How To Clean Coffee, Tea, and Wine Stains from Concrete

Eating and entertaining can result in beverage stains on the concrete floors of your garage, driveway or patio. Dropping a staining beverage like coffee on a concrete floor can cause a large stain as the liquid spreads quickly and easily; if allowed to sit, it also serves as an unfortunate reminder of a clumsy spill. Address stains such as coffee, wine, cola and others as promptly as possible with a cyclical technique designed to address the various aspects of these combination stains. Remember, that concrete types and sealants can vary, and cleaning materials and techniques should be tested on a small area before using on a wider area.

To clean up these stains effectively, you will need newspaper, three sponges, glycerin, white vinegar, mild dish liquid, and water. First, remove any standing liquid by blotting with clean newspaper. Replace with fresh papers as necessary when the newspaper gets soaked with the staining beverage. At any stage, clean newspaper can be used to soak up excess liquid. Remove and discard the newspapers as they are soiled.

Steps:

• Rinse the affected area with water.

• Next, use a clean sponge to apply diluted white vinegar to the stain (equal parts vinegar and water).

• Follow by lightly scrubbing with a clean sponge wet with a lightly sudsy solution of mild dish liquid and water.

• Rinse with water.

• Blot dry with clean newspaper.

• If there is any stain remaining, use a clean sponge to apply glycerin directly to the stain in order to help lubricate any remaining residue.

Repeat cycle as necessary to alleviate the stain as completely as possible, ending with an overall cleansing with the lightly sudsy solution of water and mild dish liquid, and a final rinse. Blot with clean newspaper to absorb any excess moisture and allow to dry thoroughly.

Caution: Never mix cleaning agents or chemicals, the result can be dangerous or deadly. Before cleaning, always test the agent on an inconspicuous location to determine its suitability and to make certain it does not damage the material. Wear appropriate clothing such as gloves and protective eyewear, and work in a well-ventilated area. Accidental inhalation or ingestion of cleaning agents can be hazardous and even fatal, particularly to pets and children.