Concrete Cleaning is a tough job that requires the right tools and chemicals. Choosing the correct cleaner depends on the type of stain you need to remove. The most common stains include mildew, rust, and oil.
There are four main types of cleaners for removing these tough stains from concrete surfaces. These include alkaline, acid, solvent, and microbial cleaners. See our home page.
Microbial-based cleaners
Microbial cleaning products use microorganisms to degrade contaminants and break them down into simpler substances. They are formulated to contain a blend of cultures with specialized properties. For example, one such product uses bacteria that are able to degrade organic high molecular-weight compounds such as hydrocarbons. This helps in removing oil stains from concrete surfaces. Another microbial cleaning product contains bacteria that can reduce odors by metabolizing them. It can also break down sulfur contaminants such as calcium sulfate, dissociating the ions Ca2+ and SO4 2- to produce S2.
These cleaning products do not require harmful solvents and have lower pH levels than conventional cleaners. This makes them safer for the environment and a less expensive alternative to traditional cleaning methods. Some microbial products use bacteria such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a form of yeast, to consume petroleum-based stains. These stains include petrol, diesel fuel, kerosene, and hydraulic fluid. This is the safest and easiest way to remove oil stains from concrete.
Alkaline cleaners
Often labeled as alkaline degreasers, these types of cleaners contain mild-to-strong bases that attack and emulsify oil and hydrocarbon-based grime. Unlike acid-based cleaners, they are safe for use on both sealed and unsealed concrete surfaces.
These products can be used to eliminate a wide variety of soils, including biological stains such as mold and mildew, as well as inorganic deposits like efflorescence. Typically, these cleaners are low foaming and can be rinsed off concrete surfaces without leaving residue.
Some of these cleaners are available in ready-to-use spray formulas that make them ideal for pressure washing applications. Others come in large containers that allow users to mix and apply a solution directly to the floor surface for larger projects. In either case, it is important to test a small area of the cleaner on an inconspicuous part of the concrete before using it on the entire project. This way, if the product is too harsh and causes damage to the concrete, the problem can be identified and corrected.
Acidic cleaners
A variety of cleaners are available for cleaning or removing contamination from concrete surfaces. Some are microbial-based, others are alkaline, and still more are acidic. All have their place and each has its advantages.
Microbial-based cleaners introduce beneficial microorganisms to the surface of the concrete that break down organic materials such as oils, fats, and proteins. They are non-toxic, low-hazard, and environmentally friendly.
Acidic cleaners are primarily designed to wash away efflorescence, which is an insoluble metallic salt that appears as a white crystalline or powdery residue on concrete surfaces and cannot be washed away with plain water. They are available in concentrated form or as ready-to-use formulations from most specialty concrete distribution outlets.
It’s important to determine whether the concrete has been sealed since harsh acids can damage unsealed concrete. It’s also important to determine what type of sealer has been used since this can influence the appropriate cleaning methods. For example, acrylic sealers provide a high-gloss appearance and are relatively durable, so they can usually withstand acidic cleaners and a stiff-bristled brush.
Solvents
There are a number of solvent-based products available for cleaning concrete. These are effective for a variety of purposes, including the removal of oil-based stains, rust, mildew, and algae. However, they can also be dangerous if not used properly, as they often require the use of personal protective equipment and are flammable.
If you’re looking for an eco-friendly option, microbial cleaners offer an effective and safe way to clean concrete surfaces without the use of harsh chemicals or solvents. They use microorganisms to break down and digest stains, which takes time, but it’s a safer option for areas that aren’t exposed to plants or animals.
Acidic cleaners are another option for removing stubborn stains from concrete surfaces, but they can cause damage to certain materials and must be applied with caution. They can be very hazardous if not mixed and used according to instructions, so it’s important to consult the manufacturer’s recommendations for proper usage. Continue reading the next article.