How to Remove Leaf Stains from Concrete Driveways & Seal It!

drivewaygeek.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com

Resplendent fall. Leaves in fiery crimsons, honeyed golds, and rustic oranges cover the landscape. But remember, you must remove leaf stains from concrete driveways before sealing it to withstand the harsh winter!

Sorry to deflate your mood somewhat, but that, unfortunately is the reality. Fall leaves covering the driveway and surrounding landscape are amazingly beautiful.

Leaves from many trees can stain concrete because leaves contain tannin, a compound that can cause brown or reddish-brown stains!

To prepare your concrete driveway for winter you need to remove leaf stains from concrete driveways. The best time to do this is early winter when there are no more leaves on the trees.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Leaves stain concrete because they contain tannin, which leeches and results in brown or reddish-brown stains!
• You can remove leaf stains from concrete driveways using household items or commercial products.
• A solution of bleach, laundry detergent, and water can remove leaf stains on concrete driveways.
• OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover Powder is easy to use and effective too.
• Once your concrete driveway is clean and stain-free, you should reseal it with a topical acrylic sealer to protect it from the elements.

How to Remove Leaf Stains from Concrete Driveways

The process to remove leaf stains from concrete driveways is not too complicated and you have two equally good options.

Remove Leaf Stains from Concrete Using Household Items

Materials Needed

• 16 ounces of Bleach
• 16 ounces of Water
• 1 ounce of Laundry Detergent

Use the above mix ratio but adjust the total quantity depending on your driveway area.

Tools Needed

• Broom or Leaf Blower
• A spray bottle / Pressure Sprayer
• Long Handled Soft Bristle Brush
• Garden Hose

Instructions

1. Mix the bleach and water in a container first and then add the laundry detergent to it.
2. Fill the solution in a spray bottle / pressure sprayer.
3. Spray the solution onto the leaf stains.
4. Let the solution sit for 10 minutes.
5. Scrub the stains with the brush.
6. Rinse the area with water using the garden hose.

Remove Leaf Stains from Concrete Using Commercial Products

Natural Remedies

If the stains are minor, they may go away on their own, especially if the concrete gets direct sunshine. You can also try using a non-acidic degreaser, such as Simple Green.

OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover Powder

If the stains are more stubborn, you can try using OxiClean. OxiClean products are primarily designed for laundry and home sanitization. However, OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover Powder, as the name suggests can be used for many applications. 

As such you can use OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover Powder to remove leaf stains from concrete. This versatile stain remover is safe to use on concrete driveways.

The oxygen-based, water-activated formula gets out tough dirt, persistent spots and set-in leaf stains on concrete.

The process is pretty similar to the one above. It’s just that bleach and laundry detergent powder are replaced by OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover Powder.

RECOMMENDED PRODUCT

---

The Best Multipurpose Cleaner for Concrete Surfaces such as Driveways, Patios, Walkways, etc.

The best DIY Multipurpose Cleaner for Concrete Surfaces is OxiClean Outdoor Multipurpose Concentrated Cleaner. It does not contain chlorine bleach, ammonia, phosphates, or Quats. The degreaser cleaner heavy duty has no harsh fumes or residual chemicals.

---

Instructions

Here is a step-by-step process to use OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover Powder to remove leaf stains from concrete.

• Mix 4 scoops of the powder per 1 gallon of warm to hot water. For more stubborn leaf stains, a more concentrated paste may be used.
• Soak up the solution in a cloth rag, sponge or mop and apply it on the leaf stains on the concrete driveway. You could also pour the solution directly on to the stains
• Let the solution sit on the stains for 5-30 minutes depending on the severity of the stain.
• During that time, you can scrub the stains on the concrete surface to make the cleaning more effective. 
• Rinse with plenty of water using a garden hose.

Tips & Tricks

You will find the following tips useful when you need to remove leaf stains from concrete.

Preventing Leaf Stains

To prevent tannin stains, spread a tarp before having a load of wood chips delivered, and clean leaves as soon as possible, especially when there may be a string of damp days.

Safety Precautions

• Be sure to wear gloves and eye protection when working with bleach or OxiClean.
• Test the solution on a small inconspicuous spot first to make sure it doesn’t damage the concrete.
• If the stains are stubborn, you may need to repeat the process.

Reseal After You Remove Leaf Stains from Concrete Driveways

Once your concrete driveway is looking clean, stain-free and as good as new, reseal it so that it is well prepared for the snow and ice of the fast approaching winter.

How To Reseal

Here is how to reseal your driveway after you remove leaf stains from concrete:

Choose the Right Sealer

1. There are various types of sealers available, including acrylic, penetrating, and epoxy-based sealers.
2. Topical acrylic sealer is the best choice for protecting most residential concrete driveways.
3. Pick a brand that has a reputation for the durability of the sealer and its ability to withstand weather conditions in your area.
4. Most topical sealers come in high gloss, satin and matte finish. Pick a sealer that will result in the desired look.

RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS

---

The Best Sealers for Your Concrete Driveway or Patio

A topical sealer is essential for protecting concrete surfaces from water permeation that can damage the concrete from within and compromise its lifespan.

I highly recommend Foundation Armor Concrete Sealers. Pick the one that best meets your aesthetic and application preference.

---

Applying the Sealer

1. Stir the sealer thoroughly while avoiding air bubbles.
2. Apply a thin even coat of concrete sealer with a roller, brush, or pump sprayer.
3. It is best to apply two coats, where the second coat is applied only after the first coat has become tack free.
4. Allow a minimum of four hours dry time between coats.
5. Saturate the concrete driveway with the sealer.
6. Use enough material to keep the surface wet for two to three minutes before penetration.
7. However, do not overapply. Use enough to completely wet the concrete surface without creating any puddles or thick coats.
8. Start at the garage side of your driveway and work your way down so you don’t back yourself into a corner while applying.

Troubleshooting

• If the sealer is not penetrating the concrete, it may be too thick. Thin the sealer with water according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• If the sealer is drying too quickly, it may be too hot or too windy. Apply the sealer in the shade on a cool day.
• If the sealer is not curing properly, it may be too cold. Apply the sealer when the temperature is above 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Tips

• Let the sealer cure for 24 hours before driving or walking on the surface.
• Wash your tools immediately after use.

Thank you very much for reading this post. I do hope you found it informative and helpful.