Spring Cleaning Is Here: Chemicals To Use for Concrete Care

In the spring season, many homeowners begin the process of cleaning. From the exterior to the interior, spring cleaning will see your home prepared from top to bottom. When it comes to concrete, there are many ways to clean it, including using chemicals for specific stain care. Learn more about how concrete can be cleaned below to determine how you should care for your home.

Water is Your Friend

For the most part, water will be the only solution you need to clean concrete. Patios, porches, sidewalks, and driveways can easily be cleaned with water. From a garden hose for light cleaning to a pressure washer for a deep clean, water can easily help to remove dirt and grime from the surface of your concrete materials.

However, if you have stains on your concrete, then you will need to use certain chemicals to clean the material. Below are a few examples of stains and what types of chemicals will work for cleaning.

Oil and Grease Stains

A concrete driveway is often susceptible to oil and grease stains from your vehicles. With the right chemicals and a power washer, you can remove such stains from your driveway. An alkaline degreaser is a top choice for removing grease and oil stains from concrete. Hot water will lift the oil, while the degreaser will emulsify it. The oil can then be removed from the surface and your concrete free from stains.

Rust Stains

If you have concrete surfaces with rust stains, you will want to remove the unsightly blemish. But how do you clean the rust from the concrete? A cleaner that contains oxalic acid will be the best option. The cleaner will be able to penetrate deep within the concrete to remove the rust stain completely.

Home Remedies

When it comes to basic cleaning, there are home remedies that can be used for cleaning. Vinegar is a common option that homeowners use for a deep clean. Vinegar can be sprayed onto the concrete to provide a non-toxic option for your home. Let the vinegar sit for a few minutes before spraying the concrete with a pressure washer.

For a more abrasive approach, homeowners can use baking soda to clean concrete. Baking soda can be mixed with water and salt for soiled areas to remove dirt and grease from your patio. Any baking soda residue on your concrete can be removed with vinegar. Some homeowners add soap to help make the cleaning process with baking soda more effective.

When it comes to keeping your concrete clean, it is recommended that you sweep often. Keeping debris and dirt from setting on the material can be helpful in cutting back on the need for a deep clean. A power washer also comes in handy when you have ground in dirt or stuck on grime. Cleaning concrete at least once a year with a power washer is recommended to remove any dirt that has seeped into the pores of the concrete.