The most common acids used to clean concrete and bricks are hydrochloric acid (muriatic) or phosphoric acid. For many years it has been the standard cleaning method to prepare concrete for coatings installations, to remove stains of any type from concrete and to remove concrete slurry or efflorescence from bricks.
Muriatic acid is a powerful and corrosive acidic liquid made from hydrochloric acid, water, and other trace minerals. This product is a very strong acid that will clean dried cement products off stones, bricks, and other masonry surfaces.
What chemical will clean concrete? If you have mildew stains, the best chemical to clean concrete is trisodium phosphate. Combine two tablespoons of the chemical with two tablespoons of powdered laundry detergent and one-quart water. Then, apply it to the stained area and scrub using a stiff brush.
The concrete surface is etched by the application of a diluted hydrochloric acid solution. A satisfactory solution may be prepared by adding one part of Commercial Hydrochloric Acid to four parts of water by volume. CAUTION: ALWAYS ADD ACID TO WATER – NEVER WATER TO ACID.
All concrete to be acid washed must be free of any previous sealer or paint treatments, oil, grass, overhanging plants, leaves, soil etc. Prior to acid washing, the concrete should be thoroughly saturated using a hose or watering can. Ensure that the acid solution is poured on wet surfaces only.
Over time, it can destroy concrete as the acid weakens its structure. This will cause scaling, pitting, peeling, and cracking. If the acid wash gets into the soil, it will evaporate on the surface but remain beneath the surface (just like it does with concrete).
Pressure washing is one of the fastest, most effective ways to get your concrete white again. Concrete can change color over time due to pollen, algae, or dirt buildup, but a good pressure wash can easily remove dirt and stains and make your concrete look new again.
Spray the area down with cold water, spray on some Super Clean and let it sit a few minutes. Work it into the concrete with the garage broom, and rinse with the hose. Concrete or asphalt will be clean and impressive in no time. Then clean the patio or deck the same way!
Vinegar is a natural and safe alternative to cleaning concrete with harsh chemicals. In the case of algae and mold, it does a better job than bleach, and it is better in the long term for killing these infestations. Oftentimes, vinegar can be found in your home or garage.
Add 1 part of 33% hydrochloric acid to 2 parts water to make a 10% solution. Always add acid to water and wear eye protection, acid proof gloves and all other appropriate protective equipment. 4. Apply liberally to cover the floor using a large watering can.
These compounds usually contain Hydrochloric (muriatic) acid, sulphuric acid, sodium bisulphate, and sometimes a combination of all three. These acid cleaning products are commonly used for washing down concrete, cleaning aluminium or brick, and dealing with other tough stains on porcelain and metal surfaces.
The sulphuric acid in industrial waste may cause severe corrosion in concrete pipes in the short or long term period.
As a gentler cleaner, bleach can't harm concrete's durable material. Aside from being an effective cleaner and stain remover, it also acts as a disinfectant to the concrete surface.
Vinegar or baking soda: These natural cleaners work well to clean cement patios with stubborn charcoal or rust spots. Mix equal parts vinegar and water, scrub the patio with the mixture, then give it a good rinse. If stains don't dissolve, try undiluted vinegar.
Mix 10 Parts Water with 1 Part Hydrochloric Acid. The mix ratio is 10:1. At all times use PPE when handling hydrochloric acid, as per Safety Data Sheet (SDS). Mix diluted solution thoroughly prior to applying on concrete.
Mix acid solution: 1 parts acid to 10 parts water. Always pour acid into water to avoid acid from splashing. In another bucket, mix neutralizing solution: 5 gallons of water for every 1 pound of baking soda.
Cleaning concrete with muriatic acid can be a highly effective solution if used correctly, providing ultra-bright white concrete and removal of many types of stains. In one application, you can remove rust stains, oil stains, algae, and paint splatter with a quick chemical application followed by pressure washing.
Although the process is effective and will usually restore the look of the surface of a pool or spa, an acid wash treatment is not intended to be a permanent solution. Over time, the normal wear and use takes a toll on any swimming pool or spa surface.
Many contractors and homeowners use acid cleaners to wash their concrete flooring and exterior concrete surfaces. It's an effective way to remove rust, oxidation, water and lime deposits, and other contaminants that won't wash away with soap and water.