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Action Sheds Australia Provides Tips for Removing Stubborn Stains from a Shed’s Concrete Slab

Announcement posted by Action Sheds Australia 15 Aug 2014

Supplier of farm sheds, storage sheds, industrial sheds and barns in Perth makes it easy for their customers.
Perth, WA, 15 August 2014 - No matter what kind of shed one has, it usually has a concrete slab as a floor. Since sheds are often used for so many different hobbies, errands or work-related tasks, they are subject to a variety of spills, ranging from food to chemicals of all varieties.

Recently, on the company blog, Action Sheds Australia owner Max Italiano provided a guide to removing problem stains from cement shed floors. In his many years of providing sheds of all shapes and sizes to the Perth market, Mr Italiano has been asked to help satisfied customers with a wide range of problem stains.

General Recommendations

Mr Italiano recommends some broad overall guidelines when working with stains in an enclosed shed. One of the first things he recommends is to blot all spills immediately with a paper or cloth towel and make sure not to use a wiping motion. Due to the porous nature of concrete, a wiping motion can push the spill deeper into the concrete, making it more difficult to remove.

Often, immediate attention that includes spraying the area with a water hose can remove many substances before they have time to become stains. Mr Italiano also recommends a proactive approach: purchasing cleaners specifically made for any chemicals or substances that are regularly used in the shed.

However, Mr Italiano cautions that one must always pay close attention to the labels of any cleaner or solvent and keep the shed well-ventilated when using any solvent or chemical.

One of the more tried and true methods for removing spills and stains from concrete is to use a poultice which usually consists of a cleaner or solvent covered with an absorbent material such as cat litter, which seems to be the most popular choice.

Specific Stains

Chewing Gum

To remove chewing gum, Mr Italiano recommends using ice to make it cold first. This solidifies it and often makes it possible to remove it all in one step. If it doesn’t all come off, a poultice consisting of methylated spirits and cat litter will usually remove the remaining gum.

Coffee

Coffee can often be removed by soap and water. Obstinate coffee stains can be removed by a poultice consisting of one part glycerol to four parts water. It is recommended to let the poultice sit for 24 hours.

Fungus

Since fungus is a colony of living microorganisms, it is easily neutralised by chlorine bleach. It is recommended to let the bleach sit for two days and then use a stiff bristled brush to remove the residue.

Oil and Grease

Oil and grease are typical “shop” spills and should be treated immediately with cat litter or sawdust. After it dries, any remaining oil or grease should be removed by a degreaser or solvent that is product-specific to whatever was spilled.

According to Mr Italiano, “As long as you obey fundamentals and manufacturers instructions, you’ll be fine.”

Action Sheds Australia provides storage sheds, industrial sheds, farm sheds and barns from their location in Perth. To learn more or for an estimate, call 1300 778 628 or visit their website: http://www.actionsheds.com.au/.