Asked on Jan 06, 2020

How can I clean fertilizer stains off of a concrete sidewalk?

Jana
by Jana

Can someone please help me!!!! I have stains on a new concrete sidewalk from fertilizer I did not timely sweep off. I’ve tried everything. Any suggestions?


  7 answers
  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Jan 06, 2020

    You didn't mention what "everything" is so I would start with a pressure washer and a cleaner like 30 seconds (contains chlorine) or Gone (a mildew/mold/algae stainer remover).

  • Lifestyles Homes Lifestyles Homes on Jan 06, 2020

    I would use a Calcium Lime Rust remover first.

    If that doesn’t work then Muriatic Acid solution is used to clean concrete as well.

    Both require full PPE and being aware which way the run off is going, so that the chemicals do limited damage to the grass.

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Jan 06, 2020

    Hello there,

    It will eventually fade in time, but you could scrub it from time to time with a mild bleach solution................Hope that helps.........

  • Megan Megan on Jan 06, 2020

    Hi! Here is a very informational video on removing fertilizer stains from concrete!


    They use Seal Green!


    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gU42nVntfLE

  • William William on Jan 06, 2020

    WD-40. Did a leaky oil pan leave a big ugly spot in the middle of your concrete driveway? To get rid of an unsightly oil spot, just spray it with a generous amount of WD-40 and then hose it down with water.


    Soda (Coca Cola). Here’s how to remove oil stains from concrete drive-ways and garage floors: Gather up a small bag of cat litter, a few cans of cola, a stiff bristle broom, bucket, laundry detergent, bleach, eye protection, and rubber gloves. Cover the stain with a thin layer of cat litter and brush it in. Sweep up the litter and pour cola to cover the area. Work the cola in with a bristle broom, and leave the cola for about twenty minutes. Mix 1/4 cup laundry detergent with 1/4 cup bleach in 1 gallon (3.7 liters) warm water and use it to mop up the mess.


    Oven Cleaner. Get those unsightly grease, oil, and transmission fluid stains off your concrete driveway or garage floor. Spray them with Easy Off No Fume Oven Cleaner in the BLUE can. Let it settle for 5-10 minutes, then scrub with a stiff brush and rinse it off with your garden hose at its highest pressure. Severe stains may require a second application.


    Kool-Aid. Nasty rust stains on your concrete? Mix unsweetened lemonade Kool-Aid with hot water. Scrub and the rust stain should come right out.


    Baking Soda. Salt and commercial ice-melt formulations can stain — or actually eat away — the concrete around your house. For an effective, but completely innocuous, way to melt the ice on your steps and walkways during those cold winter months, try sprinkling them with generous amounts of baking soda. Add some sand for improved traction.


    Ammonia. Tired of those annoying discolorations on your concrete work? To get rid of them, scrub with 1 cup ammonia diluted in 1 gallon (3.7 liters) water. Hose it down well when you’re done.

  • Deb K Deb K on Jan 06, 2020

    Hi Jana, found this and kept a copy for myself too, ope it helps you

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gU42nVntfLE

  • Marge Lovell Marge Lovell on Jan 06, 2020

    I TOK A BOTTLE OF BLEACH AND SWEEPT ON THE CONCRETEAND LEFT IT FOR A WHIKE AND IT DID THE TRICK