Best Overall
Simple Green Oxy Solve Total Outdoor Cleaner
Best Bang for the Buck
Zep Neutral pH Floor Cleaner Concentrate
Best Eco-Friendly
ACT Concrete Cleaner
We may pull in taxation from the products uncommitted on this Sir Frederick Handley Page and enter in affiliate programs . Learn More ›
Whether you ’re force per unit area - washing the patio or cleaning up an crude outflow on thedriveway , water alone wo n’t do the job ; you need a just concrete cleansing agent . select the correct merchandise for the task can quickly get complicated . It matters whether or not the concrete is seal , the kind of substance you are removing , and whether you need to clean house other materials with the same product , among other things . To find out more about different type of concrete cleaners , and the good utilization cases for them , we tested four different merchandise on an unsealed private road and sealed concrete service department flooring with fossil oil grunge , alga , mildew , and soot from fireworks .
Our preferred product , Simple Green Oxy Solve Total Outdoor Cleaner , was excogitate specifically for use with apressure washersoap siphon . It also include pedagogy on shuffle for use in a spray bottle . In our side - by - side comparability , Simple Green clean as well or good than the others in the same amount of time . The intersection is safe for use on a wide range of surfaces , and it was the only product we tested that also features the EPA ’s Safer Choice enfranchisement .
Differences in stain type , concrete surface finishes , and environs call for a variety of cleansing choice . If your undertaking requires an enzyme - base concrete stain remover , a rust remover , a mathematical product that can be used in food readying zone , or one that ’s suitable for other specific motivation , keep reading . In this templet we will showcase the best concrete cleaner for any project .
Our Top Picks
If you have stubborn concrete dirt , there is no need to pay off for professional cleaning services . In our trial , these concrete cleaning products proved low-cost , effective , and leisurely to use .
Our Ratings : Ease of Use5/5 ; Effectiveness4.7/5 ; Value4.7/5
Simple Green Oxy Solve outside concrete cleaner works as a pretreatment to de-escalate concrete grunge before pressure - washing . It also work in the force per unit area automatic washer ’s clean solution reservoir for one - pace cleansing . For spotlight - cleaning , you’re able to just mix it with water in a atomizer bottle . This cleanser engage the power of eco - well-disposed alcohol - based solvent and hydrogen peroxide to thick - clean grime , grime , stamp , mildew , moss , and algae stains .
This biodegradable concrete dry cleaner for pressure - wash run across the touchstone of the EPA ’s Safer Choice Program , and it ’s safe for use around pet , landscape painting plants , and wildlife . It is suitable for concrete and other material including wood , composite , vinyl , metal , fabric , charge card , caning , stone , brick , and asphalt . Use it on private road , fundament , railroad siding , and other surfaces .
When we apply Simple Green directly from the pressure sensation - washer artificial lake , it did a cracking job whitening concrete that was covered with dark algae and grime . To clean up an rock oil spillage , we used a multistep process : First , we soaked up as much of the vegetable oil as potential with cat litter . Then , after remove the litter , we saturated the stain with Simple Green from the spray bottle . After the product soaked in for a moment , we cancel the stain with a diffuse skirmish and rinsed . When it dried , the crude grunge was survive .
Get the Simple Green concrete uninfected atAmazon , The Home Depot , orGrainger .
Our Ratings : Ease of Use4/5 ; Effectiveness4.7/5 ; Value4.7/5
Zep indifferent pH floor cleaner concentrate is a majuscule choice for seal concrete floors as well as marble , granite , vinyl group , and stone ( do not use it on wood floors ) . The neutral pH formula helps maintain the floor ’s refinement without stripping the protective coat . Applied with a microfiber swab , it cleans and restores shine without rinse .
This concentrated rule make up to 128 Imperial gallon of cleaning solution , saving on computer storage outer space . Zep recommend using a microfiber swob with this merchandise instead of a traditional string swab for improved maneuverability and more effective cleanup without leave a rest .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for BobVila.com
Although Zep is plan for sealed masonry and other nonporous surfaces , it ’s an excellent option for routine maintenance . In our tests , it did a large caper clear up disconsolate floors with minimal effort , but tough stains required a little mo of scrubbing .
What our examiner say : “ Zep floor cleaner is not mean for consumption as a concrete degreaser for driveways , but it did an excellent line of work withdraw cooking oil splatter from my Oliver Stone roofing tile patio . ”—Mark Wolfe , intersection Reviews tester & writer
Get the Zep concrete clean atAmazon , Lowe ’s , orThe Home Depot .
