How to Clean Concrete? 7 Things Everyone Should Know About Cleaning Concrete Cleaning your concrete this spring or summer is a great way to spruce up your property, whether you’re planning a spring-clean or just discovered an oil stain on your driveway. It’s a quick way to instantly add curb appeal to your home, extend the life of your concrete, and safely enjoy your outdoor spaces, especially when done professionally. Our years of experience have taught us what to do and what not to do when it comes to concrete restoration, although there are many ways to clean concrete – from DIY scrubbing to professional pressure washing. Here are some tips and suggestions on the things you need to know and do to get the best possible results when cleaning concrete.
How to Clean Concrete? 1. What are the Reasons to Clean Your Concrete?
There are many good arguments for cleaning and maintaining your concrete every few years. Concrete surfaces that are free of stains, cracks and growth are crucial whether you care about the look of a fresh, smooth driveway or you want to invest in the safety of your property. Regular concrete cleaning is the best way to remove these eyesores and potential hazards, especially from a thorough and experienced restoration company.
How to clean concrete? 2. When is it appropriate to clean concrete?
There is no universal answer to this question, but the general rule is to clean the concrete as needed or every few years. If you notice that your concrete is changing color, looking dirty and dingy, staining or growing mold, it is definitely time to renovate it. The pressure washing period is between March and November; however, this can vary depending on weather conditions. When the temperature stays above 4°C, the time of year is best for washing, scrubbing and watering concrete driveways and walkways.
How to clean concrete? 3. Do different types of concrete require different cleaning methods?
In short: yes. If you want to clean concrete yourself, learn how to clean your specific type of concrete. Here are some quick tips for cleaning different concrete surfaces. Concrete sealants can be compromised by harsh chemical cleaners. Although they are quite effective at removing stubborn stains, they are harmful to the concrete. To preserve the color of the concrete, stains should be removed with a pH-neutral cleaner and water. Be careful when washing embossed, textured or printed concrete. Clean with a mild BETOFF-B Concrete, Precast and Paver Cleaner, then apply the liquid to the dirt with a brush or broom. You can also use a soft-bristled brush. Then rinse off any residue with clean water.
How do you clean concrete? 4. Does pressure washing damage concrete?
Yes. For people who don’t want to use chemicals when cleaning concrete, pressure washing can be a viable option. However, you can etch your driveway or damage your patios if you don’t have the right pressure washer or don’t know how to use it properly on concrete. When pressure washing, it’s safest to hire a professional who has the right concrete restoration methods and the necessary equipment for the job.
5. Are stains on concrete difficult to remove?
Unfortunately, yes. Depending on the type of stain, how deep it has dried, and how old the stain is, this can affect how quickly and easily it can be removed. Whether it’s grease and oil stains, rust, or mold, you can remove stains from concrete yourself with BETOFF-B Liquid. Renting the best stain removal equipment is expensive, and before you start stain removal, you need to have some knowledge and skills in using it. Otherwise, you are more likely to damage the concrete than restore it. It is possible to remove stains without a pressure washer. However, for stubborn stains, scrubbing is necessary and sometimes cleaning requires the use of harsh or even toxic chemicals. BETOFF-B liquid is 100% biodegradable.
6. Should concrete be sealed?
Of course! As with sealing pavers, this is a useful step that, when done professionally, will keep the concrete looking beautiful for longer. Sealing the concrete after cleaning protects it from stains, UV radiation, cracks and efflorescence and makes future cleaning of the concrete easier. In our online store you can find a concrete impregnation called BETOFF-I.