Workshop
Ask a question

The Bunnings Workshop community can help with your home improvement projects.

Removing stains from concrete

Prof
Becoming a Leader

Removing stains from concrete

Driveway.png

What's the best thing to use to remove those green water/mould stains from concrete?

Jason
Community Manager
Community Manager

Re: Removing Stains From Concrete

Hi @Prof,

 

I trust Workshop members will have some great suggestions for you.

 

In the meantime you might like to check out these previous discussions for ideas:

 

 


Good luck,

 

Jason

See something interesting? Give it the thumbs up!
MartyH
Amassing an Audience

Re: Removing Stains From Concrete

What have you tried so far @Prof? Sometimes just a pressure washer is enough. But if you don't have one, I'd start off with something fairly safe like diluted nappy san or amonia with a stiff broom and see how you go. If that's not working, then you could step up to liquid chlorine or pool acid. (Just use caution and protective gear.)

 

Let us know how you go as its a common problem, although typically it would be people complaining of oil stains, which you wouldn't want to use chlorine for as it might react. 

Prof
Becoming a Leader

Re: Removing Stains From Concrete

Thanks Marty,

I haven't tried anything yet as I didn't want to use something that didn't work and then have it react adversely with using a different chemical..

I don't have a pressure washer or have access to one..so it's going to have to be some chemical and a broom..

I think I might try a bleach solution first and see how that goes..I can always wash it off completely if it doesn't do the job..
MartyH
Amassing an Audience

Re: Removing Stains From Concrete

No worries @Prof. Let us know how you go. You might want to look at investing in a pressure washer if its a job you need to do often and/or you have other uses for one. They are very handy and use a surprisingly small amount of water. 

Prof
Becoming a Leader

Re: Removing Stains From Concrete

I looked at a pressure washer some time ago, but I never followed it up as other expenses got in the way..

 

When the driveway has dried, I'll try the bleach first and see how it goes..

I'll let you know when I've done it..

Stephen-H
Building a Reputation

Re: Removing Stains From Concrete

Hi @Prof, I use and have been using Oxalic Acid for years to semove stains from concrete and timber. it is sold at some paint stores for use as a wood bleach. It is often sold in small bags. To use oxalic acid, mix one-half cup of the powder in four litres of warm water and mop it on the stain. Let it work for five to 10 minutes, keeping the stain wet, then scrub with a stiff-bristled brush and rinse. You can also get it from bunnings 2kg for $30. I prefer the crystal form as aginst the liquid form as I can then mix it as strong as I like. https://www.bunnings.com.au/diggers-2kg-rust-stain-cleaner_p0960276

 

Jason
Community Manager
Community Manager

Re: Removing Stains From Concrete

Hi @Prof,

 

Just wondering if you have made any progress removing those stains?

 

Hope all is well.

 

Jason

See something interesting? Give it the thumbs up!
Prof
Becoming a Leader

Re: Removing Stains From Concrete

Hi Jason..

 

I haven't removed the staining yet..My gardner is coming in a couple of weeks time and he says he might be able to remove them with a high pressure water cleaner..

I'll let all know if he's succesful..

Jason
Community Manager
Community Manager

Re: Removing Stains From Concrete

Thanks for the update @Prof. I hope you have some luck with the pressure cleaner.

 

Jason

See something interesting? Give it the thumbs up!

Why join the Bunnings Workshop community?

Workshop is a friendly place to learn, get ideas and find inspiration for your home improvement projects