How to Remove Tobacco Stains from Concrete

Tobacco stains are somehow similar to rust stains in color, but are more brownish than reddish. They are sometimes found around ashtrays and garbage cans in smoking areas. Mainly, we are not addressing the black stains caused to the ash in the cigarette, but the ones caused by the tobacco itself. In fact, this often occurs when a cigarette gets wet and stepped on, in which the surface soaks down the tobacco stains.

Sometimes, such stains can be really hard to remove, and improper cleaning methods can push the stain down even further. Thereby, in this article, we will address some of the ideal methods for the removal of tobacco stains from concrete.

The ideal removal methods

The toughness of tobacco stains can vary significantly depending on the age of the stain, the chemical composition of the tobacco, and the properties of the surface. For example, removing a relatively new stain on a tight surface can be much easier than removing an old stain on a very porous surface. Accordingly, we will provide removal methods with different effectiveness depending on the toughness of the tobacco stain.

Method #1: How to remove mild tobacco stains from concrete

This method is easy and simple, and does not require the use of any harsh chemicals. Basically, it involves the application of a scrubbing powder with hot water in the form of a poultice, which works great on removing mild tobacco stains.

Things you will need

• Grit scrubbing powder.
• Hot water.
• Bristle brush.
• Clean water.

Steps

1. Mix hot water and scrubbing powder to form a thick paste.
2. Apply to the stain as a poultice, and let it sit until dry.
3. Scrape off then scrub using a bristle brush.
4. Clean thoroughly with clean water.

Explanation

This method works through loosening up and absorbing the tobacco stain into the poultice. Mainly, you should apply a paste of hot water and grit scrubbing powder to the stain, with a thickness of about half an inch (~13 mm). During this time, the hot water will help breaking down and loosening up the mild stain, while being absorbed up towards the poultice. Then, after it dries, use a bristle brush to scrub the remains off the surface. Here, the mechanical action of the grit scrubbing powder can help further loosening up the surface film of the stain. And finally, rinse and flush the surface with clean water.

Method #2: How to remove moderately stubborn tobacco stains from concrete

This method is also simple, yet can be effective for the removal of moderately stubborn tobacco stains. Mainly, it involves some scrubbing, use of mild acids, and hot water.

Things you will need

• Safety gear.
• Scouring powder.
• Lemon juice.
• Hot water.
• Bristle brush.
• Clean water.

Steps

1. Put on your protective gear.
2. Scrub the stains with scouring powder using a bristle brush.
3. Rinse and scrub with hot water.
4. Apply lemon juice and gently scrub using a bristle brush.
5. Rinse and flush with clean water.

Explanation

This method can follow the previous one if it was not effective to completely remove the tobacco stains. First, put on your safety gear, even though you are working with a mild acid; your safety always comes first. For example, wearing safety goggles is important especially when scrubbing the stains with lemon juice. Then, the process requires some elbow grease for scrubbing the stains subsequently with scouring powder, hot water, then lemon juice, using a bristle brush. Finally, flush the surface thoroughly with clean water multiple times.

Method #3: How to remove stubborn tobacco stains from concrete

This method is effective for the removal of stubborn tobacco stains from concrete, and involves the application of a bleach poultice.

Things you will need

• Safety gear.
• Talc / cat litter / saw dust.
• Chlorine bleach.
• Water.

Notes

• Chlorine bleach is a liquid that consists of sodium hypochlorite, water, and other chemicals.
  Appearance: Colorless or slightly yellowish.
  Availability: It is available at the supermarkets and cleaning supply stores.
  Hazards: This product is corrosive to flesh, and can react with other chemicals to produce a toxic gas.

Steps

1. Wear your safety gear.
2. Mix chlorine bleach with one of the powders to form a thick paste.
3. Apply the poultice to the tobacco stains, and let it sit until dry.
4. Scrape off the remains and scrub the stain using a bristle brush.
5. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.

Explanation

In this method, chlorine bleach is the effective chemical for the removal of the tobacco stains, with the application of a poultice. First, put on your protective gear. Then, prepare the poultice by mixing chlorine bleach, diluted according to the product’s instruction with water, with talc or cat litter to form a thick paste. Next, apply this paste to the tobacco stains, with a thickness of about 1/4 to 1/2 an inch (~6-13 mm), while covering an area slightly larger than that of the stain. Then, after the poultice dries, scrape it off and scrub the stain using a bristle brush. And finally, rinse with clean water.