Many homeowners prefer concrete floors because they’re inexpensive, low-maintenance, and durable. It’s the go-to option for driveways, patios, and flooring!
However, concrete isn’t perfect, and it can still get stained. Therefore, it will need to be cleaned periodically. Many people prefer to do this frequently to avoid issues, but you may have a problem stain or two that you can’t remove.
If you’re worried about cleaning concrete and how to do it correctly, this article is for you. We’ll discuss the options and give you some tips to help!
Mastering stained concrete cleaning? Here are expert tips and tricks for spotless perfection!https://t.co/ykDxtOQCWQ pic.twitter.com/nl92rfYkz2
— Austin Innovative Concrete (@AustinInnovati1) December 1, 2023
Before You Begin Cleaning
It’s important to know the type of concrete floors you have in your home to clean them effectively and prevent damage. The options include:
- Unsealed – This is poured and untreated concrete that’s more susceptible to staining because it remains porous.
- Sealed – This is stain-resistant concrete coated with urethanes, epoxies, silicates, or resins.
- Painted – Painted concrete floors work well for unsealed and sealed surfaces.
- Stained – This is permanently colored concrete that was unsealed or sealed beforehand.
- Polished – This is dry or wet polished concrete to give a glossy finish.
Cleaning Supplies
Before you start cleaning, knowing which products and supplies you might need is important. This means you can gather everything together and be prepared.
Concrete Cleaners
Concrete is porous, so it can hold dirt and be difficult to clean. You’ll need to decide which cleaning solution is right for you. Sometimes, you might buy specific concrete cleaners, but you may also use baking soda, vinegar, and other options.
Here is a list of concrete cleaner options:
- Acidic Cleaners – These remove stains, dirt, and contamination from the concrete and contain acid.
- pH-Neutral Cleaners – This mild and multi-purpose cleaner is used on unsealed concrete. However, there can be no embedded dirt within.
- Specialty Cleaners – Some degreasers and cleaners are specifically designed to remove specific stains, such as mildew, mold, and rust.
- Enzymatic Cleaners – These cleaners feature active enzymes to remove contamination and stains.
- Alkaline Degreasers – Usually, you will use these to neutralize your concrete surfaces after utilizing an acidic cleaner.
Supplies
Apart from the cleaning products you choose, you’ll also need supplies, such as:
- Floor scrubber, pressure washer, or garden hose
- Chemical-resistant gloves
- Bucket
- Steam or wet mop
- Microfiber cleaning pads
- Spray bottle
- Stiff nylon brush
- Dust mop, broom, or a wet/dry vacuum
- Soft scrub brush (non-metal)
General Tips for Cleaning Concrete Stains
The best way to avoid stains is to clean up spills when they happen. Overall, the concrete cleaning methods you choose will depend on many factors, such as the supplies you have available, the location of the stain, and the type of finish.
Here are some general tips for cleaning concrete:
1. Remove Debris and Dirt
Vacuum or sweep up any loose dirt from the concrete floor. You may also consider steam mopping to remove debris and dirt. If you’re working on the patio or driveway, you could treat and pull weeds in the cracks before dealing with the stains.
2. Spot-treat Stains
You’ll typically wet mop the concrete with a pH-neutral cleaning solution and water. Rinse it after scrubbing and allow it to fully dry. Some people use laundry detergent, dish soap, baking soda, or vinegar.
3. Repeat the Spot Treatment if Needed
Let your concrete dry fully before replacing furniture and rugs or allowing foot traffic. If the stain remains, you’ll need to use a stronger solution. Repeat the spot treatment, rinsing well afterward.
4. Use a Pressure Washer for Tough Stains
If you cannot remove the stain with your preferred cleaning solution, you may want to use a pressure washer with some detergent. This can get rid of tough stains that won’t go away.
Always start with the lowest pressure possible and increase it as needed. Otherwise, you could damage your concrete. Likewise, you’ll need to wear gloves and safety goggles and protect plants, furniture, and windows from the force of the water.
5. Apply a Sealer or Wax
Once you remove the stain, consider applying wax or sealant. This will add a protective coating to the concrete, protecting it from future staining. Therefore, it will be easier to maintain.
How to Clean Stained Concrete – Specific Issues
Concrete is absorbent and porous, so stains can quickly settle in and become difficult to remove. If you have unsealed concrete, the task is much more challenging.
