Can you clean unsealed concrete?

Author: Camden Beahan  |  Last update: Wednesday, December 31, 2025

Cleaning unsealed concrete floors with pH-neutral cleaners is the safest option. These solutions protect your porous concrete floor because they are neither acidic nor alkaline. Commercial options include Simple Green Oxy Solve and Krud Kutter's Concrete Cleaner.

Can I pressure wash unsealed concrete?

Yes, pressure washing can clean unsealed concrete floors effectively. Start by watering the vegetation and pre-treating the surfaces using commercial chemicals. Let the chemical dwell for 15min before washing the surface. The chemicals break down the organic matter and prevent it from growing back for longer.

Does unsealed concrete create dust?

Dry, unsealed concrete can be a source of invasive nuisance dust.

Can you use pine sol on unsealed concrete?

Don't: Never use everyday floor cleaning products, such as Pine-Sol; always select a pH-neutral cleaner. Never use products such as ammonia, vinegar, bleach, muriatic acid, or other harsh cleaners on concrete floors.

How do you clean urine off unsealed concrete?

Sprinkle normal generic or name brand baking soda on spots or entire concrete area lightly, then mix 3 parts white vinegar to 1 part listerine spay area well. Baking soda mixed with this safe solution bibles, gets into course concrete. Then simply spray off with water after concrete dries.

How to Clean Concrete Without A Pressure Washer

What is the best cleaner for unsealed concrete?

A pH-neutral cleaner is always a good option for a final cleanse or to routinely mop with. No matter what is used to clean, it's crucial to allow the unsealed concrete to fully dry.

How long does pee smell last on concrete?

That terrible stench lingers long after the liquid has been absorbed, and can last months unless treated properly. To really get these odors out, make sure you're eliminating them, not just covering up the smell (like many products do).

What is the best thing to clean sealed concrete with?

Sealed concrete
  • Sweep or vacuum the floor to remove loose dirt and debris.
  • Mix a mild detergent with warm water in a bucket.
  • Mop the floor with the solution, working in sections.
  • Rinse the mop frequently to avoid spreading dirt.
  • Allow the floor to air dry.

Can you clean unsealed concrete with bleach?

Whether your patio is sealed concrete or cement, or even sealed concrete pavers, a bleach and water solution makes it easy to clean away built up soil, stains from leaves and pollen, mold, mildew and algae.

What is the best soap to clean concrete with?

Use Dish Soap and Water

Ordinary household dish soap as a degreaser is extremely useful for cleaning up oily, grimy concrete stains while avoiding the use of harmful chemicals. Start with two gallons of warm water and a mere two teaspoons of dish soap in a standard bucket.

What happens if concrete is not sealed?

Without sealant, water can seep into a concrete driveway and lead to considerable damage over time, especially in areas known to fall below freezing during the winter months. Water seeps into the pores, then freezes and expands, which can lead to significant cracks.

How to clean raw concrete?

Simply 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.

Can I leave concrete unsealed?

Prevents Moisture Damage: Concrete floors can absorb moisture if left unsealed, leading to mold growth and potential structural damage. Sealing prevents moisture from seeping into the concrete, keeping it dry and protected.

What do professionals clean concrete with?

Alkaline cleaners are usually the best way to lift out the oil so it can then be washed away. Bacterial or enzymatic solutions: These concrete cleaners are used to remove protein- or starch-based stains.

Can you live on unsealed concrete?

If the concrete floor surface is left unsealed, its porous layers will emit tiny objects that endanger one's health. Not only will it put one's health in peril, but it's also the floor itself that will face various damages.

How do you clean an unsealed concrete patio?

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. Do not use vinegar and baking soda mixture in a power washer. And be sure to protect your hands, eyes, and nose to minimize any irritation.

What cleaner to use on unsealed concrete?

Cleaning unsealed concrete floors with pH-neutral cleaners is the safest option. These solutions protect your porous concrete floor because they are neither acidic nor alkaline. Commercial options include Simple Green Oxy Solve and Krud Kutter's Concrete Cleaner.

Can you clean sealed concrete with vinegar?

You should never attempt to clean your sealed or polished concrete floors with ammonia, bleach, citrus cleaners, pine based cleaners, vinegar or any highly acidic substance. These are not pH neutral, and could break down or dull the sealant on your concrete flooring.

Will OxiClean clean concrete?

If your deck is made from concrete, pavers travertine, brick, stamped concrete or composite decking, you can clean and refresh it for summer using OxiClean™ Versatile Stain Remover.

Can I power wash sealed concrete?

When using a pressure washer, be careful not to damage the sealer on your driveway by putting too much pressure on it. Also, make sure that you don't use any products with acid in them (they will damage the seal) when cleaning your drive or patio.

Is bleach or vinegar better for cleaning concrete?

When it comes to cleaning concrete, vinegar emerges as a natural and eco-friendly alternative that can effectively remove stains and enhance the overall appearance of your surfaces. At Roof Care PDX, we believe in the power of safe and sustainable cleaning solutions.

Is simple green an enzymatic cleaner?

Simple Green Outdoor Odor Eliminator removes smells left behind by animal urine, stool, vomit and other organic matter. This formula uses powerful natural enzymes to eliminate odors at the source on grass, turf, gravel, concrete, and more.

How do you get urine and poop smell out of concrete?

Place some clean cat litter on the floor. Using a wood block, scrub the cat litter back and forth to open the surface of the concrete a little bit. Then, leaving the litter on the floor, place a mixture of half bleach and half water on the floor, scrubbing it in. Leave it overnight, removing the residue in the morning.

What kills human urine smell?

Combat Urine with Hydrogen Peroxide and Surfactants Together

The hydrogen peroxide in Clorox ® Urine Remover breaks down the odor at its source through oxidization and removes uric acid crystals.

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