One of the very best features of concrete is how durable it can be, but that doesn’t mean you’ll never need to clean it. Concrete can take a beating and, like any other surface, is subject to spills and weathering—so how can you effectively clean it? We’re sharing ways for you to clean and freshen up your concrete, inside or out.
From dirt to stains to oil spills, you can clean your concrete with safe chemicals—ones you probably already have at home. Start with the mildest and work your way up to a more concentrated treatment as your job requires.
The Best Chemicals to Clean Concrete
- Start with a Broom. No matter what your soil level, start with sweeping the area with a stiff broom. Some discoloration might just be a buildup of dirt. Sweep in one direction, scrubbing any areas that seem more saturated.
- Water. You’d be surprised how much a little bit of water can freshen up your concrete. A garden hose can get the job done, but a power washer attachment can help you clean better, faster, and more efficiently. Pressurized water can blast grime and growth from your concrete and get into the nooks and crannies between slabs of concrete.
- Bleach. If your concrete is dull and sprouting weeds or mold, bleach is your best option for cleaning and brightening concrete. Mix a cup of bleach into a 5-gallon bucket of warm water, then spray or pour over concrete. Rinse thoroughly with water. Avoid using bleach near plants, as it will kill plant life.
- Dish Soap. Mixing a mild dish detergent into the water and pouring over concrete can help break down grease and other contaminants on your concrete surface. Squirting dish detergent directly onto stains or spills and allowing it to sit can help fight tougher stains.
- Baking Soda. For deep stains and oil spills (very common in cement garages), baking soda can help remove dark marks. After sweeping and rinsing, pour baking soda directly onto the stain immediately after wetting and add more water as needed to form a paste. Let the paste sit and work into the stain for lifting power. Scrub with a stiff brush (nylon or plastic, not metal which can leave fibers that rust and damage concrete) and then rinse carefully.
- Hydrochloric Acid. In the past, muriatic or hydrochloric acid was used for cleaning concrete but it isn’t used as much today. Hydrochloric acid is corrosive and can cause damage to the eyes, as well as coughing and respiratory issues. The EPA recommends using other cleaning agents that are safer, but for a serious concrete cleaning job, you can consider using this chemical.
Keep Your Concrete Floor Clean
The best way to keep your concrete clean is to prevent stains and buildup with a concrete sealant. Sealing your concrete will prevent the porous surface from absorbing grime and spills, and make it much easier to wash and clean when necessary. Hard Rock Concrete Coatings creates beautiful concrete sealant, stains, and other solutions that can transform your concrete and help it last forever.
