Don't put up with a dirty driveway or moldy surface when one of these quality cleaners can keep it looking new.
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Some cleaning jobs are more difficult than others, and some of the toughest include oil stains in the driveway, paint smudges on the garage floor, and mold marking the foundation. This is because most concrete stains are caused by hard materials like petroleum products, paint, and living organisms like mold , fungus, and algae. In addition, concrete is porous and tends to absorb these substances. Once they penetrate deeply into the surface, they are especially difficult to remove. Choosing the right way to clean concrete, as well as using the right cleaner for the job, is crucial.
The best wet and dry concrete cleaners attack deep stains beneath the surface. However, the variety of materials that will stain concrete requires that the cleaner match the type of stain. If the concrete is dirty, one of these products should be able to help.
- BEST OVERALL: Zep ZUNEUT128 floor cleaner concentrate with neutral pH value
- BEST BANG FOR BUCK: Sunnyside 64216 TSP multi-purpose cleaner
- BEST ECOLOGICAL: ACT concrete cleaner
- Best for Pressure Washers: Simple Green Oxy Solve Pressure Washer
- BEST WITHOUT WATER: CAF exterior cleaning EXIMO Waterless Concrete Cleaner
- BEST DEGREASER: Oil eater degreaser cleaner
- BEST FOR SHAPE AND FORM: RMR-86 Instant Mildew Spray
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Things to consider when choosing the best concrete cleaner
With the option that many concrete cleaners can choose from, you may want to understand how to remove different types of stains. Do some research beforehand on how stains are classified, which cleaners will work on different types of stains, and find other helpful tips that can help you choose the best concrete cleaner for your project.
Type of stain
Biological stains are caused by living organisms such as mold , moss, and algae. They often appear as green stripes, as a film, or as extensive padded growth on wet concrete surfaces. This can be a recurring problem in wetlands, so a quick and permanent fix will help. Home remedies like rubbing with bleach or white vinegar are generally recommended, but commercial cleaners do the job faster, more effectively, and can help prevent regrowth.
Spills and leaks of hydrocarbons (petroleum products such as motor oil), detergents, paints and solvents also cause unsightly stains on concrete. These products penetrate the porous surface of the concrete and cause discoloration and, in some cases, chemical reactions that can physically affect the concrete surface. Be sure to choose a recommended cleaner for the specific product spilled. Enzymatic cleaners can neutralize many volatile compounds and thus eliminate their negative effects on the environment. Absorbent cleaners pull spilled product out of the concrete.
Cleaner type
When choosing a suitable concrete cleaner, note that different cleaners remove stains in different ways and also react differently to the concrete surface. Detergents can use neutral, alkaline, or acidic pH formulas to chemically remove stains. Concrete is made from alkaline lime, so after using an acid cleaner, the surface must be neutralized. Bacterial and enzyme cleaners use biochemical reactions to digest chemical contaminants or break them down into inert substances.
- Neutral pH cleaners are widely used to clean sealed concrete surfaces inside with no embedded dirt. They can also be used on unsealed concrete, indoors or outdoors, if the concrete just needs gentle cleaning.
- Alkaline Concrete Cleaner is a powerful degreaser for removing burnt oil, tar, soot, grease and other petroleum-based stains.
- Acidic concrete cleaner is made with hydrochloric or phosphoric acid, which reacts with the concrete surface. It is used to remove efflorescence, hard water, and other flaky build-up of mineral salts.
- Enzyme cleaners come in a variety of formulations that attack, break down, and in some cases digest, hydrocarbon, starch, or protein stains. These cleaners use genetically modified bacteria that feed on grease and oil.
Concentration and form
Concrete cleaners are available in liquid or dry applications. Most liquid concrete cleaners are designed to remove biological or mineral stains. These are generally chemical-based cleaners, although some may be enzyme-based. Ready-to-use formulas are quick and convenient, while concentrates that require dilution with water before use are often cheaper.
