JackOfDiamonds
Well-known member
I left a storage tub sitting here too long. What can I use to try to get rid of the stain?
Concrete stains
- Thread starter JackOfDiamonds
- Start date
I left a storage tub sitting here too long. What can I use to try to get rid of the stain?
Stelzer
Well-known member
Plasticizer migration. Sodium Hydroxide would be a good start. Apply it, keep it wet, scrub, rinse, repeat if necessary. Easy Off oven cleaner would be the fastest method if you have it. If not, get some Red Hot Devil lye crystals and mix up a batch. Wear appropriate PPE.
OP
JackOfDiamonds
Well-known member
I should have figured lye is the answer. It seems like lye is always the answer to any material removal question.
I left a storage tub sitting here too long. What can I use to try to get rid of the stain?
Is the concrete sealed?
Any idea what the stain is?
What soap did you try?
OP
JackOfDiamonds
Well-known member
It's just bare concrete. Is there a homeowner product I should seal it with?
I only tried Dawn so far.
I only tried Dawn so far.
I think muriatic acid might be better on concrete then lye....
As for sealers, I'm sure there's plenty of homeowner grade sealers at the box store, but there's usually some really good recommendations in the flooring sub forum
OP
JackOfDiamonds
Well-known member
I don't want to epoxy it, or do polyurea or anything. Then I would have to do the whole patio. Which would be nice but I don't have the money. I thought maybe there was just something more simple you can brush on.
Acid dissolves concrete. Which might work, but seems like a last resort.
Acid dissolves concrete. Which might work, but seems like a last resort.
65ranchero
Well-known member
TSP?
Stelzer
Well-known member
The stain is caused by a phenomenon known as "plasticizer migration". We do commercial pressure washing & cleaning and come across this often. Varying concentrations of sodium hydroxide typically makes quick work of it, but for really stubborn stains, we'll also add 4-6oz of d-limonene.