How to Clean Concrete the Right Way
Just like almost every other surface, concrete gets dirty, and since most concrete is outside, it tends to get much dirtier and more stained than your average surface. Keeping concrete clean is a must if you want it to last for many years, so here is the right way to clean concrete surfaces. Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Concrete While the method below varies slightly depending on the severity of the stains on the concrete you’re cleaning, the steps are pretty straight-forward and easy to follow.
Step 1: Sweep the area
Whether it’s a driveway, garage floor, sidewalk or patio, you need to get as much of the loose debris and dirt off as possible first. Use a large push broom for large areas, or a small kitchen broom for smaller areas. Sweep the concrete area clean and move on to step two.
Step 2: Wash and Rinse
Use a strong detergent and hot water to wash the cement. The soap in the detergent binds with dirt, grease and oil, bringing it to the top, and the hot water rinses it all away
Step 3: Remove Stains
If stains remain after washing, use a brush to scrub the stained areas with a small amount of detergent. If stains are stubborn, you may want to use a mixture of clay kitty litter and acetone to break up and absorb the stains. Simply add enough acetone to the kitty litter to create a sticky mix and apply it to the stain. Cover it with plastic wrap and let it sit for several hours. The acetone will break up the stain, and the kitty litter will absorb it. For deep or old stains, the process may need to be repeated.
Step 4: Biological Warfare
If, after applying the steps above, you still have grease and oil on your concrete surface, you can resort to biological warfare to “eat” the oil – literally. When applied to oil spills, these microorganisms consume all the oil, and when all the oil is gone, they die. This is the same technology used to clean up massive oils spills on beaches.
Step 5: Seal the Clean Concrete
The last and most important step in the concrete cleaning process is sealing it. Sealing your exterior concrete makes it more resistant to stains, abrasions and the elements. It also brings out the natural beauty of the concrete, making it look more appealing and almost like new.
Remember, concrete is a durable material, which is why it is used in a variety of outdoor applications. However, it does require some maintenance for it to last as long as possible.
Davis & Sons Concrete have services available to repair settled, cracked or bowed concrete in and around your home. Give us a call to find out more about our concrete repair services.
