

Easy ways to clean stains off concrete patios or driveways


Concrete is a tough surface, but because it is porous, it's easily stained. Most spots are easy to clean if you know the steps. Here are a few things you can use to renew your patio, driveway or front porch.

The most common stains are caused by oil or grease. The first step in removing an oil stain is to use mineral-spirits-based paint thinner to dissolve and break up the oil. Use a scrub brush to work the thinner into the stain. When the oil is loosened, cover the spot with absorbent materials, such as cat litter, cornmeal or sawdust. Leave it overnight and sweep it away, along with the stain, in the morning. Repeat if needed.

Regular laundry bleach is the best cleaner for mildew and mold. You might want to dilute it with water.

Another good general-purpose cleaner for concrete is TSP, trisodium phosphate. Follow the package directions for mixing. Along with a good scrub brush, the mix will remove a variety of tough stains.

For tougher stains, you might have to use muriatic acid. This should be diluted with water and must be used with caution. Always add acid to water rather than adding water to acid. A good general-purpose mixture could be 10 parts water to 1 part muriatic acid. Wear gloves, safety goggles and a mask to protect yourself.

Oxalic acid is also a good cleaner, especially for rust stains. It can be mixed with water and be effective. It also can be used to bleach the entire surface when you have cleaned off the stains.

One of the best things you can do to keep your concrete surfaces looking good is apply a sealer. It might need to be reapplied annually, but it will keep some of those stains from getting into the concrete.

Replacing drawstrings

Question: I have matchstick blinds in my vacation house. I have noticed that the drawstrings are starting to wear out. Is it possible to repair or replace these strings?

Answer: There shouldn't be a problem replacing the cord. Look for a Venetian-blind cord or something similar at a sewing or craft store. Measure the existing cord and buy just a little more than that. Then take a digital photo of the existing cord and note how it is attached before removing it. Now run the new cord through the blind the same way.

Clogged water dispenser

Q: I have a water dispenser on the front of my refrigerator, but the stream of water is slow. I think the dispenser might be clogged. What can I do to fix it?

A: First, go to the solenoid valves. There should be one for the icemaker and one for the water. Remove the water unit and take it apart. Look for mineral deposits that might prevent free flow. Soak the parts in hot vinegar and scrape away any salty-looking mineral deposits before putting it back in place.

Al and Kelly's tips

If you like to garden and work in the shop, try keeping your cell phone in a zip-top plastic bag. This way, you won't get sweat, grease or grime on your phone. Most phones will still operate through the plastic too.

Closing up a trash bag can be done several ways. Some bags have built-in ties; others use a twist-tie. Another easy way to seal up a plastic bag is to use a scrap of plastic such as a butter-tub lid. Cut an "X" in the center, and stuff the top edges of the bag through the "X" to seal up the bag. It will not pull out or come open as some ties allow them to do. It even gives you a handle to grab when hauling the bag to the trash pile.

If you have to cut through a piece of pipe or tubing that might be a little soft -- copper, for example -- and you don't want to bend or crimp it, try this: Stick a piece of dowel rod into the end of the pipe before making your final cut, and it will keep the pipe round while you cut. The dowel rod will prevent any bending or crimping.

Readers' tips

I asked my brother to help me find the air leak in my den. Turns out it was behind the baseboard along one wall of the room. My brother located the leak by lighting incense and walking around the room holding it near openings such as the receptacles and the windows. When he moved down to the floor, air movement disturbed the smoke stream, quickly showing where the drafts were coming in. We removed the baseboard and caulked the wall.

Those attachments that you can use with your power drill to stir paint are fantastic. The drill attachment slings the paint if you are not careful; so it's a good idea to put the paint can inside a large bucket before mixing it. You can mix it fast and thoroughly with the attachment.

Copyright © 2021, Orlando Sentinel