New Concrete Looking White And Powdery? Simple Steps For Getting Rid Of The Efflorescence

If you have had contractors pour a new patio in your backyard, but now you've noticed a white powdery build-up all over the concrete, don't panic.Your concrete has just developed a bit of efflorescence. While it might look like a fungus – such as mold or mildew– it's actually just a growth of salt crystals left behind by evaporated water. Efflorescence is easy to get rid of and control.

Clean It Up

Once you see a spot of efflorescence, you're probably going to find it in other places on the concrete, so it's best to clean the entire area at the same time. You can clean an entire patio in just a few hours.

Supplies You'll Need

  • Slip-resistant shoes

  • Garden sprayer

  • Water

  • Vinegar

  • Stiff-bristled push broom

  • Garden hose

Directions

  1. Put on your slip-resistant shoes to avoid slipping on the wet concrete.

  2. Fill your garden sprayer with fresh water and add 4 cups of vinegar.

  3. Spray the cleaning solution on your concrete and scrub it with your push broom.

  4. Allow the solution to sit for about 10 minutes.

  5. Use your garden hose to rinse your concrete.

  6. Allow the concrete to air dry.

Keep It Away

Once your concrete is clean and dry, you'll want to make sure that the efflorescence doesn't return. The easiest way to do that is to apply a thick layer of water-proof sealant. Be sure to apply the sealant on a day that isn't too windy or you could end up with dirt and debris in your fresh sealant.

Supplies You'll Need

  • Shop vacuum

  • Water-proof sealant

  • Paint pan

  • Foam paint rollers

Directions

  1. Vacuum the surface of your concrete to remove dirt and debris.

  2. Pour the sealant into your paint pan.

  3. Use your foam paint roller to apply a thin layer of sealant to the entire surface of your concrete.

  4. Be sure to start at the inside and work your way out so that you don't paint yourself into a corner.

  5. Allow the sealant to dry for several hours and then apply a second coat.

  6. For best results, apply a fresh coat of sealant once a year.

Efflorescence won't really harm your concrete but it is unsightly in a landscape. You can get rid of the powdery substance easily – and keep your new concrete looking fresh and clean – by following the instructions listed above. You can learn more about your concrete from a place like concrete Coretech Industries.


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