How to Get Acorn Stains Off a Concrete Driveway
Tip
Sweep or pick up acorns as they fall to prevent stain buildup. If the stain is fresh, scrub it with the peroxide and ammonia mix without the sawdust. Rinse with the hose or absorb the mixture with sawdust before sweeping it up.
Organic, tannin-based stains commonly occur on concrete driveways when dry leaves, nuts or acorns fall and are left to sit on the surface. The brownish discoloration left when these natural items are finally removed are formed as a result of the tannin in the organic matter. Acorn stains needn't leave a permanent mark on your driveway. When proper supplies and techniques are used, the stains can be fully removed from the concrete surface.
Pour 2 cups of hydrogen peroxide into a bucket. Add 2 tbsp. of ammonia. Stir in enough sawdust to make a thick paste.
Spread the paste over the acorn stains on the concrete surface. Allow the paste to dry so it can lift the stains. Remove the dried paste and discard.
Wet the concrete with the garden hose. Add a squirt of dishwashing detergent to the surface and work into a lather by scrubbing the concrete with a scrub brush.
Cover the soapy lather with sawdust to absorb the soap and water, rather than having to rinse it into the grass or garden. Sweep up the sawdust to remove the soap solution.
Rinse the concrete with the garden hose to remove remaining sawdust. Allow the driveway to air dry.
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Writer Bio
Mary Ylisela is a former teacher with a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education and mathematics. She has been a writer since 1996, specializing in business, fitness and education. Prior to teaching, Ylisela worked as a certified fitness instructor and a small-business owner.
