Cleaning Concrete: 8 of the Best Concrete Cleaners for All Types of Concrete Stains
Wouldn’t it be nice if you could just throw your concrete surface in the washing machine? That whenever a spill occurs on its surface they would just evaporate into the atmosphere? As cautious as you may be, spills, stains, and other mishaps are inevitably going to display themselves upon your concrete surface. Though this may be an irritating occurrence, fortunately, many cleaning agents can be used to have your concrete looking as pristine as it did when it was first installed.
Types of Concrete Cleaners
pH-Neutral Cleaners
Indoor concrete surfaces benefit from pH-neutral cleaners, which tend to use gentler chemicals and are not as acidic as more intense agents. Since they are washed regularly, these sealed surfaces do not have any dirt or grime trapped in them. They can be used to clean unsealed exterior concrete, but only if it needs to be cleaned lightly (non-severe staining).
The pH-neutral cleaners generally dissolve in a variety of water quantities. You’ll need to adjust the amount of water you use based on the level of cleaning required; most products have instructions included upon their labels.
Acidic Cleaners
These cleaners are mainly used to clean stains, debris, and contamination from surfaces that are soluble in acidic solutions. They are essential when extracting efflorescence on concrete—an insoluble metallic salt that remains on the concrete surface as a white powder or crystalline residue—for it cannot be removed with water or a pH-neutral substance. These types of stains are commonly caused by hard water, the high salt content of the asphalt, and high soil alkalinity.
Alkaline Cleaners
Alkaline cleaners or ‘concrete degreasers’ are a proprietary, heavy alkaline solvent cleaning solution for removing burning gasoline, carbon black, tars and residues, heavy grease lube, and transmission oil from concrete surfaces. This agent has a high pH level (alkalinity) dissolves, emulsifies, and penetrates stains. It must be noted that (most) paint and aluminum can be damaged by this potent chemical—use with discretion.
Enzymatic/Bacterial Cleaners
Cleaners that are bacterial or enzyme-based are a relatively recent form of concrete surface cleaner. They break down, fight, and even absorb contamination and stains using active enzymes and organic chemistry. Since they use the chemical mechanism of oxidation to break down such stains including starch-based, protein-based, and hydrocarbon-based stains, they are usually referred to as oxidation cleaners. With properly targeted washing, these clear stains are removed. A benefit to using these types of cleaning agents is that, unlike many others, they do not need water to activate. There is also little to no residue left behind to clean from the surface.
8 Best Concrete Surface Cleaners
Let’s begin with one of the most highly acclaimed concrete cleaning agents: The Black Diamond Stoneworks Concrete Cleaner. This product is ideal for cleaning driveways, natural stone, reinforced concrete, granite, marble, and even tumbled or porous surfaces. Since this substance is pH neutral and biodegradable, it will clean and cover the surfaces without harming them. Under daily usage, Black Diamond Stoneworks concrete cleaner will also improve the natural charm of the stones by brightening the colors.
If you need a powder cleaner to remove concrete marks, the Masonry Defender All-Purpose Masonry & Concrete Cleaner, is the one to use. This powder can be used to disinfect both brick and concrete surfaces. Simply blend six gallons of this powder with water to clear a 900-square-foot area of grime, soil, mold, and mildew with ease. It’s safe to use on pavers, roads, garages, patios, and even driveways since the heavily oxygenated bleach cleaner is nontoxic. You may also use it in plantation fields. For a more durable finish, use it as a gleaming sealer for unsealed concrete.
The Scotts Concrete Cleaner is the perfect concrete cleaner for removing any marks and debris quickly and safely. This agent is capable of cleaning not only concrete, but also asphalt, steel, wood, wood composites, vinyl, tile, patio furniture, and a variety of other outdoor surfaces. This item is healthy to use with trees, lawns, and fabrics, so there’s no reason to be concerned with environmental and material factors.
If you’re looking for a waterless cleaning agent, the CAF Outdoor Cleaning EXIMO Waterless Concrete Cleaner is right for you! The product is a natural floor cleaner made of recyclable and environmentally safe materials that won’t hurt your children, pets, or plants. Scrubbing, mobbing, or pressure washing are not needed for this product. Simply apply it to the places that need to be cleaned, and it can take care of the stains and debris on its own. It uses a unique bioremediation formula that alters the chemical structure of hydrocarbons in carbon dioxide and water. Also, fuel oil deposits on the floor can be removed with it.
Are you looking for a good concrete cleaner at a reasonable price? If so, you’ll need the Wet and Forget 10587 concrete cleaner. This product is suitable for a variety of surfaces, including concrete, stone, stucco, aluminum, painted surfaces, siding, decking, roofs, and more. The cleaner also does not contain any acidic, caustic, or chlorine–making it suitable for any outdoor surface!
Oil Eater Original Cleaner/Degreaser is a common alternative among users for removing oils and grease from a variety of surfaces. This abrasive water-based cleaner is safe for the environment since it is made of renewable and recyclable materials. It can be used to scrub floors and septic tanks. The USDA has approved the cleaner as non-corrosive, non-hazardous, and non-toxic, as well as safe for your plants.
Sheiner’s Concrete Cleaner is a pH Neutral all-purpose and multi-purpose cleaner that can be used on any floor or location with a lot of grease or grime. There are no hazardous substances or abrasive agents in it. As a result, this biodegradable surface cleaner is perfect for use on all surfaces and is safe for children and pets.
Chomp Pull It Cleaner is a highly effective oil and stain remover that is suitable for cleaning porous surfaces like concrete and prick. Oil or petroleum-based stains on paver or concrete driveways, garage surfaces, parking lots, and patios are quickly removed with this cleaner. Hair, grease, brake fluid, tire traces, and transmission fluid are among them.