Here in New England, salt stains on concrete garage flooring are inevitable during the winter months. Referred to as “efflorescence” – this chalky white mess is not only unsightly, but it can damage the concrete surface if left untreated. In this article, we’re taking you through a step by step DIY on the best way to remove these stains from your concrete flooring.
Understanding efflorescence
Before beginning any project, a comprehensive understanding of the issue is a must. Thus, knowing what efflorescence is will help you determine the best method of removal. Simply stated, efflorescence is the migration of a salt to the surface of a porous material (concrete), where it forms a coating (stain). Water and salt combined (traditional winter road treatments) hold a solution that migrates to the surface, then evaporates, leaving behind a salt stain on your garage flooring.
Creating a safe solution
To adequately, and safely, remove salt stains from your concrete garage flooring, you’ll need the following:
- 2 cups of vinegar
- 2 tablespoons of dish soap
- 2 gallons of warm water, a bucket, and a scrub brush
Rule of thumb is for every one gallon, use 1 cup of vinegar and 1 tablespoon of detergent.
Getting to work
After gathering the needed materials, you’ll want to clean your flooring of any debris before rolling up the sleeves. Once that’s complete, and you’ve created your mixture, it’s time to get to work. You’ll want to scrub the surface stain for several minutes with a stiff bristle brush or broom.
Using a wet vac, remove any excess water to prevent salt from redepositing. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and repeat the scrubbing process. For stubborn stains, you may want to consider using a commercial-grade cleaner or mild acid-etch solution.
Allow the area to dry and repeat as necessary.
The best way to prevent damage to your concrete garage flooring is to protect the surface with polyurea coating. Resistance to surface scratching and water penetration, polyurea is your best solution for preserving the integrity of your garage flooring. For more information on same-day installation by Premier Concrete Coatings, contact our team today at (978) 575-7575. With the industry experience your floors deserves, we’ll evaluate the current condition of your flooring and provide you with an honest plan of action that works with your budget.
Contact us today and leave those unwanted Spring surprises behind.