Cleaning Efflorescence From Concrete Floor

When moisture and water vapor migrate to the surface of hardened concrete floors walls and colored concrete it carries with it calcium hydroxide.

Cleaning efflorescence from concrete floor.

The efflorescence can be happening when moisture starts to react with concrete causing some white stains in the concrete. Efflorescence is white powdery material formed on concrete floor surface when soluble salts migrate to the surface of concrete. Concrete efflorescence has a habit of reappearing which means that you may need to repeat the cleaning process several days to several weeks after initially carrying it out. As the trend to have exposed concrete floors grows the industry is struggling with the problem of unsightly efflorescence especially when it is trapped under a film forming sealer.

The technique part of a three year restoration project that began in 2011. Efflorescence occurs when salt and moisture come to the surface of concrete bricks or stone and then evaporate leaving unsightly white marks on your walls or floors. Efflorescence is a fact of life with most concrete. The extended period of water movement through the concrete to the surface brought chemicals to the surface where they combined with carbon dioxide from the air to produce calcium carbonate the white chemical you see in this photo.

How to remove efflorescence from a concrete floor. At this point moisture may bring additional salts to the surface of brick and the salts can be removed by dry brushing. Joe nasvik an example of extreme efflorescence. To clean efflorescence off brick it is crucial to complete this task in warm dry weather.

Some surfaces and mostly stained concrete will be more susceptible to the reaction than others. Certain forms of efflorescence are considerably difficult to remove and chemical agents. Art restorers in valencia spain were able to erase efflorescence from 17th century frescoes by antonio palomino in the church of santos juanes by using special bacteria selected to eat the salts and glue residue on the art. The white powder that builds on concrete walls and floors is a soluble salt called efflorescence and is a result of water that has seeped through concrete and evaporated.

Concrete efflorescence is a very common problem on concrete especially decorative concrete. These surfaces allow water to travel within the surface. It is produced due to low temperatures moist conditions condensation rain dew and water added to the surface of fresh concrete to assist troweling. Causes of the efflorescence in concrete.

Luckily there are easy ways to remove efflorescence in your home. With any luck the efflorescence will stay away long term after enough cleanings have been performed. A continuing build up of efflorescence may be an indication that you need to waterproof your basement walls. Clear water repellents silicone and acrylic coatings also may help you remove efflorescence as well.