How to remove stains from paving

How to remove stains from paving

Paving StainsThis post will focus on the wide variety of different stains and spillages and guide you on how to treat the affected area. It is important to note that the following advice is offered for your assistance, however we do strongly recommend that the application of any treatment should be carried out on a small inconspicuous area first and that the relevant manufacturer’s instructions are strictly followed.

When treating stains/spillages it is advisable to identify the source of the staining (i.e rust from cast iron gutters, oil from leaking engines) and repair it. This will prevent any further staining/damage to your paving.

 

Treating Moss, Lichens and Algae

• Moss, Lichens and Algae grows naturally but favours damp, heavily shaded areas.

• Scrape off any thick growths and discard them.

• Treated with a propriety of moss or weed killer (use in accordance with the manufacturers instructions).

• These products may take some time to work and will be more affective when applied during dry weather.

• Some treatments leave a residue to discourage regrowth, however if that area is damp and/or shaded it will only have a limited effect.

Removing Rust Stains

• Identify and treat the source of rust stain, to prevent any further staining or a reoccurrence of staining.

• To remove the rust stain from paving, first wet the affected area then apply with 10% hydrochloric acid solution; or a similar proprietary product available from a builders merchants. Please note that hydrochloric acid attacks concrete and might etch the surface of your paving, so care must be taken and manufacturer’s instructions strictly adhered to.

Cleaning Fat Grease and Oil Stains

• Oil will penetrate readily into a paved area and can be stubborn to remove. However, it will not stain if any spillage is removed promptly with an absorbent material like paper towels or cloth.

• Any oil spillage should be soaked up, not rubbed as this will spread it over a larger area, as well as driving the contaminant into the concrete.

• If an oil stain persists, the surface can be scrubbed with a strong detergent and then washed away with hot water. Some concrete products may suffer from a loss of pigment so please ensure you take care.

• For particularly stubborn stains an emulsifying degreaser should be employed. Brush the cleaner onto the affected area, leave for the specified period of time and then wash away with plenty of clean water.

Remove Paint Stains

• Freshly wet plaint should be soaked up with an absorbent materials, taking care not to wipe the stain as this will spread the stain. The area should then be treated with suitable solvent, following the manufacturers instructions, before then washing the area with general detergent, insuring care in the disposal of the run-off material.

• With dried paint, as much of the paint should be scraped off, then appropriate paint remover can be utilised. As before, the treated area should be thoroughly washed, taking appropriate care in the disposal of the run-off material.

Removing Mortar Stains

• Light mortar stains, which are boned to the surface of your paving during installation, can be removed by using a propriety mortar stain cleaner. Please ensure that you adhere to the manufacturers guidelines.

Removing Tyre Marks and Scuffs

• General weathering and wearing of the surface should remove tyre marks over time.

• However, they can generally be removed more quickly by scrubbing the area hot water and a strong detergent. Please take care when using this method may result in the slight loss of pigment from some concrete products. Always ensure due care is taken in the disposal of the run-off material.

• It is also possible to remove the marks using a power wash. Please see the previous maintenance guide post for advice on power washing your paving.

Cleaning Block Paving for Leaf and Beverage Stains

• Hot soapy water should do the trick here. However it that doesn’t work, employing a propriety path and patio cleaner and following the manufacturers will remove markings of this nature. Once again, care must be taken with this method, as it may result in a slight loss of pigment from some concrete products. The run-off material should be disposed with care.

You may look for professional help to assist you. Please see SA SPot South Africa Directory to look for cleaning agents in South Africa

Posted by Christopher Hine