Even though concrete is durable, it needs to be managed and taken care of to ensure that it lasts and looks as good as new. Over time, wear and tear can lead to stains and blemishes. There are many ways to clean concrete, but the most common way is to use a power washer.  

Power washing is something that you can do on your own without a company or worker. The only problem is, not everybody has a power washer. So, that means you will need to rent one. Renting a power washer shouldn’t be too difficult as they can be found at most local hardware stores around you! When using a power washer, make sure that your plants are covered and the concrete is clear of debris and toys. Once the area is clear, high-pressure water is sprayed onto the concrete removing the grime and stains. When renting a power washer or using one you already have at home, please do not use a zero-degree nozzle because it can cause damage to the concrete.  

Other Ways to Clean Your Concete

If you or a friend don’t have a pressure washer and don’t want to rent one, many things around your home can clean it. The following items can be used to clean your concrete as long as they are used correctly.  

• Broom
• Dustpan
• Mop
• Bucket
• Scrub Brush (not metallic)
• Spray bottle
• Gloves
• Cat litter

Sweep it clean of all debris before starting the cleaning process. If there is standing liquid on the concrete, use cat litter to soak up the liquid, such as grease. That should take about 30 minutes. If you don’t have any cat litter, baking soda can also work. If you’re wondering how to clean your concrete, these are the products to use.  

5 Cleaning Products to Use on Concrete

1. Soda – Soda is effective at cleaning grease stains. This is because the following ingredients are found in soda: carbonated water, a solution also known as carbonic acid, phosphoric acid, and citric acid. Coca-Cola is the most common soda used. 
   Pour the soda on the stain for 15-30 minutes, and then you might need a scrub brush depending on the size of the stain.
   
2. Detergent – I would only use detergent for small stains, but if you mix it with some water and scrub it with a brush, you should be good to go!
   
3. Vinegar and Baking Soda – This is perfect if you’re looking for more of a natural cleaner. This is also a good option because bleach and detergent can be toxic to plants. If you have a lot of plants around, this is your solution.  
   Fill a spray bottle with equal parts water and vinegar (or water and baking soda), and add a little bit of liquid dish detergent. Spray the mixture on your concrete surface and let it sit for about 30 minutes. Then scrub and rinse your concrete.
   
4. Concrete Cleaner – The typical make-up of concrete cleaner is concentrated alkaline soap, and these soaps loosen up the oil for easy cleanup. However, a concrete cleaner can be ineffective if the stain has been there for a long time.
   
5. Bleach – If a large area needs cleaning, this is a great option. 
   Fill a bucket with warm water and about ¾ a cup of liquid bleach and start mopping. Let the bleach solution sit for a few minutes before using a bucket with clean water to mop up the bleach solution. Wear gloves during this process, as bleach can be harmful to you. 

Need More than a Simple Concrete Cleaning

If your concrete is beyond repair, it might be time to get it redone with KC Concrete. If you are in the Kansas City area and need help with any of your concrete needs, we are the company for you. With a free quote today, we can offer you a variety of different services you can see on our website. Don’t hesitate to reach out today if you want to get your curb appeal back!