Cleaning concrete

[jbodey]

Hi

I am wanting to clean unsightly oil and general stains off of my concrete driveway. What is the best way to go about this? 

Thanks

John

[Jason]

Hi John (@jbodey)

A very warm welcome to the Workshop community. Thanks for joining the discussion. I'm sure you will find our members to be the source of plenty of helpful information and inspiration. 

You might find these previous discussions useful to get started:

• Removing stains from concrete

• How to remove stains from a crushed aggregate driveway

• Remove mould from external sandstone wall

Thanks again,

Jason

[MartyH]

Do you have a pressure washer @jbodey?

[jbodey]

I do but it is very slow and tedious work. It is difficult to get rid of all the stains and the area needed cleaning is about 6 X 18 m

I am wondering if there is a good chemical solution available. 

John 

[Jason]

Thanks for the update John (@jbodey)

Do have a look at @Stephen-H's suggestion of Oxalic Acid on this discussion - https://www.workshop.com.au/t5/Interiors/Removing-Stains-From-Concrete/m-p/13662

Jason

[Isobel]

I would start off with just hot water and detergent and a stiff brush first. That way you don't do any damage to nearby plants or get any chemicals into the stormwater. Good luck @jbodey.

[MartyH]

I understand @jbodey. A pressure washer can be a little slow. But it is better than having to scrub on hands and knees! 

You might find this helpful - https://www.bunnings.com.au/diy-advice/outdoor/paths-and-landscaping/how-to-remove-oil-stains

It includes a link to a lot of different degreasers.