Outdoor exposed aggregate concrete slabs are functional, economical and durable options. Concrete is no longer just a hard, gray surface. Thanks to design improvements, concrete is now more visually appealing than ever before. With a little care, exposed concrete patios and garden paths can maintain their stunning appearance for many years, despite being exposed to harsh weather and heavy foot traffic. Below you will discover how you can clean your exposed concrete slabs in spring so that they remain in excellent condition for as long as possible.
Cleaning heavily soiled exposed concrete slabs – tips and home remedies
If you want to prepare your patio and garden for spring, you should use old, weathered or heavily soiled paving tilesget sparkling clean again.
First remove any coarse dirt
The idea here is to remove dirt, debris, or other things that have accumulated on the surface, using either a soft broom or a motorized leaf blower. Exposed concrete has a special surface where trash and dirt can accumulate, which means you should ensure that this extra waste is removed.
Remove moss from exposed concrete slabs
- Pressure washer
One of the quickest ways to remove moss and algae from concrete surfaces is to use a pressure washer. This device sprays water under high pressure onto the damaged areas, blasting away the moss and dirtthe surfaces become clean.
- Boiling water
Dousing the area with boiling water, particularly areas infested with other unwanted growth, is an efficient and cost-effective method of eliminating moss from concrete surfaces. After pouring a generous amount of hot water over the area, scrub the area with a sharp brush and then use a hose to wash away any remaining moss.
Clean exposed concrete slabs without chemicals
Once your exposed concrete slabs are thoroughly moistened, you can next apply a cleaning product. Do not use cleaning products that contain strong chemicals as this can destroy the coating or seal on the concrete. Instead, look for natural cleaning products. Then allow the cleaner to sit on the surface for a specified amount of time before rinsing it off.
- Soda
It is possible to remove grease stains with soda water. It's really ridiculous, but it's true. This is due to the three essential components of soda – carbonic acid, phosphoric acid and citric acid.
These three acids, when combined, are effective in removing dirt from concrete. This process works equally well with any cola that contains these ingredients. Pour out the cola or soda water and let the liquid sit on the concrete for fifteen to thirty minutes. To remove the rest of the stains, you can use either scrubbers, towels, or a mop in addition to the cleaner and water.
- vinegar and baking soda
If you are looking for a natural cleaner, you can consider cleaning concrete with vinegar or baking soda. Cleaning concrete with chlorine, bleach, or other cleaning products can be an effective method, but it can also be harmful to plants that come into contact with it. If you are worried about the plants that are nearby while cleaning your patio or walkway, vinegar (or baking soda/baking soda) cleaner is the right solution for you!
Put some dishwashing detergent in a spray bottle and fill the rest of the container with equal parts water and vinegar (or water and baking soda/baking soda). Spray the solution onto your floor tiles and then wait about half an hour. The concrete should then be scrubbed and rinsed.
- Seifenwasser
If your patio (or walkways) survived the winter in relatively good condition, a soap solution may be enough to complete the cleaning of the patio and return it to its former glory. Make a soap solution by mixing warm water with liquid soap or dishwashing detergent in a bucket. To remove the stains from the patio, use a stiff brush and pour the solution over the entire surface. When you're finished, you can give the surface one final wash with clean water using a garden hose or pressure washer on a low setting (see below for more information).
Clean exposed concrete slabs with a high-pressure cleaner
Concrete slabs can be successfully cleaned with pressure washers and these machines are usually available for purchase or rental. If you are not sure which pressure level is optimal,you should use the pressure washerFirst try it out on a small area to assess the effects of the different settings.
Clean exposed concrete slabs in the garden with household cleaner – hydrochloric acid
Hydrochloric acid is often used to remove stains from concrete surfaces such as driveways and garage floors caused by oil spills from vehicles. When used carefully, hydrochloric acid can remove mineral, oil, paint and rust stains from concrete and restore the natural shine of exposed concrete. Be careful because this acid is harmful and can cause grass and plants to die. Protect yourself from potentially dangerous contact and fumes by using a respirator. Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations and instructions.
Also read:Removing moss from the lawn: effective home remedies and tips for combating and preventing it
