Immaculate concrete is within your grasp
Concrete is everywhere, from your outdoor patio to the floors in your basement. This durable, inexpensive, and low-maintenance material is rarely celebrated, but is always there when you need it. Despite concrete’s amped-up durability, it is susceptible to stains. Here are the best ways on how to clean concrete so it’s clean, pristine, and filled with sheen.
File this under “life happens.” Concrete withstands a lot, but it’s not immune to dirt, debris, and grime—and the stains they create. Concrete typically resides in out-of-the-way parts of the home that don’t receive too much cleaning, such as the basement or the garage. Also, this material makes up driveways and patios, both of which are outside and subject to the elements such as excess moisture, which can cause concrete efflorescence.
In the case of driveways, vehicles leak and cause stains over time. Find the source of the stains to keep your concrete clean in the long term.
DIY concrete cleaning costs anywhere from zilch to $100, depending on whether you have to buy cleaning solution and tools. Hiring a pro to clean your concrete varies in cost, depending on where they’re cleaning.
For example, professional power washing for a driveway or patio costs between $100 and $200. Looking to clean concrete slabs in the basement or garage? Hiring a professional house cleaner costs around $30 to $50 per hour. Of course, these prices also vary according to the severity of the issue.
No matter which cleaning method you choose, start by removing any and all items from the area. For instance, take away potted plants, furniture, and decorative items from an outdoor patio and move any cars parked on a concrete driveway. Also, remove any weeds sprouting up from exterior concrete. If you’re cleaning a concrete basement, move everything from one side of the room to the other to start working in sections. Switch it back to finish the work.
Inspect the concrete for chips and cracks before starting to clean. In many cases, you can repair concrete cracks on your own with a bit of masonry concrete crack filler. For larger cracks or potential underlying issues, hire a concrete repair pro to fix it up.
Finally, perform a spot-test with your first choice of cleaning product at the very beginning of the process. Depending on the type of concrete sealer or finish, you could damage the surface with a harsh cleaner, such as muriatic acid. Look for any discoloration caused by the cleaning solution. If there is no discoloration, it is safe to use. Move on to another cleaning method in the case of a worrisome result.
The most important thing to remember here is to start gently. Whenever possible, check what type of concrete finish covers your floors to ensure you choose the right cleaning solution and brush. The methods for cleaning unsealed brushed concrete, for instance, differ from those used to clean epoxy-coated concrete.
With this in mind, our list of concrete-cleaning methods starts with the gentlest option first and moves on from there.
If you're cleaning a concrete floor indoors, break out the vacuum and remove all dust and grit from the floor before moving on to a more deep clean. Stained, polished, and some sealed concrete floors can develop scratches if the grit builds up over time.
Note: If you detect mold on your basement floors, do not vacuum or sweep the floors. It's important to keep the mold spores in place and remove them without agitation. Always follow these mold removal best practices, especially in a room prone to moisture such as your basement.
On outside concrete floors, such as patios or driveways, use a shop vac, leaf blower, or even a push broom to remove all debris from your concrete. Blow away all the torn-up weeds and leaves as well.
Grease, mildew, or food stains may come out of concrete with a simple laundry detergent trick for either indoor or outdoor concrete floors. Unsealed and unfinished concrete is particularly porous, so these stain-causing culprits can be harder to break up than you may think. Pour a thin sheen of clear laundry detergent on the stain and let it sit for several minutes. Scrub it with a soft-bristled brush and rinse with water. Be sure to test the concrete in a hidden area to ensure the detergent doesn't stain your finish.
You can also break up grease and food stains with the trusty white vinegar and baking soda trick. The combination is also an option when trying to figure out how to get rust out of concrete. Dilute white vinegar with equal parts water and spray or pour the mixture directly on the stain. Let it sit for one to two minutes, and then spread baking soda over the area as well. Let this combo sit for an additional 10 minutes before rinsing with water while breaking up the stain with a soft-bristled brush.
