Questions on concrete cleaning...

[Dixiedrifter]

What is the best chemical to use on concrete to brighten it up and return it to the original pour color?

Oh, btw, I used hot water alone on some concrete and it does a darn good job it just doesn't brighten it up.

 

[squirtgun]

12% pool chlorine mixed 50/50 with water in a pump up sprayer or X-jetted straight(that will give you a 2:1 ratio)then just let it dry(this works really well on tannin stains left by leaves and tree braches).You can also use oxilac acid or citric acid(citric works slower but will do the same job as oxilac)apply and let dry with these also.

 

[OrangeCrest]

I use Citric Acid myself... It will brighten and you don't have to worry about it killing the grass or plants either...

 

[Dixiedrifter]

Ok lemme get this straight, you apply and let them dry before you wash?

Do you have to neutralize them with soap or some other base chemical?

What rate do you dilute your citric acid?

 

[OrangeCrest]

With Citric Acid I wash it off as soon as I am done appling it. I don't let it dry out.

I usally hit the heavy dirt with full strenght with water to as the catalist of course, and then I push it around with a broom to make sure I get it evenly spread.

Then I rinse...

I use about three hand fulls in a two-gallon sprayer for lighter stuff...

Oh yeah, that is hand fulls... It won't burn, but will sting if you have open wounds...

I wash my hands after handling it becaue it gets sticky.

 

[squirtgun]

I thought we were talking about post cleaning with hotwater.We use hotwater and a general cleaner to clean,then use the method I mentioned above for brightening.

 

[Dixiedrifter]

So my game plan should be:

1. Apply degreaser on the oil/grease spots work in with brush and let it dwell. Hit with hot water.

2. Wet rest of drive with water to help prevent drying, then apply either citric acid or general purpose cleaner with hand sprayer.

3. Hook on surface cleaner and rinse with hot water.

4. Apply a brightening solution of 50/50 12% bleach solution.

I'm still a bit confused as to how citric would clean the concrete before washing. I thought some sort of surfactant would be needed to get any petrochemicals out.

 

[Aplus]

I use about three hand fulls in a two-gallon sprayer for lighter stuff...

Oh yeah, that is hand fulls... It won't burn, but will sting if you have open wounds...

I wash my hands after handling it becaue it gets sticky.

You can get a plastic measuring cup at a dollar store for...you guessed it, $1.


Dixie,
Here are the steps you want:

Spray degreaser on concrete. Let dwell for a few minutes.
Wash with hot water using surface cleaner.
Rinse everything with your wand. You need to do this after using surface cleaner.
Spray citric or oxalic on, and walk away.

 

[Dixiedrifter]

Thanks A+... I'm about as green as someones turd after drinking a 2 liter of nugrape.... [green]

 

[Daryl O]

concrete cleaning

Hey Tony C, Will it work with cold water? I don’t have a hot water unit. But I am working on trying to get me one soon

 

[OrangeCrest]

So my game plan should be:

1. Apply degreaser on the oil/grease spots work in with brush and let it dwell. Hit with hot water.

2. Wet rest of drive with water to help prevent drying, then apply either citric acid or general purpose cleaner with hand sprayer.

3. Hook on surface cleaner and rinse with hot water.

4. Apply a brightening solution of 50/50 12% bleach solution.

I'm still a bit confused as to how citric would clean the concrete before washing. I thought some sort of surfactant would be needed to get any petrochemicals out.

One thru three will work fine... If you use the Citric you won't need number four and I would avoid #4 at all cost anyhow, if possible, do to the waste factor and the negative effects it has on plant life.

Call your local chem supplier, they should be abe to provide you with a granule form of Citric Acid. Then just try it out. You will see this a chem for many uses and it isn't regulated by the DOT, so you will also find that it has many advantages over other chems.

I still keep a MSDS on hand to identify it in case I can't or it is spread across the freeway along with the rest of my trailer...

Don't eat this stuff, it will make your lips pucker... It is what the food industry uses to make things tart...

And yes it works with cold water also...

 

[Jon]

I never brush the degreaser, just let it dwell from 5 to 15 minutes depending on brand used and job. In very hot weather like we get here you would be lucky to have it stay damp for 5 minutes so I soak it good.

I mix it on the heavy side, spray, wait that 5 minutes then run surface cleaner over it and seldom need a second sweep.

I run my hot water at 200°.

Don't recommend cold water for cleaning concrete.

 

[Dixiedrifter]

Is castrol superclean pretty good stuff to use?

What kind of general concrete cleaner does everyone recommend?

If you got a good homebrew recipe, PM me with.

 

[Aplus]

Cold water can work if the grease isn't too bad. Actually I use cold water for many residential applications, but strictly hot for commercial applications.

Have you ever tried to wash a frying pan with dried grease with cold water and no soap? Doesn't work well. Hot water makes a huge difference.

 

[Aplus]

Hey Daryl,
I know a guy who has a hot box for sale if you are interested. It may make a less expensive alternative to get you the hot water you need.

 

[Daryl O]

Hey Tony get all the details on the unit and shoot me an email and we can go from there dloliver1@bellsouth.net [po1254]

Thanks Daryl O

 

[BakerPwrWash]

citric acid

I do a lot concrete cleaning and have been looking for something as a brightener. I read someone say citric acid was a good brightener. I've looked for this stuff but can't find it anywhere. Where would I go to buy this?

Thanks,
Larry Carden