-pressure-washer/view-all/
- ↑ https://www.installitdirect.com/learn/concrete-stain-removal/
- ↑ https://www.installitdirect.com/learn/concrete-stain-removal/
- ↑ https://www.concretenetwork.com/fix-concrete-cleaning/removing-organic-stains.html
- ↑ https://www.concretenetwork.com/concrete/maintaining/
- ↑ https://www.concretenetwork.com/concrete/maintaining/
- ↑ https://www.concretenetwork.com/concrete/maintaining/
- ↑ https://www.concretenetwork.com/concrete/maintaining/sealingplain.htm
- ↑ https://www.totallandscapecare.com/business-best-practices/how-to-keep-pavers-clean/
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