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What Do You Use to Get Chemicals Off a Concrete Floor?

Although concrete floors may appear quite solid, concrete is a porous building material. Chemicals that accumulate on the floor, such as oil from a leaky automobile or lawnmower engine, can seep into the surface of the concrete and result in a stain. You can remove many types of chemicals from a concrete floor, but the process of doing so varies depending on the extent of the penetration.

  1. Absorbents

    • In many cases, you can remove chemicals that have permeated concrete with an absorbent rather than with a liquid product. Common types of absorbents used for this purpose are cat litter and sawdust. Before using either product, dampen the absorbent with paint thinner. The paint thinner breaks up the chemicals and the absorbent pulls the chemicals out of the floor. Pour the absorbent over the floor and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. Work the absorbent into the floor with a brick as if you were using a scrub brush, then sweep the absorbent up and repeat the process if necessary.

    Liquid Products

    • A number of liquid concrete cleaner products are available as an alternative to using absorbents. These products typically are more appropriate for heavy stains, and they generally cost more than an absorbent. It is important to follow the product’s instructions and warnings. Although there is some variation in the specific manner in which these products are used, they usually are poured directly over the floor and allowed to sit for a period of time. Whereas absorbents are swept away, liquid products require a bit of scrubbing with a stiff brush. Although not required, it may be beneficial to wash the surface down before applying the cleaning agent to remove surface debris.

    Concrete Sealer

    • Concrete floors commonly are coated with a clear sealer designed to protect the concrete and to enhance its appearance. Some chemicals are strong enough to damage the sealer. In some cases, cleaning the floor often damages the sealer, particularly if a liquid product was used and the floor was scrubbed. It is better to err on the side of caution and apply a fresh coat of sealer. Sealer is fairly inexpensive and readily available. Apply an acrylic-based clear concrete sealer over the repair area with a paintbrush.

    Local Hazardous Waste Laws

    • Consult local authorities before removing chemicals. Some chemicals are highly caustic and should be left to professionals to handle. If you decide to move forward, make sure you are aware of local and state laws that dictate how you can dispose of potentially hazardous chemicals. Municipalities commonly have waste treatment facilities that process the waste for little or no cost. Failing to abide by local laws may subject you to a fine and/or jail time.

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Floor Repairs
  1. What Can You Use to Etch Concrete to Accept Concrete Stain?
  2. Can You Use Melamine Paint for Concrete Floors?
  3. What Is a Concrete Fillet?
  4. What Do I Use To Level an Uneven Floor?
  5. What Can I Use to Take Encaustic Wax Off My Floor?
  6. What Kind of Concrete Do You Need for Stained Concrete Flooring?
  7. How to Get Concrete Floor to Stop Sweating
  8. What Do You Put on a Concrete Floor to Prevent Dust?
  9. What Happens When You Use Paint Thinner on Concrete?
  10. What Concrete Blocks Do You Use to Build an Outside Fireplace?
  11. What Do You Use to Stain a New Concrete Patio?
  12. Can You Use Stick-Down Tile on Painted Concrete?

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