PRESSURE WASH – To really get out the dirt and grime, try using a pressure washer. You can usually rent them very inexpensively at your local home improvement store. Pressure washers save a lot of time when cleaning unsealed cement garage floors.
Best Overall Concrete Cleaner—ZEP Purple Pressure Wash
The container makes over 12 gallons of pressure wash cleaner, leaving the surface with a clean scent. The deep cleaning formula works best on unfinished concrete and can handle even deep set-in stains.
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.
In fact, vinegar removes mold from concrete better than bleach. Bleach will only remove the top layer of mold, causing the mold to return.
Microfiber Mop: Microfiber mops are great for concrete floors as they are gentle on the surface and can effectively trap dirt and dust particles. They can also be used dry or dampened with water or a cleaning solution.
Here are the instructions on how to clean unsealed concrete floors: Sweep off or vacuum up any loose dirt, dust, and debris from the concrete surface. Using a garden hose, wet the concrete. Then, apply a mixture of trisodium phosphate and water, scrubbing the solution onto the surface using a stiff-bristled broom.
Use a detergent such as Dawn or Ajax dishwashing liquid mixed with water to brighten a concrete patio that hasn't been cleaned in a while. Use a detergent such as Dawn or Ajax dishwashing liquid mixed with water to brighten a concrete patio that hasn't been cleaned in a while.
You can use Simple Green Oxy Solve Concrete and Driveway Cleaner to clean a concrete patio with or without a pressure washer. It removes oil, grease, grime and most stains and discolorations. Its biodegradable formula is safe for lawns and pets.
Vinegar is an all-natural solution for cleaning concrete. It kills mildew and mold, removes grime, and helps treat set-in stains. Before cleaning concrete with vinegar, it's essential to dilute it so you don't affect your sealer.
There are many ways to clean concrete before applying a sealer but we recommend removing all dirt and debris, power-washing and using an industrial strength concrete cleaner before sealing with a concrete sealer. In order to clean the concrete, we first recommend power washing.
Oil leaks, blood, and sticky residues can absorb and result in stubborn stains. However, using a driveway sealant after pressure washing can help prevent these stains from becoming permanent features in your driveway.
Vinegar or baking soda: These natural cleaners work well to clean cement patios with stubborn charcoal or rust spots. 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.
As a gentler cleaner, bleach can't harm concrete's durable material. Aside from being an effective cleaner and stain remover, it also acts as a disinfectant to the concrete surface.
For general clean purposes, mix warm water with a few drops of mild detergent (either dish washing liquid or mild laundry detergent) into a mop bucket. Apply to concrete and give it a scrub with a soft bristled broom or brush.
Detergent or Dish Soap
Dish soap like Dawn and water has grease-cutting power, and it's safe and easy to use. This method works great for the entire floor before targeting specific areas with more powerful, stain-specific cleaners. Use soap and water on all concrete floors, but always rinse well.
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.
Short answer: yes! Steam vapor can be used on both sealed and unsealed concrete surfaces. As for the "why", there are plenty of reasons: No extra chemicals.
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.
Pressure washing is one of the fastest, most effective ways to get your concrete white again. Concrete can change color over time due to pollen, algae, or dirt buildup, but a good pressure wash can easily remove dirt and stains and make your concrete look new again.