Concrete surfaces can be a durable and versatile addition to your home or business. However, maintaining their aesthetic appeal and structural integrity requires regular cleaning. Over time, dirt, stains, mold, and grime can accumulate, making your concrete look worn out and uninviting. Fortunately, professional pressure washing can restore its pristine appearance. In this blog, we’ll explore step-by-step techniques for how to clean concrete.
Takeaways
- Consistent care keeps concrete durable and attractive.
- Clean based on the surface type (sealed, painted, or polished).
- Use household solutions before resorting to power washing.
- Effective for tough grime and stains.
- Shield plants and furniture while cleaning.
- Sealing prevents dirt buildup and eases maintenance.
- Expert services ensure pristine concrete surfaces.
How to Clean Concrete Step by Step
Cleaning concrete isn’t a one-size-fits-all process, but following a systematic approach ensures you get optimal results. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide –
Remove Loose Dirt
The first step in how to clean concrete is to sweep or vacuum the surface. However, one exception to this rule is that you shouldn’t vacuum the loose dirt off if you have mold or mildew problems. You can remove the weeds using a string trimmer if you are cleaning a concrete patio or driveway. Removing surface dirt helps prevent scratching the concrete during subsequent cleaning steps and ensures that the pressure washer can target deeper grime effectively.
Spot Treat Stains
As you have cleared the loose dirt, it’s time to spot the stains and treat them properly. The budget-friendly way to do it is by using liquid laundry detergent and water. What you have to do here is – pour the soap directly onto the stain or a mixture of baking soda and water, allow the cleaner to sit for a few minutes, scrub it using the nylon brush, and then rinse it off.
Repeat if Necessary
Some stubborn stains like grease or rust require you to work multiple times to get them cleaned. If you are unsuccessful in fully removing the stain during the initial attempt, repeat the process until the spot is clean. You need to be patient while dealing with such stains, as each step of the treatment reduces the intensity of the stain.
Enlist a Power Washer
If the stain still persists, it’s time for the power washer to make the entry. When cleaning concrete, get the power washer and adjust its settings based on the concrete type so that you can avoid damage. Always wear safety goggles and protect your windows and plants with water pressure. There are certain techniques to follow when pressure washing a home. Move it in overlapping strokes for even cleaning. Use it with a wide-angle spray tip for general cleaning and a narrower one for tight spots.
How to Clean Sealed, Painted, and Polished Concrete
Different finishes on concrete require specific cleaning methods to preserve their look and durability. Let’s know it in detail –
Sealed Concrete Floors
Sealed concrete floors are made with epoxy floor coatings, urethanes, and acrylic resins. All these things make the surface non-porous and resistant to stains. So, how to clean concrete floors that are sealed –
- Sweep it off or vacuum it up to remove loose soil, dirt, dust, or debris.
- Mix 2 gallons of warm water with two teaspoons of dishwashing liquid in a bucket. Avoid using harsh cleaners as they can break down the sealant.
- Mop the floor with this solution and rinse it off with clean water. Let it dry completely.
Polished Concrete Floors
Polished concrete floors have a glossy finish. You don’t need to recoat or wax this concrete flooring. Use a dust mop to remove the dust. Then mop the floor using polished pH-neutral concrete cleaner. Most such cleaning concrete cleaners don’t require rinsing, but it’s best to read the label instructions at the back to be sure of this aspect.
Painted Concrete Floors
Painted concrete floors can either be sealed or unsealed. So, how to remove water stains from concrete floors that are painted?
- Remove loose soil or dirt using a mop or vacuum.
- Make a solution of warm water and dishwashing liquid, and then mop the floor.
- Now rinse it with clean water and allow the surface to dry completely.
How Do You Remove Stains from Concrete?
Concrete stains can be tricky, but using the right approach for each type ensures effective removal.
Mold And Mildew
To clean mold and mildew from the concrete, mix 1 part bleach with two parts water. Spray this solution to the stains. Let the cleaner stay for 10-30 minutes. Then, scrub the concrete with the nylon-bristled brush. Now, rinse thoroughly.
Grease Stains
To get rid of grease stains, sprinkle baking soda or cornmeal directly to the stain. It is advisable to let it sit for 24-72 hours. Once the spill is absorbed, use a broom to brush away the remaining powder. When you find that the stain is nearly gone, spray it with a commercial degreaser and scrub with a nylon-bristled brush.
Tire Marks
Wet the area first for the tire marks. Spread a degreaser over the stains. Let it sit for at least 4 hours. Now, scrub it with a stiff-bristled nylon brush. If there is any residue, rinse it away and let it dry.
Rust And Red Mud Stains
If the rust and mud stains are light, pour undiluted distilled white vinegar on the area and let it work for at least 30 minutes. Scrub it with a stiff brush and rinse. If the rust or mud stains are old or large, use a commercial rust remover that contains oxalic acid instead of white vinegar. Follow the directions on the label to apply the cleaner to the stained area and scrub with a nylon-bristled brush.
How to Clean Concrete Driveway?
You must be thinking, “How to clean a concrete driveway?”. They are prone to vehicle traffic and heavy foot. To clean it, use a broom or leaf blower. Take a degreaser and spot treat oil/grease stains. To clean the entire driveway, use a pressure washer on medium to high settings. Move it in a consistent pattern to avoid streaks. For sealed driveways, opt for a gentle pressure setting to maintain the protective layer.
How to Clean Concrete Patio?
Cleaning concrete patios can be done by using multiple cleaning solutions like bleach, water and, dishwashing liquid, or vinegar. Start by cleaning the patio. Cover the nearby plants and furniture items with a tarp to protect them from any damage. Sweep off any loose dirt. Pull out any weeds, if there are any, between the cracks. Apply cleaner to the concrete surface, scrub it, and rinse it off with clean water. Let it dry, and then apply a sealer to finish.
Conclusion
The process of how to clean concrete surfaces can be tough, but they still require proper care to maintain their appearance and longevity. From driveways to patios, sealed to painted finishes, cleaning concrete methods must be tailored to the surface type for optimal results. For expert help, visit our service areas to access professional concrete cleaning services designed to restore and protect your surfaces.
Contact us today to schedule a service and give your concrete the care it deserves!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get my concrete white again?
To restore your concrete’s whiteness, use a mixture of water and bleach or white vinegar for surface stains. For deep cleaning, pressure washing with a suitable detergent can bring back its bright appearance.
What do professionals use to clean concrete?
Professionals often use pressure washers combined with commercial-grade degreasers or specialized concrete cleaners. They also use techniques tailored to the surface type, such as hot water extraction for tough stains.
Can I use pool chlorine to clean concrete?
Yes, pool chlorine can be used to clean concrete, especially for removing mold or algae. Dilute it with water, apply carefully, and rinse thoroughly to avoid discoloration or damage.