There are multiple ways to remove stains from the concrete. However, it would be best if you had an effective cleaner. You’ll find many commercial-grade stain removers, but using laundry detergent or baking soda might be easier and cost less. Just ensure you test the solution you choose to ensure that it won’t discolor or damage the material.
Here are a few tips for specific issues you might face:
Grease and Oil Stains
If you have fresh oil and grease stains, sprinkle cat litter and sawdust directly onto it to absorb the liquid. Likewise, you may use an old rag to wipe up the excess.
Once you’ve absorbed the spill, you’ll brush away any powder with a broom. Consider powdered laundry detergent or baking soda if the oil and grease stains remain. Apply it to the affected area, add water, and scrub it with a nylon brush. Likewise, degreasers and concrete cleaners can help remove old grease and oil stains.
Tire Marks
You could choose a degreaser if you notice tire marks on the driveway or garage floor. Spread it over the stained area first and let it work. Please read the manufacturer’s instructions beforehand to know how long to let it sit. Then, scrub the stain with a stiff, bristled brush and rinse it well with water.
Rust Stains
Usually, acid-based cleaners are ideal for removing rust stains from concrete floors. However, you can use more natural products, including lemon juice and white vinegar, for light rust stains. Overall, acidic cleaners are best for heavy-duty stains.
When choosing a cleaner, it’s important to consider the concrete’s finish, stain severity, and age. However, it would be best to tackle rust stains as soon as possible to make them easier to remove.
Stubborn Stains
Sometimes, you’ll deal with stubborn concrete stains set in or deep. Trisodium phosphate (TSP) and muriatic acid can be beneficial here. However, it would be best if you were careful when using muriatic acid because it could damage your lungs, eyes, and skin or lead to severe burns.
Before starting the project, read the manufacturer’s instructions and wear heavy-duty protective clothing, such as long sleeves, respirators, pants, chemical-resistant gloves, and safety goggles.
Though TSP is another excellent option to help remove grease and paint stains, many states have banned its use because of its high acidic levels. Therefore, you should check your local laws before you buy it.
There are environmentally friendly TSP alternatives, such as degreasers. These can also be cleaned just as effectively without the significant risk.
Overall, concrete cleaning methods can vary. Therefore, you should try different options until you find something that works for you. Likewise, routine maintenance and proper care can help you avoid stains and improve the lifespan of your concrete patio or floor.
Mold, Water, and Mildew Stains on the Concrete Patio (or Elsewhere)
Removing water, mold, and mildew stains from your concrete floor differs from your concrete patio with the same problem. A pressure washer or garden hose can help for driveways and concrete patios, but you wouldn’t want to use those things in the house. Likewise, if the stain persists, you may need to use a bleach solution or mold remover, scrub the stain, and rinse with water.
However, indoor mildew and mold stains are different. You should avoid sweeping in that area because it could spread the mold spores. First, you should open all the windows in the room to let fresh air in to circulate.
If you’re not worried about discoloration, spray the area with a mild detergent, mold remover, or bleach solution. Then, you’ll scrub with a brush and use a wet mop to rinse the area. You may have to rewet the mop periodically.
Once the space is dry, you may have to repeat the process to remove the stain fully.
Four Concrete Cleaning Methods
Here are the four most common cleaning methods for concrete:
- Water and Dish Soap – The least-toxic option is usually best, so dish soap is ideal for a concrete patio. Use two teaspoons of soap in 2 gallons of warm water.
- Vinegar – If you have pet stains, rust spots, and charcoal messes, use equal water and white vinegar on the concrete floors.
- Hydrogen Peroxide – This is also natural, but it’s stronger than vinegar. You can mix hydrogen peroxide and flour into a paste-like consistency. Spread it over the stain on the concrete floors, scrubbing it with a brush.
- Power Washing – A pressure washer can be ideal for patios but not concrete floors. Just be careful!
When to Hire a Professional to Remove Stains from Concrete Floors
Overall, the goal is to prevent stains on your concrete floors or patios. However, accidents happen, so it’s easy to deal with a rust or oil stain at some point.
You learned how to clean your concrete patio and flooring, which you can do yourself. However, you may have concrete surfaces that won’t come clean. In this case, it might be wise to hire a professional.
We can help you with vital services to ensure your concrete floors look as good as new. If your concrete floors look forlorn, please call (512) 333-4293 for a free estimate!