The Best Concrete Cleaner, According to 14,000+ Customer Reviews
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Welcome to the Thomas guide to the best concrete cleaner 2022. Thomas has been connecting North American industrial buyers and suppliers for more than 120 years. When you purchase products through our independent recommendations, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Tough stains on concrete surfaces can be frustrating. At best, they’re not pretty to look at. At worst, they can be odorous and hazardous. But even the most heavily soiled surfaces can feel brand new with a little elbow grease and the right cleaning solution.
Image credit: Shutterstock/showcake
Cleaning concrete stains, even embedded dirt and mildew stains, is not an impossible task. There is a lot of choice when it comes to concrete cleaners, so let’s look at some of the available options.
Best Concrete Cleaners—Buying Guide
There are multiple types of concrete cleaners to choose from, so it’s important to consider what you need. The right cleaner will depend on the type of concrete, the location, and the ingredients.
Sealed or Unsealed?
This is the first factor to determine. Some cleaners only work with sealed concrete, while others work with both sealed and unsealed concrete surfaces. Sealed concrete tends to be more resistant to stains, so it’s likely to need less work when cleaning.
What type of cleaner?
As mentioned, there are lots of choices when it comes to choosing the type of cleaner for concrete. Liquid concrete cleaners are the most common, but powdered cleaners are also available. Types of liquid cleaners include:
Acidic cleaner: Usually made of hydrochloric or phosphoric acid, this type of cleaner is pretty standard for cleaning concrete. It works well to remove stains, but it can easily damage surfaces, plant life, or even the user.
Alkaline cleaner: These concrete cleaners work by removing grease and are primarily classed as degreasers, lifting hydrocarbon-based stains. The high alkaline levels emulsify the grease or oil in the stain. It typically needs to be diluted.
pH neutral cleaner: A more mild cleaning option, pH neutral cleaners are best for sealed indoor concrete. They’re safe options for areas where there are pets, vegetation, or other things that could be harmed.
Bacterial cleaner: Also known as enzyme cleaners, bacterial cleaners use active enzymes to blitz stains, break them down, and in some cases even digest them. It takes time to work, but it requires almost no work. Just set it and forget it.
Etching?
While cleaning, you might also be tempted to etch your concrete floors. This is the process of applying an acid and water mixture to your floor both for deep cleaning purposes and to strengthen the bond between paint or sealant and the concrete surface. Some concrete cleaners also work as an etching product.
Thomas’ Top Picks for the Best Concrete Cleaner 2022
Whether it’s for an industrial setting or at-home cleaning, this list has some of the best concrete cleaners for both unsealed and sealed concrete.
Best Overall Concrete Cleaner: Zep Purple Pressure Wash | Buy Now
Best Alkaline Concrete Cleaner: Sunnyside TSP | Buy Now
Best Etching Concrete Cleaner: Krud Klutter Concrete Clean and Etch | Buy Now
Best Degreasing Concrete Cleaner: Oil Eater Cleaner and Degreaser | Buy Now
Best Concrete Cleaner for Mold and Mildew: Mold Armor EZ House Wash | Buy Now
Best All Purpose Concrete Cleaner: Amazing Whip-It Miracle Cleaner | Buy Now
Best Concrete Cleaner for Rust: Singerman Laboratories Rust Remover for Concrete | Buy Now
Best Environmentally Friendly Concrete Cleaner: ACT Concrete Cleaner | Buy Now
Best Water-Based Concrete Cleaner: Ghostshield Concrete Cleaner and Degreaser | Buy Now
Best pH Neutral Concrete Cleaner: OdoBan No Rinse pH Neutral Floor Cleaner | Buy Now
Scroll down to read more about these top picks for the best concrete cleaners according to many happy buyers.
*Prices listed in this article were as shown in US$ on amazon.com (USA), lowes.com, and homedepot.com as of November 2022
1. Best Overall Concrete Cleaner—ZEP Purple Pressure Wash
Zep concrete cleaner has several great products, and the ZEP Purple Pressure Wash outdoor cleaner is no exception. This alkaline cleaner is low foaming and easy to rinse from the concrete surface. The container makes over 12 gallons of pressure wash cleaner, leaving the surface with a clean scent. The deep cleaning formula works best on unfinished concrete and can handle even deep set-in stains.
“Great pressure wash cleanser,” wrote one reviewer. “I have been using it to pressure wash the concrete around the pool area where it can get pretty dirty and green algae. Takes it all up nicely and makes it look like fresh new concrete. Doesn't foam up to where it's a mess. Works wonders. Also used it to clean the metal siding on my garage, cleaned it up nicely as well.”