Dry concrete cleaners are designed to separate oil stains from the concrete surface and absorb liquids. Bacterial cleaners are applied dry. The microbes become active when they come into contact with the oil and then slowly consume the remains of the stain until it disappears.
Cleaning method
With such a wide variety of cleaning products, cleaning methods also vary. Read and follow all safety, use, cleaning, and disposal instructions regardless of the product.
Many concentrated liquid products are suitable for use as a pretreatment before pressure washing . You can also use these products without a pressure washer. However, thorough cleaning requires thorough scrubbing with a stiff bristle brush, followed by a thorough rinse. After using an acid-based cleaner, the concrete surface must be neutralized with a washing solution of ½ cup baking soda mixed with 1 liter of water and then rinsed thoroughly with water. Claire
Dry cleaning methods also vary. Absorbent and enzymatic detergents usually do the job in a matter of hours. Then they are swept and reapplied if necessary. Bacterial-based cleaners should be used indefinitely as it can take several weeks for microbes to fully colonize the area.
working time
The cleaning time can be anywhere from a minute to several weeks. Organic stains like algae and mold are relatively easy to kill and clean up, while deep cleansing oil stains with an enzymatic or bacterial cleaner can be time consuming. As mentioned above, the main difference in working hours is due to the way the product works.
Chemical reactions, such as removing grease from concrete with an alkaline cleaner, occur faster than bacterial digestion of oil. The downside, however, is that the fast-acting cleaner leaves the oil contaminants intact while the bacterial treatment converts the contaminants into water and carbon dioxide.
security
The environmental impact of concrete cleaners depends on the type of stain or spill being cleaned and the product itself. Care must always be taken to properly dispose and dispose of toxins rather than releasing them into the environment.
High pressure washing spreads debris from the concrete surface into the environment, making it effective and safe to use on biological stains in conjunction with environmentally friendly detergents. If possible, potential environmental pollution such as oil or gas should ideally be removed with detergents based on enzymes or bacteria.
While concrete cleaners are safe when properly stored and used, they carry the risk of skin contact, ingestion, inhalation and other accidental exposures. Keep these products out of the reach of children and pets. Never store them in unlabelled containers. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for safe use, including the use of personal protective equipment, safe storage, and emergency first aid.
Our best tips
The following concrete cleaners were selected according to the criteria described above. They are considered to be some of the most effective cleaners for tackling the toughest of stains, including oil stains in the driveway, paint on the garage floor, and mold on the foundation.
Overall better
Zep's neutral pH floor cleaning concentrate is an excellent choice for sealed concrete floors as well as marble, granite, vinyl and stone (not suitable for wooden floors). The neutral pH formula helps maintain the floor polish without removing the protective coating. Cleans and restores shine without rinsing it off.
This concentrated formula produces up to 128 gallons of cleaning solution, saving storage space. Zep recommends using a microfiber mop instead of a traditional mop for this product for better handling and more efficient cleaning with no residue.
The best investment for the money
The active ingredient in Sunnyside TSP All Purpose Cleaner is trisodium phosphate, a strong alkaline cleaner, degreaser and stripper that is safe for concrete surfaces. That's about a third the cost of many other cleaning products, but it effectively removes dirt, grease, mold, and soap scum from a variety of dirty surfaces. It's also a great option for preparing concrete surfaces for painting.
Mix ¼ to ½ cup of this powdered concentrate with a gallon of hot water for a powerful cleaning solution. TSP is best for cleaning the interior of basements and garages because the high phosphate content is problematic if it gets into streams and other water sources. Use caution and protect yourself while mixing and using as TSP is highly alkaline and can cause severe skin irritation or burns.
Best eco
ACT Concrete Cleaner effectively removes oil, grease, antifreeze, rubber, animal waste and mold stains from concrete, paving stones, wood, dirt, plastic and other surfaces without the need for scrubbing. It uses the same efficient processes as the oil and gas industry and commercial bearings to break down and bioregrade petroleum hydrocarbons as well as proteins (without removing color). The dyes turn into water and carbon dioxide.
