Solutions to remove stains from your surfaces!
Solutions to remove stains from your surfaces!
Over time, the surfaces of your home are bound to suffer damage from external aggression. Whether it’s your pavers, concrete or asphalt, it’s not uncommon for tire marks, rust, grease or mold to spread.
Most people clean with a few products recommended in stores, but these never permanently remove the marks.
The truth is, there’s no miracle solution that will work for every stain and every surface. Fat embedded in your interlocking paving stones is not treated like rust on your asphalt.
However, a quick analysis will make it easier to choose the right treatment.
Steps to choosing the right cleaning technique
1. Identify the stain material
The first step in effectively removing a stain is to identify the material from which it is made. These can include fuel, rust, motor oil, hydraulic oil, animal fat left behind by your barbecue, mold and mildew, rubber, and so on.
Each type of task requires a specific approach.
2. Determine the temperature at the time of spot creation
The temperature at the time of spot creation is an important factor. This indicates the depth to which the material has penetrated.
The more encrusted the material, the more difficult it is to clean.
3. Note the porosity of your surface
The porosity of your surface, whether asphalt, concrete, epoxy surface, inter-block paving, etc., is also a key consideration.
Porosity determines the level of encrustation in the material and the cleaning methods required.
4. Consider the environment
The environment around the spot to be treated is an essential factor. If plants are in the vicinity, if there are fragile objects nearby, or chemicals that are difficult to move, all these factors must be taken into account when choosing the cleaning method.
You also need to specify whether your surface has undergone any previous treatment or whether there are any sand joints.
The right analysis will enable you to choose the most appropriate cleaning technique for your specific situation.
Cleaning techniques for different types of stains
- Superficial rust stains: Brushing the stain with a rust remover and hand brush can be effective. Repeat the process, using a small amount of product each time, and rinse thoroughly with water to avoid white marks.
- Ingrained rust stains: Use hydro-sandblasting. However, this procedure must be carried out by professionals.
- Tire marks: If rubber cleaners are not sufficient, a high-pressure jet with an abrasive may be necessary. However, this may not be advisable if you already have a sealer applied to the surface.
- Invasion by small plants and mildew: Hand brushing with a good fungicide can be effective. If mold is deeply embedded, high-pressure cleaning may be required.
Finally, in most cases, the cleaned areas will appear cleaner than the rest of the surface, necessitating a complete cleaning of the entire surface. To avoid this tedious manual work, Prostationnement can analyze and treat stains on your concrete, asphalt, cobblestone or other surfaces. Simply call us at 1-800-417-6215.
Trust the experts for your work
While some homeowners consider carrying out the project themselves, calling in a professional guarantees uniform application and minimizes the risk of costly mistakes. Trust Prostationnement for your renovations.
Summary table of cleaning methods
Here is a summary table of cleaning methods depending on the type of stain and surface:
Type of stain | Surface | Cleaning method |
---|---|---|
Surface rust | All surfaces | Brushing with hand rust remover |
Encrusted rust | All surfaces | Hydro-blasting (professional) |
Tire marks | All surfaces | Rubber cleaners or high-pressure jet with abrasive (beware of sealant) |
Mould and vegetation | All surfaces | Hand brushing with fungicide or high-pressure cleaning (depending on incrustation) |
Don’t hesitate to contact Prostationnement for a professional analysis and treatment tailored to your specific needs. Your surface will quickly regain its original shine, saving you time and effort.
Stain Types and Cleaning Methods
Concrete surfaces
If you have a concrete surface, here’s how to treat some common stains:
Type of stain | Cleaning method |
---|---|
Grease stain | Use a concrete degreaser followed by high-pressure cleaning. |
Rust stain | For superficial stains, use a rust remover with a hand brush. For stubborn stains, opt for hydro-sanding. |
Engine oil stain | Use a special degreaser to remove the oil, followed by high-pressure cleaning. |
Mould and Fungi | Hand brushing with a fungicide may suffice, but for serious cases, opt for high-pressure cleaning. |
Uni-paved surfaces
Cleaning interlocking stone requires special care:
Type of stain | Cleaning method |
---|---|
Grease stain | Use a paving stone degreaser followed by high-pressure cleaning. |
Rust stain | Hydro-blasting is recommended for rust stains on interlocking paving stones. |
Engine oil stain | Use a suitable degreaser followed by high-pressure cleaning. |
Mould and Fungi | Hand brushing with a fungicide can give good results. For more serious cases, opt for high-pressure cleaning. |
Wood surfaces
Cleaning wood requires special treatment:
Type of stain | Cleaning method |
---|---|
Grease stain | Use a special wood degreaser followed by gentle brushing. |
Rust stain | Avoid abrasive products. Use a gentle rust remover. |
Engine oil stain | Apply an absorbent, such as cat litter, followed by gentle cleaning. |
Mould and Fungi | Use a mild wood fungicide solution and brush gently. |
Brick surfaces
Bricks also require a specific approach:
Type of stain | Cleaning method |
---|---|
Grease stain | Use a degreaser suitable for bricks, followed by high-pressure cleaning. |
Rust stain | Avoid abrasive products. Use a mild rust remover. |
Engine oil stain | Use a suitable degreaser followed by high-pressure cleaning. |
Mould and Fungi | Hand brushing with a fungicide can be effective. For more serious cases, opt for high-pressure cleaning. |
Conclusion
Careful analysis of the stains, the surface and the environment is essential when choosing the best cleaning method. To avoid tedious work, it’s advisable to call on professionals like Prostationnement, who can analyze and treat stains on your concrete, asphalt, paving stone, wood or brick surfaces.
Simply call us at 1-800-417-6215 for efficient, personalized service. Your home deserves to be spotless, and we’re here to help you get there.