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Example of efflorescence cleaning
(For cleaning the residue of sand stabilizers, see at the bottom)
- It is concrete, therefore it can be damaged by cleaning with muriatic acid.
- It is badly scuffed and scraped, therefore it needed some surface restoration.
- It has crystalline efflorescence in addition to regular efflorescence.
- The color needs to be restored.
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Before cleaning treatments
This concrete paver shows efflorescence, crystalline efflorescence, and scuffing. |
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After cleaning treatments. Yes, this is the same piece!
First - with "Grout Residue Remover" to remove crystalline efflorescence and scuff marks. Then - treated with "Efflorescence Treatment". Note how the color has been restored. |
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You can keep the surface looking this way and not have to clean it again. The appropriate Aldon Sealer will stop future efflorescence as well as protect from staining.
If you test the above cleaning process and still have white stains:
If remaining white looking stains do not respond to Aldon "Grout Residue Remover" (by fizzing), this might not be efflorescence or mineral deposits.. Sometimes a paver installation might have a "sand stabilizer" mixed in with the sand. These are basically a glue type material and can use terms like "poyimeric" or "poly..." something, or some other descriptive word. This glue can wash out and leave light colored smears on the pavers. Test lacquer thinner and/or Aldon Premium Stripper to remove this glue. When you seal with an Aldon sealer, choose one that will stabilize sand at the same time and you will get that stabilizing effect in a single step without the same risk. Because of the density of interlocking pavers, the sealer usually used is Aldon S-B-S Sealer .