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The Best Way to Remove Leaf Stains From Concrete Driveways

When autumn leaves fall to the ground, you may find brown stains on your concrete driveway. These stains are caused by tannin transferring from the leaves to the porous concrete surface. Despite the strength and durability of concrete, it is susceptible to organic stains. Fortunately, removing leaf stains isn't difficult. The best way for you to remove leaf stains is to ensure you remove tannin stains from the concrete surface as well as those that have been absorbed.

Things You'll Need

  • Hose
  • Bucket
  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Ammonia
  • Gloves
  • Scrub brush
  • Flour
  • Plastic scraper
  • Dishwashing detergent
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Instructions

    • 1

      Wet the leaf-stained concrete with a hose.

    • 2

      Pour 1 cup of 21 percent hydrogen peroxide into a bucket. Add 1 tsp. of ammonia.

    • 3
      Work gloves protect your hands from chemicals and cleaners.

      Put on work or rubber gloves to protect your skin from the drying effects of the ammonia solution.

    • 4

      Dip a scrub brush in the mixture. Scrub the leaf stains on the concrete until the surface is wet.

    • 5
      Flour and peroxide poultice draw tannin stains out of concrete.

      Sprinkle flour over the wet surface to cover the leaf stains. Add more peroxide mixture, if needed, to make a paste-like substance with the flour. Allow the flour and peroxide mixture to dry on the concrete.

    • 6

      Remove the dried paste with a plastic scraper. Then scrub the concrete with two or three drops of dishwashing detergent using a wet scrub brush.

    • 7

      Rinse the surface with a hose. Allow the concrete to air dry.