How to Clean Concrete
Concrete is one of the most durable and weather-resistant building materials in the construction industry, and this is why it is so often selected for a wide range of projects.
Usually, your concrete will last for decades without any problems but keeping it in the best condition can help it to be even more long-lasting.
While you may not have given concrete maintenance much thought, keeping it clean can help your concrete application continue to perform at its best.
If you’re wondering how to clean concrete, then the team here at Concrete Supply UK is here to help.
In this article, we’ll explain the best cleaning techniques for concrete, helping you keep yours in the very best condition for years to come.
Read on to find out more.
How To Clean Concrete
A concrete patio is probably the main concrete application you’ll consider cleaning. This is because it is an outdoor space that you will want to look aesthetically pleasing and regularly use.
If frequently cleaned, you can better help your patio become free of dirt and grime and ensure patio slabs look their best.
The first thing you’ll need to decide is whether you want to clean the concrete by hand or use a pressure washer.
Either way, you’ll need to make sure you have the right equipment on hand.
This includes:
- A broom or brush
- A vacuum
- A spray bottle
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Laundry detergent
- Safety goggles
Clean The Concrete By Hand
While using a pressure washer is an effective way to clean concrete and is less labour-intensive, you can still easily clean your concrete by hand.
Once you have gathered the materials you need, follow the steps below:
Remove All Loose Dirt And Debris
Begin by sweeping up or vacuuming all loose dirt or debris that you spot on the surface of your concrete. This will help you begin the more invasive cleaning on a surface that has already been cleared and hopefully make the process easier.
If your patio has a weed problem, you should also make sure all weeds have been removed and treated before you start cleaning.
If you are cleaning concrete in a basement environment and notice mould or mildew, then you’ll need to take a different approach. You should avoid sweeping it in this instance as you will simply be spreading the mould around the room. Instead, you should use a mould-killing detergent and scrub the area with a clean, wet mop.
Spot Clean Stains
Once you’ve dealt with the concrete’s loose debris, then you can begin to focus on stubborn stains.
Create a cleaning solution using baking soda, white vinegar or simply warm water and washing up liquid, and pour it into a spray bottle. Then, spray the affected areas and scrub well until the stain has been removed.
For particularly stubborn stains, you may need to buy a stronger detergent or solution. You can normally find these online or by visiting your local hardware store. When using any of these detergents, make sure you always read the instructions carefully before use.
Rinse The Concrete
Once you have applied your chosen cleaning solution, grab a hose and rinse the affected area until all the dirt has been washed away.
Clean Concrete With A Pressure Washer
Using a pressure washer, or jet washer, to clean your concrete is perhaps the easiest and most straightforward method.
First, just like when you’re cleaning the area by hand, make sure all loose dirt and debris has been swept up or vacuumed.
Then you can setup your pressure washer. Connect it to the water and power supply and turn it on, starting at a low pressure. Pressure washers can be tricky to use and an unexpected dose of high pressure can be dangerous so it’s important you begin on a low setting before making your way up to th higher ones.
Using a sweeping motion, move around the concrete area making sure all of the concrete that is being cleaned has been evenly covered. Once it has been washed, wait a while until the water has dried.
You’ll then be able to see if all of the dirt has been cleaned and whether or not you need to go over it again with the washer.
How To Clean Moss From Concrete
Moss growth on concrete might seem harmless, but it can actually cause a whole host of problems if left unattended.
For example, moss can cause your concrete slabs to break, become loose or uneven, can trap moisture that may deteriorate the surface beneath the concrete and may even weaken the overall structure.
With all this considered, you should clean moss on concrete as soon as you spot it.
Much like cleaning a conventional concrete area, select either the hand or pressure washer method and follow the steps as outlined above.
How To Clean Paint Off Concrete
Paint may cause particularly stubborn stains on concrete if spilt, causing it to look unsightly and ruin the appearance of a patio or garden area. In these instances, you will likely want to clean the paint to remove the stain.
Again, using a pressure washer is perhaps your best bet but if this doesn’t work you could try a paint stripping substance. You can purchase a paint stripper from your local DIY or hardware store and simply follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Then, you may need to use a scraper or putty knife to remove the paint once the stripper has done its job.
Here at Concrete Supply UK, we’re experts in all kinds of concrete and their various maintenance needs. We regularly supply different types of concrete mixes to both domestic and commercial customers across the nation, ensuring every customer we work with always has exactly what they need to get the job done.
No matter how big or small your project or what scope it has, we’re here to help. We’ll take the time to talk to you about your needs before delivering a customised mix that fits the bill. To find out more, contact our team today.
