Do it yourself
Do you want to try to do it on your own? Check out our YouTube channel for tips, or go and order the best products that we recommend on Amazon.
Tips for maintaining your concrete
Many people don't consider the value of concrete cleaning maintenance. It is true that concrete is durable and long-lasting. However, using three tips will increase the life of concrete. Many times it makes the concrete look as new as the day it got installed.
1) Seal the concrete for protection and easier cleaning.
The concrete needs sealed to last longer. However, many people forget to clean their concrete before applying the sealant. If there is oil, stains, or grime build up, a sealant doesn't work. The best way to remove some of the tougher stains is using a degreaser. Find it at a contractor supply houses, they soften and lift oil based substances. Make sure it is for stripping, not just cleaning. Follow the instructions carefully for safety.
Acid etching gets used when stains are deep in the concrete. This requires a trained professional. The professional uses a diluted acid to get the job done. This does take out the hardest stains. However, it does cost more money than doing it yourself. It also might change the texture of the concrete. A sealant gets applied after the concrete gets prepped.
2) Clean the concrete thoroughly at least once a year.
Many times, a sealed concrete just requires a metal brush and light soap to remove the dirt. Sometimes stains are tough, and require a stronger soap. Others use a mix of soap and ammonia for lighter cleaning. If not working, there are other methods.
Another option that is fast and effective is power washing. Usually a machine with 3000 psi of pressure and a 4 gallons a minute flow rate work the best. It might be a good investment to buy a machine if needed for other projects. However, there are places that rent these machines when on a budget.
Finally, chemical cleaning works for some of the toughest stains. Find these chemicals at home improvement stores. Be sure the label says general cleaning. A cleaner with a stripping chemical will remove sealant as it cleans. Make sure to follow safety instructions as well. Make sure to use enough to coat the entire surface of the concrete evenly.
3) Carefully consider options when cleaning colored concrete.
Obviously, colored concrete is different from standard concrete. It is best to check the manufacturer's recommendations before doing any cleaning or maintenance. Many times certain types of cleaning or chemicals may damage or discolor the concrete. Avoid this by doing research before diving into the project.
Obviously these tips are just a start. There are other a number of things that help clean and maintain concrete. Even with the best care, concrete will need repairs or even replaced over time.
1) Seal the concrete for protection and easier cleaning.
The concrete needs sealed to last longer. However, many people forget to clean their concrete before applying the sealant. If there is oil, stains, or grime build up, a sealant doesn't work. The best way to remove some of the tougher stains is using a degreaser. Find it at a contractor supply houses, they soften and lift oil based substances. Make sure it is for stripping, not just cleaning. Follow the instructions carefully for safety.
Acid etching gets used when stains are deep in the concrete. This requires a trained professional. The professional uses a diluted acid to get the job done. This does take out the hardest stains. However, it does cost more money than doing it yourself. It also might change the texture of the concrete. A sealant gets applied after the concrete gets prepped.
2) Clean the concrete thoroughly at least once a year.
Many times, a sealed concrete just requires a metal brush and light soap to remove the dirt. Sometimes stains are tough, and require a stronger soap. Others use a mix of soap and ammonia for lighter cleaning. If not working, there are other methods.
Another option that is fast and effective is power washing. Usually a machine with 3000 psi of pressure and a 4 gallons a minute flow rate work the best. It might be a good investment to buy a machine if needed for other projects. However, there are places that rent these machines when on a budget.
Finally, chemical cleaning works for some of the toughest stains. Find these chemicals at home improvement stores. Be sure the label says general cleaning. A cleaner with a stripping chemical will remove sealant as it cleans. Make sure to follow safety instructions as well. Make sure to use enough to coat the entire surface of the concrete evenly.
3) Carefully consider options when cleaning colored concrete.
Obviously, colored concrete is different from standard concrete. It is best to check the manufacturer's recommendations before doing any cleaning or maintenance. Many times certain types of cleaning or chemicals may damage or discolor the concrete. Avoid this by doing research before diving into the project.
Obviously these tips are just a start. There are other a number of things that help clean and maintain concrete. Even with the best care, concrete will need repairs or even replaced over time.