You probably chose concrete for your driveway, garage, patio or walkway because of its durability and reputation for giving even the toughest stains the cold shoulder.
So if a little dirt and grime has marred the surface, this is no time to grow fickle on your surface of choice. Concrete responds surprisingly well to gentle cleaning treatments – and some elbow grease. Whether you wish to clean standard or decorative concrete, begin by sweeping the surface to clear it of topical dust and debris. Then proceed accordingly:
Clean Standard Concrete
- Hose down the concrete, paying special attention to corners and crevices, where dirt usually accumulates. Your goal is to remove even more dirt and to leave the surface slightly puddled with water.
- Sprinkle the concrete with a granular cleaner, such as Bartender's Friend or Comet.
- Scrub the cleaning agent into the floor with a push broom.
- Hose down the concrete.
If your concrete is particularly dirty, or contains oil and grease stains, consider using a power washer instead of a hose for extra cleaning power. Whether you decide to rent or buy this handy tool, choose one with a psi (pounds per square inch) of 3,000 and a flow rate of at least four gallons per minute.
Clean Decorative Concrete
- Run a dust mop or a microfiber cloth over the surface to remove fine dust or particles that might be left over from sweeping. Your goal is to remove the last barrier between you and the concrete surface.
- Pour a few tablespoons of mild dish soap into a bucket. (Do not use vinegar or ammonia, both of which could damage decorative concrete.) Fill the bucket with warm water.
- Use a mop to clean the concrete in small sections. Replenish the mop with the sudsy solution frequently and wring it out before applying it to the concrete.
- Refill the bucket with warm water only and mop the concrete again to remove any soapy residue.
When you're finished, your concrete should look as clean as it did when it was installed. It might even give you ideas to take the process one step further and change the color or add a coating to enhance its durability. That's when it's time to call Ultimate Concrete Coatings, Phoenix's premier indoor and outdoor concrete specialists. We're teeming with creative ideas for your home – and look forward to sharing every one of them with you.