Pressure washing is your go-to solution for cleaning outdoor concrete. After clearing away all furniture, weeds, plants, and large grit, power wash your patio or driveway with easy, sweeping motions.
Don't be afraid to turn your pressure washer up to 3,000 psi—your tough concrete can handle it, and the extra strength can break up stubborn stains. Always wear proper safety goggles, and if you're uncomfortable with the process, hire a local pressure washing pro to handle it for you. Remember, this is not a job for indoor concrete—unless you want to go for a swim in your basement.
In addition to all-purpose cleaners marked as safe for unfinished concrete, there are several tougher chemicals used for rough stains of this porous surface. Either muriatic acid or oxalic acid can be used to remove extreme rust and mineral deposits, particularly stains that develop around concrete cracks. Trisodium phosphate is another favorite ingredient for grease and dirt stains.
Always follow the instructions on the commercial cleaner. You will often need to dilute the acids with water. You should also always wear protective equipment. Keep in mind that these cleaners are not recommended for indoor use. They are best for outdoor concrete on patios, driveways, and walkways.
Lastly, remember that sealed and stained concrete may not be able to handle either chemical, so always test a small, inconspicuous area.
Indoor and outdoor concrete slabs have a range of uses and face different threats to their beauty and stability. In turn, you'll find different cleaning methods based on where concrete lives in your home.
Concrete floors, both in the basement and across primary living spaces, are having a moment in home design. Their sleek, modern, and versatile look blends with everything from the kitchen to the bedroom. Cleaning, however, is a bit more complex than power washing the driveway.
Cleaning floors of all kinds is a must-have skill for a homeowner. Since the majority of indoor concrete floors have a seal, stain, or even a polished finish, you often won't need to perform a deep clean. These layers protect the porous concrete below from stains and scratches. Here's what to do.
Move all rugs, furniture, and decor out of the way in small portions at a time.
Vacuum or sweep away all major grit and dust bunnies from the floor.
Use a damp or microfiber mop to remove any unseen grime or dirt.
Stick to a pH-neutral product that won't risk harming the top coat if you use a cleaning solution.
Unless you recently finished your basement, many concrete floors are left unstained, and in some cases, even unsealed. If so, the concrete is more prone to rust, grease, and paint can stains from all common items stored below. Cleaning, therefore, can take a bit more time.
Clear your space one area at a time and inspect the floor for cracks, dents, or stains.
Pour detergent or white vinegar on grease, mud, and rust stains and follow the instructions below depending on the mixture.
Rinse the areas with water and let them fully dry before replacing previously stored items.
Keep the room well-ventilated to ensure the concrete fully dries without forming mold or mildew.
You have a bit more flexibility cleaning outdoor concrete surfaces, but remember that they're less likely to have protective seals or stains.
Concrete driveways are easiest to clean when you have access to a power washer or a power washing pro. However, since driveways are more likely to break down and need repairs, the process is a little different.
Use a push broom, shop vac, or leaf blower to remove all loose debris from your driveway.
Fix all cracks and address potholes, upheaval, or concrete spalling before starting. If there is significant damage on your driveway, consider reaching out to a local concrete resurfacing professional.
Address specific grease, rust, or mineral stains with either white vinegar, laundry detergent or—since we're outside—a stronger commercial cleaner.
Rent a power washer as well as recommended safety equipment.
Be careful to only power wash the concrete, as the pressure can damage turf and your surrounding garden.
Concrete patios are more likely to receive frequent sealings and specialized stains and sealants. Check with a contractor if you're not sure how to clean your concrete patio and its specific finish.
Clear all patio furniture, decor, and large debris.
Use a broom or a leaf blower to brush all loose grit and dirt off the patio.
Address all patio damage, including small cracks or crumbling around the edges.
Use either a wet mop with concrete-safe detergent or perform a power wash, depending on the finish.
Let the patio fully dry.
Remember, if you suspect mold or mildew on your concrete patio, you can use a power washer or solution of diluted bleach, unlike in the basement or another enclosed space.