Just dab the dry cleaner on the stained area, apply it to the stain with a broom or brush, and let it sit. You should see the full results in three to four weeks. This product is ecological and safe for humans, animals and plants.
Ideal for high pressure washing
Use Simple Green Oxy Solve Total Pressure Washer Cleaner as a pre-treatment before pressure washing to weaken stain adhesion to concrete, or use for a one-step in-tank cleaning of pressure washer cleaning solution. This cleaner uses the power of peroxide to thoroughly clean stains of dirt, mold, moss and algae.
The biodegradable formula meets the criteria of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Safer Choice program and is safe to use around pets, gardens, and wildlife. It is suitable for concrete and other materials such as wood, composites, vinyl, metal, cloth, plastic, wicker, stone, brick, and asphalt. Use it in hallways, foundations, siding, and more.
Better without water
EXIMO Waterless Concrete Cleaner uses microbes to break down hydrocarbon chains in oil and remove concrete stains caused by gas, diesel, oil, grease, petroleum-based materials, etc. It is a powerful, ecological, natural and waterless cleaner that is very effective against stains, but completely safe for surrounding plants and grass, as well as for people and pets. It is suitable for wet or dry parking lots, sidewalks, concrete patios and stairs, paving stones and other similar surfaces.
Apply the product to the stain with a broom and leave it on the surface. no need to sweep or wash. Apply weekly for four weeks to completely remove stains. The living microbes in the cleaner follow stains and spill deep beneath the surface, consuming oil through tiny cracks in the concrete and even the basement below.
Best degreaser
Oil Eater Cleaner Degreaser is designed to safely dissolve grease and oil on most surfaces. It's non-acidic, non-corrosive, non-hazardous, contains no abrasives or petroleum solvents, and is USDA certified for non-food surfaces. The water-based biodegradable product is concentrated. So, follow the dilution table on the label to use it as a light, medium, or heavy degreaser.
In addition to removing grease and oil stains from concrete, it can be used on floors, carpets, bathtubs and tiles, grilles, decks, stoves, boat hulls, tires, siding, asphalt and many other surfaces.
Ideal for mold and mildew
RMR-86 Instant Mold and Mildew Stain Remover is a fast-acting spray that uses deep penetrating surfactants with a unique blend of pure sodium hypochlorite to remove stubborn stains. Surfactants break the bond between the floor and the concrete surface, while the strong bleaching properties of sodium hypochlorite kill mold and mildew on contact.
This powerful cleaner comes as a ready-to-use spray solution and is strong enough to remove mold and mildew stains in seconds without scrubbing. It can be safely used on patios, wood, vinyl siding, drywall, concrete floors, brick walls, kitchen and bathroom tiles, bathtubs, and other areas where mold and mildew grow.
Frequently asked questions about the concrete cleaner
For more information on concrete cleaners, see the answers to some frequently asked questions about these products.
Question: Are concrete cleaners harmful to animals?
Always keep children and pets away from the area when using a concrete cleaner and keeping products out of their reach. After cleaning, the area is immediately safe for normal use.
Q. What can I use to clean a concrete driveway?
Remove oil and other hydrocarbon stains with a bioremediation cleaner. Clean stains with stubborn algae or moss growth with a professional hypochlorite-based cleaner. Use an acidic detergent to thoroughly clean and remove the efflorescence. A pressure washer is sufficient for general cleaning of a dirty driveway.
Q. What is sprayed on concrete before pressure wash?
The pressure washing process becomes easier and more efficient if the surface is pre-treated with a concrete cleaner. Apply the low pressure cleaner and let it sit for three to five minutes before washing it under pressure.
Q. Is rust coming from the concrete?
Rust stains on concrete require a special acid cleaner to remove them.
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