Put on eye protection, gloves and a dust mask. Clean your cinder block surface by scraping it with a wire brush.
Treat mildew, if there is any on the block, with a mixture of water and household bleach in a three-to-one ratio.
Remove dirt and other residue by scrubbing with a mixture of detergent and water. Rinse thoroughly.
Apply a latex primer to your cinder block, making sure all moisture behind the substrate is removed. The primer you are using should be a quality primer intended for masonry.