We’ve all been there. Whether it’s on your clothes or on your countertop, stains can ruin your day. What can be even more frustrating is trying to remove the stain and having no success. Not all hope is lost, however, as there are actually a few simple methods that can remove the stains from your concrete countertops.
Before you begin, determine whether the stain on your countertop is actually a stain. Sometimes it could just be caked-on dirt or debris, and often it can be wiped away with a wet sponge or cloth.
If it does turn out to be a stain, however, one thing you could try is a baking soda treatment. Mix baking soda with a small amount of water to create a thick paste. Then apply this paste to the stain and lay a wet paper towel over it to keep it moist. After a few minutes have gone by, wipe the area clear and – with luck – wipe the stain away, as well.
For a stain from something more dark colored or difficult, like grape juice or mustard, bleach can usually do the trick. Simply apply the bleach to a cotton ball or a folded paper towel and place it on the stain. Cover the damped bleach with a heavy material that won’t stain, like a heavy piece of glass. After about 10 minutes, the bleach should have done its work and removed stain.
Not all stains are created equal, though. For example, an oil stain can be very tough to remove. To get rid of it, you will need to use a poultice – a mixture of an absorbent powder and solvent fluid. The solvent will break up the stain while the powder will pull the stain out of the countertop itself. One popular option is a combination of flour and acetone, blended and spread over an oil-stained spot. The poultice should be left on and covered with plastic for 24 hours, but even tough oil stains should be gone following the treatment.
Templin Concrete Construction specializes in the removal and installation of concrete for driveways, patios, countertops and much more. To learn more about our full range of services – including concrete countertop repairs and replacements – give us a call today at 612-388-1945.