Various commercial properties fall victim to tough pavement stains over the years. Markings from tires, weather, plant material, food, and more can prove to be resilient and long-lasting. These stains make our commercial properties look unprofessional and unkempt. This is never a good impression to give potential clientele or business associates. Eliminating tough stains from parking lots and other pavements can be tricky, which is why it is highly recommended to outsource a professional asphalt and concrete service company for accurate advice or assistance.

Continue reading to learn some quick DIY stain-removing techniques that can be implemented on a bigger and more professional scale for commercial properties and pavements as well.

Oil Stains

Oil can prove to be a difficult and frustrating stain to remove. Frequently, cars and other vehicles can leak and leave behind oil residues and deposits. After drying, oil can saturate deep into the pavement, making it more difficult to clean. Oil is also water resistant, so it takes a more extensive approach to cleaning or removing set-in stains. For concrete pavement, you can try using dish washing liquid. These detergents are made with grease-fighting constituents that help remove oil-based stains. Simply sprinkle a moderate amount of dish washing soap on the stain, apply very hot water on top, and then scrub the area vigorously until the stains are gone. Last, thoroughly rinse the remaining residue away with clean water. A quick scrubbing tip: use a broom as a scrubber for more square foot coverage.

For deeply set-in stains, this approach might not work. Instead, try using a combination of cement plaster, dish washing liquid, and water. Combine the gypsum plaster and water, then add one teaspoon of dish soap. Stir thoroughly; the concoction should be thick and sticky. Next, apply the mixture to the stained areas and allow it to dry completely. Once the plaster is dry, sweep it away with a thick-bristled broom. The mixture should absorb the stains!

Moss Stains

Sidewalks and other walkways are victims to plant material sediments and stains, especially moss. Moss can leave concrete pavement looking discolored and jeopardize its foundation with mass root growth. Plant roots can eventually break through the surface causing small cracks and crumbling. Moss is usually a result of poor drainage so that is something to look into for a long-term solution. Many people use boiling water to remove moss, but this can cause damage to the pavement. Instead, focus on removing the stains, and then hire a service to remove the moss professionally.

To remove moss stains, try using a combination of pure white vinegar and water. This liquid solution should be poured over the moss stains and allowed to set-in for at least 20 minutes. Once sufficient time has passed, scrub the stained areas with a thick-bristled brush, such as a broom. Last, rinse the vinegar solution away with warm, clean water.

Tire Marks

Tire marks and rubber stains are a huge eye sore in commercial parking lots and paved areas. These big black stains often stand out the most. They are also the most difficult pavement stains to remove. It is advised to avoid chemical treatments and solutions to remove tire markings because they can melt the rubber, consequently spreading the stain even more. Instead, use a liberal amount of rock salt and cover the stained areas. Next, use a thick broom or brush to scrub the markings. The idea is that the rock salt should lift and peel away the rubber stains away from the pavement.

Professional Pavement Services

If these techniques fail, it is highly recommended to consult a professional paving company for advice or service. They retain the proper equipment, tools, and treatments to remove set-in pavement stains such as the ones mentioned before. They also come with licenses, references, guarantees, experience, certifications, and more. These specifics can certainly put a property owner at ease when it comes to outsourcing services for pavement cleaning and stain removal.

Indianapolis Pavement Repair

For licensed and certified pavement repair services in Indianapolis, call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833, today! We retain the latest technologies and state of the art equipment to remove pavement stains and more. Call 317-549-1833 for affordable and reputable pavement services and concrete stain removal in Indianapolis, IN and its surrounding counties.