How to Clean Antifreeze Off of Concrete
One of the worst stains a concrete driveway can get is from dripping antifreeze. This is a fluid often used in a car’s radiator to keep it from freezing. There are times when it drips over the driveway, leaving a stain that can be difficult, but not impossible, to remove. If you can’t stand this eyesore anymore, here are some tips on how you can get it off of your garage floor or driveway.
Source: PinterestHydrate the Area
Antifreeze is water-soluble. By hydrating the area, the stain will let go of the concrete and dissolve in the water. Keep it wet and leave it to soak to soften the stain.
Related: Tips for Cleaning Concrete
Add Some Detergent
With the area still hydrated, add detergent. Make sure that the whole stain is covered. Cover the detergent-covered stain with a few pieces of newspaper. Wet the newspaper and leave it to dry for about three hours.
Scrub the Stained Area
Remove the newspaper from the stained spot. Get a nylon-bristled brush and wet it in water. Scrub on the detergent until it creates a paste. Keep scrubbing the area until a frothy sud forms.
Rinse and Dry
Using a hose or a bucket of water, rinse the soapy area until there are no suds left. Lay some newspaper on it to absorb excess water and speed up the drying process. Allow the area to air dry.
Check the Area
Once the area has dried, inspect it. Look if there is some stain left or if any discoloration is visible. If not, you have successfully removed the stain. If there is still some hint of antifreeze on the driveway, repeat the process of cleaning it.
Stubborn Antifreeze Stains
If the antifreeze stain on the concrete driveway or garage floor is too wide and deep-seated that this cleaning process won’t work, consider a concrete resurfacing or refinishing. You may opt for a decorative concrete overlay to cover the whole surface completely. Or you may also choose to just go with a decorative stain to mask off the stained area with color. Not only will you eliminate the visibility of the stain, you get to have your driveway enhanced, too. It is also strongly recommended to apply a concrete sealer after the resurfacing or refinishing process. This will help keep the surface safe from another antifreeze stain and several other damaging elements like oil, grease, abrasion, scratches, and more.
Need help with your concrete?
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