One of the best and cheapest ways to clean concrete is by using the simplest products you already have. White vinegar, baking soda, and a broom are all items you can find in your home or buy inexpensively. Alternatively, you can purchase a special concrete cleaner that you can use for a variety of purposes. Make sure to read the label to see how often to apply it and how much to use.
Pressure washing
There are a few ways to concrete cleaning without hiring a professional. A garden hose is an excellent way to clean concrete. Pressure washing allows you to clean it more thoroughly. Use diluted concrete detergent to remove stains. Apply the solution to the stained area and let it sit for about 10 minutes. Then, use the pressure washer to remove it. Paint stains come out easily, but oil and rust stains will require a stronger solution to remove.
The cost of pressure washing for commercial purposes varies greatly, depending on the size of the job, its complexity, and the materials to be cleaned. Different surfaces require different approaches. Brick and concrete require more effort to clean than concrete. The amount of pressure needed to clean these surfaces also varies. The dirtier the surface is, the higher the cost. Make sure to follow manufacturer instructions when cleaning concrete. Try using a lower pressure nozzle to test how much pressure is necessary to clean it effectively.
Polishing
If you’re in the market for a clean concrete floor, polishing is the answer. This process can be performed with the help of a concrete grinder, polishing pads, and diamond grinding discs. Polishing discs are available in different grits, ranging from coarse to fine. These discs are used to grind down concrete to a smooth surface. When completed properly, polished concrete can have a great shine, and will look great for years to come.
For the most cost-effective way to clean concrete, consider hiring a professional. Basic labor for polishing a concrete floor includes planning and equipment acquisition, area preparation, and protection, setup and cleanup. Other materials, such as chemicals, are needed, including isolation materials. However, specialty equipment can improve the efficiency and quality of the work. For instance, a 20-inch polishing and grinding machine has a daily production rate of 200-450 square feet. The daily rental fee for such a machine includes consumables, which should last about a year.
Vinegar
There are many different ways to clean concrete, but a cheap and simple one is to use vinegar. This acidic solution will strip surface-level messes from concrete. Vinegar’s high acid content is ideal for removing stains and grime from concrete, but it can also damage more delicate materials if left on for long periods of time. The trick is to use diluted vinegar, not the concentrated version, to avoid damaging concrete.
When cleaning concrete, it’s best to start by mopping the surface first. Using a spin mop will help remove the dirt and rinse the area. A bucket of water is also a great option. Using a water-soaked sponge or broom is more effective than a regular mop, so you can use warm water to wash the concrete floor. Once you’ve scrubbed the area with the vinegar solution, use a long-handled scrub brush to remove any remaining dirt.
Using a degreaser
The cheapest way to clean concrete is with a degreaser. You can purchase an alkaline degreaser from a hardware store or buy a specialized concrete cleaner online. These cleaners have concentrated alkaline soaps that loosen oil without dissolving it. This method is most effective for porous concrete. You should apply the degreaser to the stained area, scrubbing into the concrete for a few minutes, and then mop up the residue with clean water.
Conclusion
The cleaning solution should soak into the concrete pores before you apply a degreaser. Scrubbing is necessary for digging out dirt and debris and emulsifying contaminants in suspension. A stiff, short-bristled deck brush works well. Push brooms, on the other hand, do not scrub effectively, because their bristles are too long and the surface area is too large to apply good pressure.
