how to effectively maintain your concrete

Concrete is a popular building material used in various construction projects. It is known for its durability and is easy to maintain in comparison with other building materials such as timber. So, to extend the life of your concrete surfaces like those on your driveway, countertop, patio, and other concrete surfaces, it is essential to know the proper way of cleaning them.
There are several ways of cleaning concrete, but it all depends on the type of surface and the level of stain, dirt, and debris. Here are some tips that can help you effectively clean your concrete.
Pressure washer
If you want to clean your outdoor concrete, the best and easiest solution is to pressure wash it. In fact, it is the best method for removing dirt, stains, and other elements that made your concrete surface less stellar. It is recommended that you use a fan tip on your pressure washer, but it should not exceed 2,500 psi for optimal performance. You can also use hot water to break up dirt and debris on your concrete pavement.
Also, for tougher stains, especially on your driveway floors like grease, oil, and soot, it is better to use a degreaser before you pressure wash it. This will soften the stain on the surface, and you can then easily remove it using your pressure washer - making your concrete look clean and attractive.
Scrub brush
For indoor concrete, it is best to use a scrub brush because a pressure washer may not be the ideal equipment inside your home. You may also need to use hot water to soften up tough dirt, so you can easily remove it with the brush. Lastly, you can combine your scrub brush with a degreaser to remove harder dirt and stains.
Trisodium phosphate (TSP)
This is a heavy-duty cleaner that can easily remove dirt, soot, and grease on concrete surfaces. You can easily buy TSP at Home Depot and local hardware stores. It is a good companion for your pressure washer because it can provide better results than a standard degreaser.
Oxalic acid
If you want to remove rust and other stains on your concrete surface, you will need to use oxalic acid. This solution is often sold in local home improvement stores. It is usually sold in powdered form, so you will need to dissolve it in hot water.
Concrete Sealer
This compound is the most commonly used solution for protecting concrete from rust and stains. In fact, you can easily apply it to any concrete surface. Once it has cured on your concrete surface, it will now serve as a shield to protect your surface from dirt, debris, soot, and oil that may cause it to become weak or discoloured.
Overall, cleaning your concrete surface will ensure that it will stay pristine and look good for many years to come.