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How to Remove Water Spots From Cement Caused by Flower Pots

Jill Kokemuller
Setting flower pots on an old board can help prevent concrete stains.

When flower pots sit outside on concrete patios, walkways or entryways, when you move the pots, you may be left with a stain. If the stain was just water, it will fade as the water dries. But flower pot stains often contain dirt, salts, rust or fertilizer residues. Get rid of these stains to restore your concrete to its pristine finish to keep your yard looking fresh.

Step 1

Remove the flower pots and any other items from the area of concrete that needs to be cleaned.

Step 2

Sweep any loose dirt and debris from the concrete with a broom.

Step 3

Rinse the stained concrete with water from a garden hose. Use an attached spray nozzle to increase the water pressure. Or, use a pressure washer set below 1500 psi. Allow the spot to dry and see if the stain is gone. If the stain is not gone but has faded, keep rinsing until the stain is gone, or stops fading.

Step 4

Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a bucket. Pour or use a spray bottle to apply the mixture to the stain. Scrub the stain with a stiff-bristled brush, then rinse the area with water. Repeat until the stain fades.

Step 5

Dissolve 1 cup of tri-sodium phosphate in 1 gallon of warm water. Saturate the stained area with the mixture and scrub it with a stiff-bristled brush. Rinse the area with water. Repeat until the stain fades.

Tip

You can buy tri-sodium phosphate from a hardware store.

Tip

Rinse the brush between each cleaning to remove any dirt or cleaner residue.

Warning

Wear gloves and eye protection when working with tri-sodium phosphate.