How to Remove Cement Stains

Cement Floors Can Be Cleaned

Cement floors in garages and storage areas often collect as many stains as they do cars, household solutions and grease. The porous nature of cement absorbs and retains stains making them difficult, but not impossible, to remove. Some stains are harder than others to clean and may require commercial cleaners while others are easily removed with a little elbow grease and familiar items found around the home.

Things You'll Need

• Power washer
• Liquid dish detergent
• Rags or towels
• Nylon bristle brush
• Hot water
• Kitty litter
• Gasoline
• Flour
• Hydrogen peroxide

Instructions

1. Identify the stain. Stains from many sources wind up on concrete floors and the method for cleaning each is different. It is important to identify the source of the stain before you begin cleaning.

2. Pre-treat dry oil stains by pouring a very small amount of gasoline on the spot. Add kitty litter and grind the litter into the stain with a stiff nylon brush. For fresh oil stains do not add gasoline. When the spot has dried, sweep up the litter and discard. Then wash the floor with soap and water.

3. Power wash fresh paint stains, but don't let the water stream spread the stain. Remove dried paint by scraping with a flat edged instrument or a commercial solvent or stripper, then wash the area with soap and water.

4. Blot fresh berry stains with cloth or paper towels. Then wash the area with soap and water. For old berry stains, mix 1 cup of flour and hydrogen peroxide and apply to the spot, then cover for one to two days with plastic wrap. After two days, remove the wrap and discard the residue.

5. Seal or paint the newly cleaned cement floor with commercial paint or sealer. Paint and sealers can be found at every home improvement store.

Tips & Warnings

• Test a commercial cleaner on an obscure corner of the floor before you begin to make sure it doesn't create a new stain.

• Exercise caution If you use gasoline to clean dried oil stains by ensuring that there are no open flames, heaters, pets or children in the vicinity.

References

• University of Illinois Extenson
• Essortment
• Bob Vila