I agree that concretes are highly durable and one of the best surface materials. However, that does not imply that concrete requires no maintenance. If you ask a professional cleaner, they will tell you every concrete floor requires proper cleaning once in a while. Without which, they will soon get subjected to grease, algae, bacterial growth, and so on, none of which is healthy or attractive!
People often avoid cleaning concrete because they are unsure which chemical to use. Some also believe that the chemicals used for cleaning concrete are expensive. Well, it is not at all the case. There are so many cheap chemicals available in the market using which you can easily clean any concrete surface. The best part is that most people already have these chemicals in their homes, so they do not need to purchase them from outside.
But if you have no idea what chemicals you need for concrete cleaning, I am here to help.
So stay with me until the end of this blog to learn all about the best chemicals you can get your hands on for cleaning concrete!
Water
I know you were expecting some fancy chemical name to top the list but trust me, water is often the best cleaner for most surfaces. Using water to clean your concrete once in a while can keep it fresh and well-maintained for months. You can either use plain water with a garden hose or a pressure washer.
Even though most households have garden hoses, I would recommend you to invest in a pressure washer because it cleans far better. Using a pressure washer will ensure that you get effective cleaning without putting in too much of your effort or time. You can also clean the concrete corners easily using a power washer.
Bleach
Has your concrete become dull, and molds and weeds are sprouting out? I know how ugly sight it can be! But worry not because using bleach water can easily help you eliminate such filth. Take 5 gallons of warm water in a bucket and then add a cup of bleaching powder to it; mix the solution well before use.
You can either pour the solution directly on the concrete or spray it. I personally like spraying bleach water because it helps me clean the corners better. Once done, leave the area for 20 to 30 minutes and rinse it using water. Make sure you are not using bleach water anywhere near plants because bleach can turn your garden dead.
Dish Soap
Dish soaps are one of the mildest cleaning agents out there. You can use dish detergent if you want to get rid of stains and spills. Just a little amount of the soap in a bowl and then apply it to areas you need to clean. Let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes, then clean it with water. After that, you can use a brush or a hard cloth to remove the stains more effectively.
Baking Soda
Even though dish soaps work fine for cleaning stains, it isn't the best option for getting rid of stubborn stains or grease. In that case, you need something stronger like baking soda. Like dish soap, you need to directly pour the baking soda on the stained parts of the concrete. Then you need to add water to it until it forms a paste. Now let the paste sit on the stained areas for 15 to 30 minutes, after which you need to clean the stain using a hard brush made of plastic or nylon. Make sure the brush is not made of metal because that can be harsh on the concrete. Finally, rinse the areas with clean water, and you will be done!
Hydrochloric Acid
This is my least favorite chemical to clean concretes because it is very harmful to your skin, eyes, respiratory system, etc. The EPA also disregards the use of hydrochloric acid as a cleaning agent. They think you should opt for the other safe cleaning agents out in the market. But in case you still want a super-strong cleaner, you can go for HCL. Keep in mind that you take all the safety precautions like wearing gloves, glasses, and so on.
Final Words
I hope this blog helped you learn about the top chemicals you can use for cleaning concrete. However, if you want to clean your concrete chemical-free, you can simply use a broomstick. Even though it won't be able to remove stains, grease, or oil, cleaning the concrete with a broom daily will give it a cleaner look.
However, never rely on the broom alone because, over time, the stains and mold that appear on the concrete cannot be removed with a broomstick. Hence, using at least a mild chemical is a must.
I recommend you clean your house's concrete surfaces twice a year. How often do you clean your concrete until today, and with what chemical? Do not forget to share with me!
