How To Remove Paving Stains
A stubborn stain in the middle of your perfect garden paving is a true blot on the landscape. We’ve put together a list of common problems and how to treat them.
2 minute read
These solutions apply to granite paving but can be used on other kinds, subject to manufacturer’s recommendations:
Rust stains
If rust stains occur on the paving, the first thing to do is to eliminate the source of the staining. To remove rust stains, the surface should be wetted and the affected area treated with a 10% hydrochloric acid solution. After cleaning, the paving should be well washed down to remove all traces of the acid.
Oil stains
The oil spillage should be removed promptly with an absorbent material, such as paper towelling. The towelling should be used to soak, rather than wipe up the oil. After soaking up the majority of any small spills, prompt washing with a strong detergent solution dissolved in hot water should remove the stain.
Steam cleaning can be used on paving to remove more extensive or stubborn stains, but if this is unsuccessful, an emulsifying degreasing agent could be tried. Brush the cleaner onto the affected area and then wash the emulsified oil away with plenty of water. Neither hot water, steam cleaning nor emulsifying agents should affect the colour of granite paving.
Paint
Both paint and graffiti are difficult to remove. Wet paint should be soaked up with an absorbent material. The area should not be wiped, as this will spread the paint. The spillage should then be treated with a suitable solvent, such as white spirit and the area washed with a strong detergent and hot water solution. If the paint has dried, it should be scraped off as far as possible and an appropriate paint stripper applied, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Smoke and burns
Normally these stains can be removed by scrubbing with a strong detergent and hot water solution. Where the stains persist, a mixture of scouring powder and household bleach can be used, but this should only be used in very well ventilated area. When using bleach, it is important that the affected area is thoroughly washed once cleaning is completed.
Chewing gum
Newly discarded gum can be scraped off using a scraper, but hardened gum can only be removed by either freezing the gum or chiselling it from the surface of the paving, or by using a high-pressure water jet.
Scuff marks
These can normally be removed by steam cleaning, or by scrubbing the area with a strong detergent and hot water solution.
