Removing staining on concrete - Sycamore Seeds

Discussion in 'Tools And Equipment' started by jazzy, Nov 13, 2022.

  1. jazzy

    jazzy Gardener

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    Looking for advice for removing brown staining caused by sycamore seeds (helicopters) on concrete. Tried a pressure washer which had little effect, soak of bleach and scrubbing helped, but it's hard work. There must be an easier solution? or perhaps I need a better pressure washer?
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  2. pete

    pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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    Probably the stain has been absorbed by the concrete if its not sealed, its porous.

    Can only really think of a bleach solution and allow it to be absorbed, before rinsing away, but watch out for any plants nearby.

    There are possibly patio cleaners that might work.
     
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    • CanadianLori

      CanadianLori Total Gardener

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      Would that Wet and Forget stuff work? I used it on a concrete paver where my air conditioner sits and it not only got rid of the green stuff, it bleached the stone itself. Looked like I'd just laid it!
       
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      • infradig

        infradig Gardener

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        • CarolineL

          CarolineL Total Gardener

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          Maybe something based on oxalic acid? Or mashed up rhubarb leaves (not sure if it's allowed). I've found oxalic is a good bleaching agent for stains on wood, though I use farmer's bleach on bricks and render - it's about 3 times the strength of household bleach.
           
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          • pete

            pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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            Oxalic acid rings some bells, always remember French polishers having some of that around.
             
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            • pete

              pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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              Last place I worked we fitted some oak windows and the debris from the trees around the house stained the oak cills.
              I think oxalic acid sorted it out.
               
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