Specifications
Type of Cleaner: Alkaline
Good for: Dirt, grease
Form: Liquid
BUY NOW: US$13.98, The Home Depot
2. Best Alkaline Concrete Cleaner—Sunnyside TSP
TSP stands for trisodium phosphate, and it’s a heavy-duty cleaner that’s sure to lift stains and dirt from concrete. Sunnyside TSP is an affordable and effective solution to messy concrete, particularly indoors as the phosphate can be bad if it reaches outdoor water sources. It’s important to use safety equipment, such as gloves and a ventilation mask when working with this cleaner, as it can be harmful.
"Bought this because used cooking oil had leaked on our Legion's back patio,” one customer explained. “The oil was dark and got baked on in the hot sun and would not budge with soap and a pressure washer. I applied (during a light drizzle) and a light scrubbing. The next day it rained hard and literally washed the grease right away.”
Specifications
Type of Cleaner: Alkaline
Good for: Grease, dirt, mildew
Form: Powder
BUY NOW: US$12.23 (Was US$13.81), Amazon
3. Best Etching Concrete Cleaner—Krud Klutter Concrete Clean and Etch
For those who want to prepare their concrete for staining or sealing while cleaning, Krud Klutter Concrete Clean and Etch gets both jobs done. A safer alternative to muriatic acid, this cleaner uses a phosphoric acid base for etching concrete surfaces. Thanks to a special additive known as “oil grabber,” it also works hard to dissolve mildew, dirt, and stuck-on stains from grease and oil.
“I had an old furnace removed from my basement,” explained one reviewer, “that apparently leaked oil for the last 40 years into the cement. I poured this stuff straight onto the area and scrubbed with a brush. It bubbled and fizzed and went crazy for a while, then I slowly mopped it up with a huge sponge into a bucket. It really really works!”
Specifications
Type of Cleaner: Water-based
Good for: Dirt, grease, mildew, algae, oil
Form: Liquid
BUY NOW: US$11.32 (Was US$13.80), Amazon
4. Best Degreasing Concrete Cleaner—Oil Eater Cleaner and Degreaser
With as many as three times the active ingredients of other cleaners, Oil Eater Cleaner and Degreaser offers a powerful yet safe formula to lift dirt and grease. Suitable for both industrial and home use, this product has no harsh solvents and is noncorrosive and biodegradable. It is also USDA-approved for use at food service facilities. This concentrated liquid cleaner can be used in a power washer.
“My concrete patio had 10 or so grease stains from cooking on the BBQ,” one customer wrote. “I poured some Oil Eater right on each stain, about 1-2” in diameter that had been there since last year. Then, I took a scrub brush and scrubbed the Oil Eater into each stain. Waited 10 minutes and then rinsed it off with a hose. When the concrete dried, [there were] no more stains.”
Specifications
Type of Cleaner: Water-based
Good for: Dirt, grease, oil
Form: Liquid
BUY NOW: US$15.74, Amazon
5. Best Concrete Cleaner for Mold and Mildew—Mold Armor E-Z House Wash
To combat mold and algae stains on concrete, consider Mold Armor E-Z House Wash concrete cleaner. This water-based cleaner uses Microban foaming technology to lift dirt and mold from concrete surfaces, and provides long-term stain resistance. It works on most stains in minutes with no scrubbing required. It’s not for use with high-power pressure washers, but can be applied with a garden sprayer.
“I'm very impressed with this product,” wrote one customer. It works simply and effectively. Without any scrubbing, it blasted away mold, mildew, and algae stains with a powerful spray, and no ladder needed. I used it on my brick fascia and my concrete driveway and walkways. I love that there was no mixing needed. It works fast. In fact, I could see the clean in minutes.
Specifications
Type of Cleaner: Water-based
Good for: Dirt, mold, algae
Form: Liquid
BUY NOW: US$15.98, Lowe’s
6. Best All-Purpose Concrete Cleaner—Amazing Whip-It Miracle Cleaner
Some people want a single product that can handle whatever messes may occur, and Amazing Whip-It Miracle Cleaner rises to that task. This plant-based cleaner is said to have as many as 500 uses, including removing oil, dirt, and even pet stains from concrete. It works by breaking the chemical bond of a stain, lifting it in no time. It’s biodegradable and safe for most surfaces.
“I poured the concentrate on a stubborn grease stain on my driveway,” one customer explained, “and agitated it with a whisk broom. Waited a few minutes and did it again. Then waited a while and rinsed it off with a water hose. After it all dried, the spot was mostly gone. Very effective & easy to use. I can only imagine how it would work with a pressure washer. Good stuff!!!”
