When in doubt, you should not work with any chemical-based material on your concrete if you want to avoid staining or the absorption of liquids. The following are some general guidelines of what substances to avoid if you want to maintain your concrete.
Ammonium Nitrate and Sulfate
Ammonium nitrates and ammonium sulfates can chemically react with your concrete. These reactions may cause damage by disintegrating the concrete, leaving it vulnerable to pit formation and flaking. As such, these open pores and flaked concrete will absorb substances more readily and therefore result in an increased likelihood of staining.
These chemicals are often found in many de-icing salts and even some fertilizers. Never use a de-icing salt that has either of these chemicals, because they damage your concrete in no time at all. Ammonium nitrates and sulfates in fertilizers do less damage upon contact, but only if you remove the fertilizer off your concrete as soon as possible. If remnants are left on your concrete, they will absorb into it over time, resulting in fertilizer staining.
Hydrocarbons, Cleaners, Solvents
Hydrocarbons, cleaners, and solvents readily penetrate your concrete’s pores, resulting in stains. This is due to the chemical composition of these substances. When these chemicals land on your concrete, they decompose. The decomposition of these chemicals produces molecules that can eat away at your concrete, leading to stains.
Some examples of hydrocarbon substances include oil and grease. Cleaners and solvents may include items such as bleach or paint.