Cleaning cement surfaces such as cement
driveways, cement garage floors and cement patios can present unique
challenges. In this article, we'll examine the best ways to keep
those cement driveways, garage floors and patios
clean.
The best time to clean cement
surfaces is when the temperature is between 50 and 75 degrees F. Also, make
sure there is no direct sunlight shining on the cement driveways, garage
floors or patios you are cleaning.
How to Clean Cement
Driveways, Garage Floors and Patios - Sweeping
Compound
To quickly clean and remove
dust and dirt from cement driveways, garage floors and patios, use a
sweeping compound. This compound can be found at a home supply store or
anywhere janitorial supplies are sold.
A
sweeping compound will help you clean cement driveways,
garage floors and patios by grabbing the dust and keeping it contained
without spreading it into the air as you sweep. After you've finished,
just sweep everything into a dustpan and toss in the
trash.
How to Clean Cement
Driveways, Garage Floors and Patios - Cat Litter
Cat litter is the best possible solution to absorb spills of
oil of any other liquid from cement driveways, garage floors and patios.
Pour the litter onto the spill and grind it in as best you can with your
shoe. Leave the litter on the spill for at least thirty minutes or so to
absorb as much liquid as possible. Sweep and repeat if necessary to get the
cement floor completely clean.
How
to Clean Cement Driveways, Garage Floors and Patios - Old
Stains
For old stains on your cement
driveways, garage floors and patios, apply a laundry spot remover such as
"Spray and Wash". Allow the solution to sit on the stain for at
least ten minutes. Sprinkle a powdered laundry detergent on the spot and
scrub with a stiff brush. Then, just rinse the area thoroughly and your
stain should be gone.
Another way to
remove old stains from your cement driveways, garage floors and patios is
to make a thick paste of dishwasher detergent (powdered) and hot water.
Scrub onto the stain and let the solution soak overnight. In the morning,
rinse thoroughly and the cement floor will be clean
again.
How to Clean Cement
Driveways, Garage Floors and Patios - Stubborn
Stains
For stubborn stains on your
cement driveways, garage floors and patios, use oven cleaner. Spray the
cleaner directly onto the stubborn stain, allow to sit for at least fifteen
minutes, scrub with a stiff brush and then
rinse thoroughly. This will
consistently remove stubborn stains from cement driveways, garage floors
and patios.
How to Clean Cement
Driveways, Garage Floors and Patios - Rust Stains
To remove rust stains from cement driveways, garage floors and
patios, use lemon kool-aid. I know. I was skeptical at first, too, but it
really works. Sprinkle the cement surface with the kool-aid powder, cover
with some sort of plastic and allow the mix to sit on the stain for at
least fifteen minutes. Now, remove the plastic, scrub with a stiff brush
and then rinse the area thoroughly. This method will effectively remove
rust stains from cement driveways, garage floors and patios, rendering them
as clean as new.