A garage toes the line between indoor and outdoor, so it is best to treat it with extra care. Many garage concrete floors have a seal for protection, so be sure to choose a proper cleaning solution.
Work in sections, removing or shifting storage out of the way for cleaning.
Inspect the floor for stains, cracks, spalling, or a sign that the seal has worn down.
Use a shop vac, broom, or leaf blower to remove all loose grit.
Mop the floor with a pH-neutral cleaner combined with warm water.
Power wash the garage floor for a more extreme clean, but be sure to leave the door open and remove as much storage as possible.
Investigate how to seal your concrete floors after a thorough cleaning. Garage floors typically require a new seal every two to five years.
At least once a year, break out the power washer and ensure that your concrete pool deck is mold, mildew, and grime-free.
Remove all pool deck furniture, decor, and loose weeds that have grown through the cracks of the slabs.
Apply a gentle pool deck cleaning solution such as dish soap and water or laundry detergent for stronger stains.
Power wash the pool deck, taking care to remove signs of mildew, which can be slippery. Make sure to power wash while keeping your pool covered—or before you fill it for the season.
Address any major damage found on your pool deck during this process.
On one hand, concrete floors with an added finish are easier to clean since they are not as susceptible to stains. That being said, avoid harsh cleaners to avoid harming the finish itself.
While the processes of sealing, polishing, painting, or staining concrete are all unique, they follow the same rules when it comes to cleaning. You need to take extra care to keep the top layer strong without highly acidic or hard cleaners.
Use a vacuum or broom to remove all dust and loose grit on the floor to avoid scratches.
Choose a cleaning solution specifically for your type of polish or a gentle all-purpose cleaner for floors.
Combine the solution with warm water and mop the area. For a deeper clean on outside surfaces, each of the finishes listed is strong enough to handle the power washer.
Let the floor fully try before walking on it, as the extra finishes can make the floor more slippery.
Once your concrete is clean as a whistle, follow some common-sense guidelines to keep the concrete from staining in the future.
Clean your concrete every year. Active driveways require twice-yearly cleanings, as vehicles tend to leak unsightly fluids when parked.
Reseal your concrete for stain resistance. There are many concrete sealant products to choose from, such as latex sealers, topical sealers, and special sealers designed just for stamped concrete, to name a few. Sealing concrete yourself is an easy DIY project, but you can also hire a pro.
Properly maintain your vehicles. Whether parked in a garage or on a concrete driveway, unmaintained vehicles leak fluids all over the place, staining whatever is below them.
Clean water leaks immediately. Concrete is porous, allowing plenty of room for mold and mildew to thrive when given enough moisture. Clear away spills and leaks to stave off nasty mold spores as soon as possible. This is particularly important for basements that don’t have access to freshly circulated air.
Cleaning your own concrete will save you around $30 to $50 per hour in labor fees, but it will also cost you your free time and elbow grease. Your cost savings will take a hit if you have to rent a pressure washer or buy commercial concrete cleaning solutions. That’s why many homeowners opt to hire a professional power washing service instead of going the DIY route.
Lawrence Bonk contributed to this piece.
If your concrete stains are green in color, it indicates the presence of mold or algae—which you should address right away. If left unattended, mold will spread to other areas throughout the home. However, be careful not to disturb mold on indoor concrete surfaces and work with a local mold remediation specialist for specialized care. Once free from mold and algae, seal your concrete to eliminate pores and gaps.
If there is standing liquid on your concrete, remove it before attempting any of the above cleaning methods. For small amounts of water, use rags, a bucket, and a mop. For larger areas of liquid, lay down cat litter or baking soda to soak up the water first. If you have extremely large pools of water sitting on your concrete, break out the wet vac and get to work.
You can whiten concrete for unsealed and unfinished concrete with a solution or either muriatic acid or bleach and water—but never both. However, if your concrete does have a stain, finish, or polish, keep in mind that these hard chemicals could damage the topcoat. Your best bet otherwise is to power wash outdoor concrete slabs or clean indoor ones with a gentle cleaner such as laundry or dish detergent.
