Unfortunately cleaning is not a one-size-fits-all process for pavers. For example, masons will use muriatic acid on clay brick to remove mortar. However, muriatic acid could do serious damage to a concrete paver.
Acids and acid-based cleaners can, and all-too-often do, cause devastating damage to the appearance of some types of paving. However, being wise after-the-fact is all too easy.
Always fill the watering can with water first and then add the acid. After you clear a space, pour the mixture from a watering can over a small, manageable area. After about three minutes, generously hose off the muriatic acid solution before it can start to damage your pavers.
Battery acid stains on pavers. F9 Concrete Rust Remover (BARC) is specifically developed to reverse and eliminate the largest proportion of orange battery acid staining, rust stains, fertilizer rust stains and irrigation rust stain on concrete, brick, pavers, tile, stone, concrete coatings, asphalt and other surfaces.
You can try cleaning the pavers with a mixture of water and mild detergent. Another option is to hire a power washing company to do a low-pressure wash. Other more aggressive options include sandblasting and a chemical cleaning. We always recommend you hire a professional to ensure you do not damage your pavers.
Use phosphoric acid masonry cleaner
This method especially works wonders if you want to remove acid stains mainly caused by muriatic acid on your floor tiles. You would need a soft-bristled brush, sponge or a piece of cloth, a gallon of water, a cup of ammonia, and phosphoric acid masonry cleaner.
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).
Any concrete that is not properly neutralized will begin decomposing immediately. It may take time for the damage to reach the surface where you can see it, but it is happening and is usually irrepairable.
Brush or spray on a 1:10 diluted mix of acid in water onto the surface, allow it to sit for up to 10 minutes, but no longer, then spray it with a solution of 1 cup ammonia in a gallon of water to neutralize the acid. Allow the surface to dry completely before applying paint or other treatments.
Treating your paving stones with diluted muriatic acid removes the deposits and helps them look good as new.
Apply the Solution: Spray the diluted muriatic acid solution onto the pavers, making sure to cover all stained areas. Allow the solution to sit for 15-20 minutes, or as instructed by the manufacturer. Scrub the Pavers: Using the scrub brush, gently scrub the pavers to remove the stains.
Muriatic acid dissolves the outer surface of the brick. Because it is highly reactive with cement-based products, it will also eat away the mortar joints. If it is not used very carefully, the surface of your brickwork and mortar can become 'pitted' which can cause brickwork and mortar to hold more water.
The acetic acid in vinegar is a little stronger than acid rain, so exposing your pavers to this substance can lead to bleaching, corrosion and the loss of protective sealant.
The calcium carbonate creates the whitish haze on the surface of the concrete pavers. As the moisture evaporates off the surface of the pavers, the whitish haze becomes more pronounced. And as naturally as the efflorescence appeared, it will fade.
Muriatic acid may damage concrete surfaces, so be careful when pouring it on sidewalks or driveways; new concrete typically does not need to be cleaned at all before applying staining agents. If you do pour some on these surfaces, rinse off with lots of water as soon as possible.
Muriatic acid will quickly liquify most metallics, consisting of iron, copper, and light weight aluminum. It can easily additionally diffuse cement, rock, mortar, as well as grout. Additionally, muriatic acid will take out blemishes from rugs as well as cloth.
Precautions to Take Before Using Muriatic Acid
Get the Proper Safety Gear: This acid will cause burns to the skin and eyes, and its vapors can even damage your respiratory tract.
To clean and etch concrete, mix one part muriatic acid to 10 parts water. Brush or spray the acid solution on the concrete, wait eight to 10 minutes, then neutralize the acid by spraying the surface with a mixture of one cup of ammonia in one gallon of water.
High concentrations of muriatic acid can etch concrete, glass, remove paint, dull chrome, and cause other issues.
Muriatic acid is strong enough to etch concrete, but it can also cause severe injury and/or damage property when used improperly. Always wear protective clothing, rubber gloves, boots and goggles or a face shield when handling acid. Avoid breathing acid vapors.
Like any strong acid, muriatic acid can irritate your skin (prolonged exposure can even cause burns). Gloves will help you avoid direct contact. If you do get muriatic acid on your skin, wash the area with clean water right away (it's a good idea to keep a garden hose or a bucket of clean water nearby).
Neutralize 1 gallon (3.8 L) of acid by mixing in 5.5 pounds (2.49 kg) of baking soda, then pour it down the drain. Use leftover muriatic acid to clean brick, concrete, toilets, and tile. Or, use it to balance your pool's pH.
Be sure to get any stone that may come in contact with the acid solution. This is a critical step to prevent damage. Applying acid to dry stones can stain them a yellowish-green color.