Hard-Water Stain Removal From Tinted Concrete

Cleaning Items

• To remove hard-water stains from tinted concrete indoors and out, you need white vinegar, a deck and scrub brush, a mop and mop bucket, and a garden hose with sprayer attachment. You will also need a few cotton rags. Lemon juice can be used in place of white vinegar. Both of these items are acidic, which will help break up and lift the hard-water stains.

Indoor Tinted Concrete

• Indoor tinted concrete often has a high-gloss seal to protect the concrete’s surface. General cleaning of this type of tinted concrete requires basic mopping or wiping of the surface with a lint-free cotton rag and cleanser. To retain the high-gloss finish, dry the area immediately to avoid water marks. Drying the area will also reduce hard-water stains. To remove hard-water stains on indoor tinted concrete, use equal parts water and white vinegar and apply with it with a cotton rag. Use a scrub brush on the area and allow the mixture to penetrate the stain for about 15 minutes. Mop the floor with hot water to remove the mixture. Use lint-free cotton rags to dry the floor.

Outdoor Tinted Concrete

• Outdoor tinted concrete often has water stains from rain as well as stains from dirt and grime. The same products work for outdoor tinted concrete, and the white vinegar does not require dilution. Apply the white vinegar with a spray bottle or pour it directly onto the stains. Use a scrub brush for smaller surfaces such as outdoor countertops and water fountains or a deck brush for areas such as patios. Allow the white vinegar to penetrate hard-water stains for about 15 minutes, then rinse the area with a garden hose. Repeat the process until the hard-water stains are gone.

Maintenance

• Tinted concrete can improve the look and value of any home, and it creates a feeling of permanence. Hard-water buildup indoors reduces by drying the surfaces immediately after cleaning them. For outdoor tinted concrete, clean concrete areas more often to avoid heavy buildup.