Specifications
Type of Cleaner: Alkaline
Good for: Dirt, oil, grease
Form: Liquid
BUY NOW: US$35.06, Amazon
7. Best Concrete Cleaner for Rust—Singerman Laboratories Rust Remover for Concrete
If rust stains are presenting a bigger challenge than oil or grease, try Singerman Laboratories Rust Remover for Concrete. This product is phosphate-free and biodegradable. Just add the powder to water and stir until a gel forms. Spread the gel on the surface and leave for about 15 minutes. Most stains will lift without scrubbing. It won’t harm grass and vegetation, but should still be used with caution and old clothes.
“I work for a renovation company,” wrote one reviewer, “and we had a bin on the driveway that was sitting on plywood. After heavy rain for a few days, the bin leaked a lot of rusty water onto the concrete. It was very expensive compared to the other products but after applying it to the stain and watching it vanish before our eyes, it was well worth the cost.”
Specifications
Type of Cleaner: Enzyme
Good for: Rust
Form: Powder
BUY NOW: US$34.99 (Was US$38.99), Amazon
8. Best Environmentally Friendly Concrete Cleaner—ACT Concrete Cleaner
For a safe and eco-friendly concrete cleaner, try ACT Concrete Cleaner. This product uses a process known as bioremediation to clean oil and protein-based stains. This means that microorganisms work to break down and consume stains. It takes longer than other products—it can take as long as two weeks for stains to evaporate. But it’s a completely natural and harmless process from start to finish.
“Just sprinkle a little, sweep it around for a few seconds, and walk away,” one reviewer explained. “It takes me longer to get my hose hooked up to the pressure washer than it took to do this. I also feel good that I’m helping the environment instead of washing oil down the gutter. Worked great around the BBQ as well.”
Specifications
Type of Cleaner: Enzyme
Good for: Oil, grease, fluids
Form: Powder
BUY NOW: US$25, The Home Depot
9. Best Water-Based Concrete Cleaner—Ghostshield Concrete Cleaner and Degreaser
As a biodegradable, acid-free cleaner, Ghostshield Concrete Cleaner and Degreaser claims to outperform traditional acidic cleaners. This product is non-corrosive, fast acting, and doesn’t irritate the skin. It’s suitable for both indoor and outdoor use and doesn’t leave an odor. This micro-degreaser encapsulates stains, dirt, and grime, lifting it for easy clearing. The non-rinse formula means there’s almost no work involved.
“My car was parked in my driveway for a period of time,” wrote one customer. “Unbeknownst to me, it had an oil leak on my concrete driveway. I purchased this cleaner and this stuff absorbed every bit of oil. Like magic. It is the best stuff ever. I love it and I will use it on any concrete surface again.”
Specifications
Type of Cleaner: Water-based
Good for: Oil, grease, fats, dirt
Form: Liquid
BUY NOW: US$59.44, The Home Depot
10. Best pH Neutral Concrete Cleaner—OdoBan No Rinse pH Neutral Floor Cleaner
A cleaner that tackles urine stains needs to be able to handle odors, and needs to be safe for everyone. OdoBan No Rinse pH Neutral Floor Cleaner meets all those needs and more. Perfect for sealed concrete floors, it cleans and deodorizes without the use of harsh chemicals. The no-rinse formula makes it an easy product to use indoors, and it even works with hard floor cleaning machines.
“Product smells great and is easy to use,” wrote one customer. “Gets rid of urine smell which is nice because I have a new puppy that tends to use the restroom on my stained concrete often. I was hating the odor and nothing else got rid of it. What I love the most is how safe it is for the pets and my kiddos plus I'm 8 months pregnant.”
Specifications
Type of Cleaner: pH neutral
Good for: Dirt, grease, urine, animal waste
Form: Liquid
BUY NOW: US$11.98, The Home Depot
The Best Cleaner for Concrete Surfaces—Summary
There are lots of options for getting even the most stubborn stains out of concrete. Whether they’re petroleum-based stains, grease stains, or something you can’t quite identify, we have a cleaner for you.
Overall, we recommend Zep Purple Pressure Wash (US$13.98, The Home Depot). Alkaline cleaners are great for lifting oil stains, grease stains, and other petroleum-based stains from concrete. It’s an added benefit that you can use it with a pressure washer, making the job that much easier.
For an eco-friendly cleaner, we recommend Oil Eater cleaner degreaser (US$15.74, Amazon). It’s USDA approved for areas that include food prep surfaces, and it’s a biodegradable cleaning solution.
We hope our review of the best concrete cleaners has been helpful. For more suppliers of related products, including industrial cleaning supplies, stone cleaners, and non-toxic cleaners, consult our additional guides, or visit the Thomas Supplier Discovery Platform.
Sources
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