How to Clean Concrete

This quick How to Clean Concrete guide provides the steps required for successful concrete cleaning.  Concrete is made by mixing cement, water and course and fine aggregates (admixtures may also be used).  In Australia there are six major types of cement used and each type will produce concrete with differing properties.  Concrete has many uses thanks to its strength, durability and versatility.  However, concrete has a porous surface which means to can easily become covered with everyday mould, grime and stains.  This can result in an ugly and unsightly concrete surface.  Luckily there are effective ways to clean concrete to have it looking like new again.

How to Clean Concrete Step 1 – Prepare Surface for Cleaning

The first step in cleaning concrete is to remove any furniture, tables or other loose materials such as leaves and litter from the area.  The area can be swept with a broom to collect small loose items.  If there are delicate items located nearby that could be damaged by high pressure cleaning, a tarp can be used to cover them (such as delicate plants, equipment, etc.).  Electrical sockets and cords should also be covered.  Concrete cleaning liquid can then be applied to help clean and lift the dirt and grime.

Cleaning Concrete Step 2 – Pressure Cleaning

Once the surface is clear and a (preferably biodegradable) cleaning detergent is applied, the pressure cleaning can commence.  Make sure you use the appropriate safety gear including covered rubber-soled shoes and goggles.  Pressure cleaners can come in many different types and sizes but it is important to ensure that the flow rate used is enough to clean the surface but not too high so as to damage the surface.  Do not increase the pressure beyond what is required, as it will only increase the risk of damage.  Sweep the spray back and forth over the surface ensuring you keep the same distance across the surface to achieve an even clean.

Cleaning Concrete Step 3 – Extra Treatment for Stubborn Stains

Once the pressure cleaning is complete, check the surface area to see if any stubborn stains remain.  Sometimes stains are so ingrained that they are not removed even after high pressure cleaning.  If stubborn stains remain, a stronger stain remover can be applied and left for around 24 hours to penetrate into the concrete.  The area can then be cleaned again.

Benefits of Hiring a Professional

By the time you have purchased the necessary cleaning equipment (high pressure cleaner, cleaning liquid and safety gear) it may be cheaper (and certainly easier) to call a professional concrete cleaner in the do the job for you.  For some stains, particularly stubborn and ingrained stains, only a commercial grade high pressure cleaner will be able to remove them.  Hiring a professional can certainly save you time and effort.  However if you do wish to do the job yourself, we how the steps above on How to Clean Concrete are of assistance to you.

i-blast Concrete Cleaners Brisbane

At i-blast we are experts in our field.  We will ensure that your concrete is as clean as possible and we will leave the area spic and span.  Our commercial grade high pressure water cleaners are environmentally friendly and can recycle and reuse water efficiently.  Furthermore, our rates are very competitive and we provide a high standard of customer service.  So if you are looking at how to clean concrete at your home or business, please call our friendly team (0407 152 079) to discuss how we can help you.