When it comes to outdoor surfaces, concrete is low maintenance compared to the others. Despite its hard-rock exterior, it’s porous and easily absorbs liquids, which can lead to staining over time.
Has your concrete seen better days? Stay tuned to learn the best way to clean it.
Why Should I Clean My Concrete Floor?
Some homeowners don’t believe in cleaning their concrete because of how much foot traffic it experiences. They may think it’s pointless to take care of their surface when their kids constantly run on it. However, cleaning your concrete isn’t only about aesthetics; it’s also about increases its lifespan.
Follow these steps to make your concrete look good as new.
Step 1: Prepare Your Concrete Floor for Cleaning
The first step is to remove everything that’s in your way, such as cars, grills, plants, decorations, and other objects. Once the surface is cleared off, sweep it.
Make sure there are no shards of glass or nails lying around; otherwise, these items can end up on the road when you spray the cleaner. The last thing you want is a flat tire because you drove over a sharp object when you were backing out of your driveway.
Place a tarp over your plants to protect them from the cleaning solution.
Step 2: Create a Homemade Concrete Cleaner
Mix oxygen bleach with hot water inside a five-gallon bucket. Next, pour it into a tank sprayer. Spray each section thoroughly, and make sure you do it slowly so that it doesn’t dry immediately. Let the solution sit for twenty minutes.
Step 3: Scrub Your Concrete Floor
Use a long-handled brush or push broom to scrub your surface clean. If you’re cleaning your garage’s concrete, don’t forget about cleaning each corner because there’s bound to be debris and grime build-up. Make sure you’re scrubbing it evenly; otherwise, it may look patchy.
Step 4: Rent a Pressure Washer
Pressure washers make a world of difference when it comes to cleaning concrete. Rent one that throws at least four gallons of water per minute at 3,000 psi (pounds per square inch). Adjust the machine’s nozzle to a fan instead of a stream and sweep the spray back and forth over the surface. Keep the end of the nozzle approximately two feet away from the concrete.
Step 5: Don’t Forget to Spot Clean
If you’re dealing with a stubborn stain that won’t lift, you can pour kitty litter over it. Allow the litter to sit overnight to soak up the stain. Alternately, you can mix laundry detergent with hot water for the same effect.
If you’re dealing with an oil spill, it’s best to contact your city’s solid waste department so they can dispose of the oil properly.
Bored of Your Concrete Floor? Hard Rock Concrete Coatings Can Help
Maybe you’ve had the same surface for decades, and you think it’s time for an upgrade. Hard Rock Concrete Coatings specializes in concrete repair and replacement. We’re also proud to offer acid staining services. Contact us today to learn more.
