Concrete is an excellent choice for basement floors, patios, and roads. It is durable, low-maintenance, and economically friendly. Concrete is not impenetrable to staining but needs to be cleaned regularly. This article will show you how to clean concrete floors, no matter if you are doing spring cleaning or dealing with a stain. Terminator HSD concrete cleaner is best choice for concrete stain remover.
Concrete Floor Maintenance In General
Concrete floors should be cleaned at a minimum once per year to keep them in top condition. Before you start, take out all ornamental and potted items.
Concrete floor cleaning may involve moving items from one end of your basement to another and then switching sides to complete the job.
Concrete Cleaning Procedures
These are the items you will need:
- A leaf blower, broom, or vacuum cleaner.
- Nylon brush, stiff
- A spray bottle.
- White wine vinegar
- Baking powder
- Detergent for laundry
- Safety glasses
- Power washer
Step 1: Remove Any Loose Dirt Or Debris
One exception is that you should sweep away any mold or mildew from your concrete. These potential home toxic substances may be found in your cellar. Follow the steps below to remove them.
Step 2: Treat Stains Spot
One of the cost-effective ways to treat stains is with liquid laundry detergent and water. Spray the soap directly on the stain. Scrub with a stiff nylon brush (avoid wire bristle brushes, as they can damage concrete). Rinse with water and allow drying.
Step 3: Continue As Necessary
If the stain persists, dilute the cleaning solution with white vinegar, baking soda, or water. Then, wash the stain with water or a garden hose.
Step 4: Get A Power Washer
To remove the stain, you can use a pressure washer. You can transform your garden hose into a power washer by renting or purchasing accessories. To avoid damaging concrete, increase the pressure if you rent a machine. Use safety goggles to protect windows and plants from water pressure.
Grease And Oil Causes Stains
To absorb any oil accumulated on concrete, immediately apply cornmeal, sawdust, or baking soda to the stain. Use a broom for any powdery residue after the spillage has been absorbed.
You can add more baking soda to the area if the stain continues. If you don’t have enough, you can use powdered laundry detergent. Finally, scrub the area with a nylon brush and some water. You can use a degreaser to remove any oil stains that have accumulated on the surface or are old.
Rust Spots
A little brushing and white vinegar are great ways to remove rust stains on concrete. Let the stain soak for 20 minutes before rubbing the vinegar onto it. Then, use a stiff-bristled brush to clean the area.
It would help if you then rinsed the area with clean water. Let dry the area before you repeat the process if necessary.
Mould, Mildew, And Water Stains
Concrete flooring with mildew or mold is different from concrete patios. Do not sweep basement floors if you find mold or mildew. This will spread mold spores and make the problem worse.
Open any windows to let fresh air flow while you clean. Use a mold-killing detergent, water solution (or a mixture of bleach and water if the possible discoloration is not a concern), and scrub the area with a brush. Rinse with a wet mop.
To determine if you should repeat the process, dry the area.
Use a pressure washer or hose to remove water, mold, and mildew stains from concrete patios or driveways. To remove stains that persist, mix one-quarter bleach with one gallon of hot water. Next, scrub the area with a toothbrush. Wet down nearby plants first to minimize runoff. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Concrete Stains That Resist
Two last-resort options to remove staining are muriatic acid (MSA) and trisodium phosphate (TSP).
Because muriatic acid can cause severe burns to your skin, eyes, and lungs, it should be treated cautiously. Follow all manufacturers’ instructions and wear protective clothing such as long sleeves, pants, safety goggles, and respirators.
Trisodium Phosphate, also known as TSP, is another powerful cleaning agent that can remove paint from concrete. It can also cut through grease or mildew stains. Before purchasing TSP, make sure to check your local regulations. You can also use an eco-friendly TSP option to provide the same cleaning action without negative effects.