Cleaning Cement?

[KT27]

I have a cement driveway and walkway that were installed when we built our house last fall. Since we didn't have sod right away we tracked some mud onto the cement surface ans now it appears to be stained. I have scrubbed it but it won't come off. I'm sure the TX sun doesn't help any. Is there anyway to remove the ground in mud stains?

I wanted to seal the driveway but haven't gotten a chance to get it done yet. Any ideas on what to use? I would prefer to do it ourselves when DH returns.

 

[mrsklamc]

You can 'clean' - and by clean I mean 'etch' - it with muriatric acid, purchased from Lowe's, HD, etc.

I'd wait until just before you're ready to seal it, as you'd want to do that before sealing anyway and it's a pretty hazardous chemical.

 

[jennifer293]

the acid will work ...also try using a pressure washer. We used one on ours for stains that have been there for over 7 years and they came right up. I agree don't try any of these methods untiul you are ready to seal it though..

 

[marthachick]

When pressure washing, be sure to keep the wand thingy moving. Do not concentrate in one area too long or it could damage the cement. Yes, this is the voice of experience.

 

[ceecee]

We pressure washed our steps and driveway and it looks new. All the oil and rust came off.

 

[ducklite]

We have two shaded sidewalk areas in our neighborhood that get funky wiith black ick--mildew/mold) and just general grunge and stains. DH takes his power washer over and power washes them, they come out looking like new.

Anne

 

[rockyroad]

When pressure washing, be sure to keep the wand thingy moving. Do not concentrate in one area too long or it could damage the cement. Yes, this is the voice of experience.

Yup...me too.

Ate holes in some steps!