Top 5 DIY Mistakes People Make When Removing Oil Stains from Concrete
Oil stains on concrete are a common problem for homeowners, but getting rid of them doesn't have to be a headache. In fact, with the right approach, you can restore your driveway or garage floor to its original state without too much effort. That said, there are a few missteps many people make when trying to tackle this project with Pour-N-Restore Oil Stain Remover. Here’s a look at the top 5 mistakes you should avoid if you want to do the job right.
1. Not Blotting or Scraping Build-Up First
Before using Pour-N-Restore, the first step in removing an oil stain is blotting it up as much as possible or scraping accumulated build-up from the surface. Pour-N-Restore contains enough absorbent to capture embedded oil stains, but it is not designed to capture oil spills or thick build-up.
2. Ignoring the Age of the Stain
One of the first things you need to assess before diving into cleaning is how long the oil has been sitting on the concrete. Fresh stains are easier to remove than those that have had months or years to soak in. Because Pour-N-Restore attaches to oil molecules to draw up the embedded stain, just 1 application gets the job done on fresh stains.
Often, just 1 application of Pour-N-Restore removes older oil stains too, but if a shadow remains, scrubbing after applying the 2nd application is helpful. The mechanical action of scrubbing can help break down the dry surface stain where the wet oil no longer remains. However, it is not recommended that you ever scrub the 1st application of Pour-N-Restore.
3. Not Testing A Small Area First
It’s always wise to test a small inconspicuous area first. This not only ensures that you see the result you are looking for, but it can also reveal the presence of sealers. Oftentimes, concrete contractors will apply a sealer after the job is completed and the homeowner doesn’t even know it’s there. Pour-N-Restore can soften sealers when applied, leaving absorbent powder embedded in it after drying. There is a solution to this, but you’ll want to know if this is going to be an issue before you treat a large area.
4. Using the Wrong Cleaning Products
Sometimes chemical cleaners are used on the oil stain first and this will inhibit the effectiveness of Pour-N-Restore. They can remove the wet oil residue or drive it very deep into the concrete. Pour-N-Restore uses Micro-Extraction Technology to attach to oil molecules and draw the stain to the surface where it will be captured in the absorbent powder. If other cleaners are used first, it may be necessary to scrub Pour-N-Restore into the surface immediately after application.
5. Not Giving Enough Time to Work
Patience is key when removing oil stains. People often make the mistake of not letting the product sit long enough to work its magic. Pour-N-Restore takes 5-8 hours do dry from a liquid to a powder when the temperature is above 60°F (16°C) and the area is well-ventilated. Using it on a cold garage floor, for example, where there is no air circulation will extend dry time. In these situations, it is helpful to open doors and use fans to improve ventilation.
After you sweep up the dry Pour-N-Restore material, there is often moisture left behind by the product. This is not an oil stain, but it can look like one. This moisture will evaporate away slowly, but you can speed up the process by rinsing with the area with water. Again, patience is the key.
Final Thoughts
Removing oil stains from concrete can feel like a big job, but if you avoid these common DIY mistakes, you’ll have success using Pour-N-Restore Oil Stain Remover. So, whether you’ve got a fresh stain or a stubborn old one, your concrete and masonry surfaces can look as good as new again. Happy cleaning!