Standard Testing Sequence for Removing Unknown Stains from Concrete

CSI Division
Division 3 - Concrete
Section
Concrete Cleaning
Last Modified

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We’ve reviewed these procedures for general consistency with federal standards for rehabilitating historic buildings and provide them only as a reference. Specifications should only be applied under the guidance of a qualified preservation professional who can assess the applicability of a procedure to a particular building, project or location. References to products and suppliers serve as general guidelines and do not constitute a federal endorsement nor a determination that a product or method is the best alternative or compliant with current environmental regulations and safety standards.

Introduction

These guidelines outline a testing sequence of trial and error techniques that may be used to determine the most effective method of removing unknown stains from concrete.

It is important to identify the cause of staining and the nature of the stain as part of selecting the proper removal techniques.

For removal of a specific stain type, see the appropriate specification(s) listed below:

  1. Removing Asphalt Stains from Concrete

  2. Removing Beverage Stains from Concrete

  3. Removing Blood Stains from Concrete

  4. Poulticing Bronze and Copper Stains from Concrete

  5. Poulticing Candy and Confectionery Stains from Concrete

  6. Poulticing Caulking Compound Stains from Concrete

  7. Removing Chewing Gum from Concrete

  8. Removing Coal Tar Stains from Concrete

  9. Removing Creosote Stains from Concrete

  10. Poulticing Curing Compound Stains from Concrete

  11. Removing Surface Dirt from Concrete

  12. Removing Efflorescence from Concrete

  13. Removing Epoxy Adhesives and Elastomeric Joint Sealant Smears and Overruns from Concrete

  14. Removing Finishing and Curing Discolorations from Concrete

  15. Removing Fire, Smoke, Soot, Pitch and Wood Tar Stains from Concrete

  16. Removing Paint-Based Graffiti from Concrete

  17. Removing Grease Stains from Concrete

  18. Removing Gypsum Plaster Stains from Concrete

  19. Poulticing Ink Stains from Concrete

  20. Poulticing Iodine Stains from Concrete

  21. Poulticing Iron Rust Stains from Concrete.

  22. Removing Mildew Stains from Concrete

  23. Removing Moss Stains from Concrete

  24. Poulticing Linseed, Soybean and Tung Oil Stains from Concrete

  25. Poulticing Lubricating and Petroleum Oil Stains from Concrete

  26. Removing Old Resilient Flooring Adhesives from Concrete

  27. Removing Paint, Shellac and Varnishes from Concrete

  28. Poulticing Perspiration Stains from Concrete

  29. Poulticing Plywood or Joint Sealant Stains from Concrete

  30. Removing Tobacco Stains from Concrete

  31. Poulticing Urine Stains from Concrete

  32. Removing Wood Stains from Concrete

Equipment and Materials

See individual specifications (such as those listed above) for specific solvents, bleaches and acids that are recommended for removal of a particular type of stain from concrete.

For stain removal activities, also have available:

  1. Clean, potable water.

  2. Additional accessible source of water, soap and towels for washing and rinsing in case of emergencies associated with the use of chemicals.

  3. Nylon bristle brushes (metallic brushes should not be used).

Testing Sequence

Always start with the mildest method of cleaning and proceed to stronger methods. Conduct test treatments on patches in inconspicuous areas until a satisfactory surface is restored. Use materials in the following sequence:

  1. Water with soft brushes.

  2. Water with mild soap.

  3. Water with stronger soap.

  4. Water with stronger soap plus ammonia.

  5. Water with stronger soap plus vinegar.

Only proceed to stronger chemical cleaners after the above methods have been tested. Select solvents or bleaches based on their efficacy in removing the substance believed to be the cause of the stain. If the nature of the stain is completely unknown, begin testing chemical cleaners on inconspicuous areas of stained concrete.

Test stain removers in the following sequence, until an effective method is determined. Do not proceed to the next chemical cleaner until the efficacy of the previous one has been determined.

  1. Organic solvents.

  2. Oxidizing bleaches, like those based on peroxides or hypochlorites. Avoid using any colored oxidizing agent like potassium permanganate which might impart additional color to the stain.

  3. Reducing bleaches, some of which are used in an acidic medium.

  4. Acids and other acidic materials.

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Last updated: Aug 13, 2017
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