Photo: Amazon
The only affair that kept ACT Concrete Cleaner out of our top spot was clock time . ACT effectively releases vegetable oil , antifreeze , gum , fauna waste , mold , and grease grunge from concrete , pavers , Sir Henry Joseph Wood , plastic , and other surfaces without scrubbing . It expend the same effective operation employed by the oil and gas industry and commercial-grade warehouse to break down and bioremediate crude oil hydrocarbons and proteins ( it does notremove key ) . grease materials are converted to urine and carbon dioxide .
To apply , simply use the ironic dry cleaner to the varnished surface , lightly act upon it into the stain with a broom or chaparral thicket , and let it model ; you should see full results in 3 to 4 weeks . The product is environmentally well-disposed and secure for use around people , animals , and plants .
We liked the idea of bioremediation for an oilymess in the garageor driveway . alternatively of using a detergent to essentially flush the oil downstream , the enzyme in ACT break down the oil into carbon dioxide , which bond to the concrete , hydrogen , and O .
Photo: Amazon
What our tester sound out : “ It aim a brace of weeks for the cleaning process to wrap up and the mathematical product to dissipate , but when it finally did , I recollect the concrete looked as good as new . ”—Mark Wolfe , Cartesian product Reviews examiner & writer
Get the ACT concrete cleaner atAmazon , Lowe ’s , orThe Home Depot .
Best Degreaser
Oil Eater Cleaner & Degreaser
Our Ratings : repose of Use4/5 ; Effectiveness5/5 ; Value4.7/5
Oil Eater clean / degreaser is formulated to safely dethaw stain and oil on most surface . It is nonacidic , noncorrosive , nonhazardous , curb no abrasive or rock oil solvents , and is USDA approved for nonfood surfaces . The water - ground and biodegradable mathematical product is ultra concentrated , so keep an eye on the dilution chart on the recording label to utilise it as a unaccented , medium , or heavy - duty degreaser .
In gain to removing grease and oil stain on concrete , it can be used on house floor , carpeting , bathing tub and roofing tile , grills , deck , stoves , engines , tires , siding , asphalt , and many other Earth’s surface .
Photo: Amazon
Similar to our best overall pick , Oil Eater proved very efficacious in a encompassing range of cleansing applications . It easily handled typical pavement , driveway , and cellar story filth , but our testing was limited to smaller work areas . In a 10:1 dilution rate with water , one software was all it take to get rid of a fresh oil stain . In spray - on applications , Oil Eater rivaled or exceeded Simple Green ’s 20:1 dilution cleaning power . Unfortunately , we could not use Oil Eater in the force per unit area - washer soap army tank because the resulting resolution would have been too weak .
Get the Oil Eater concrete cleaner atAmazon , Tractor Supply Co. ,The Home Depot , orWalmart .
More Great Options
Although we have not tested the abide by ware , they provide additional concrete cleansing solution and come highly recommended by retiring users .
Best Waterless
CAF Outdoor Cleaning Eximo Waterless Concrete Cleaner
CAF Eximo concrete cleaner uses germ to break down hydrocarbon chain in oil to lift away stains on concrete do by gas , diesel , oil , filth , petroleum - base materials , and more . It is a knock-down , eco - friendly , natural , waterless dry cleaner that is highly in effect against stain but entirely secure for surrounding landscape industrial plant and grass as well as people and pet . It ’s suitable for wet or dry parking areas , sidewalks , concrete patios and stairs , pavers , and other similar surface .
To use , shape the dry or wetted production into the smear with a Calluna vulgaris , and leave it on the Earth’s surface ; there ’s no need to sweep up it up or wash it off . For complete grime removal , go for the product weekly for 4 weeks . Living germ in the cleaner follow stains and wasteweir deeply below the open , consuming petroleum through tiny scissure in the concrete and even into the subsoil below .
Get the CAF concrete cleaner atAmazonorWalmart(3 pounds ) .
Photo: Amazon
Best Heavy-Duty
RMR-86 Pro Instant Mold Stain & Mildew Stain Remover
RMR-86 Pro inst mold and mould soil remover is a fast - do solution that use deep- interpenetrate surfactants with a unequalled blend of virgin sodium hypochlorite to murder unregenerate stains . This heavy - duty concrete cleansing agent have powerful surfactants to loosen the shackle between the stain and the concrete ’s surface , along with sodium hypochlorite ’s powerful bleaching action that kills mold and mildew on touch .
This is a professional - grade cleansing agent that comes as a ready - to - use concrete grease remover and is brawny enough to melt modeling and mildew stains in seconds without scrub . It is safe for use on concrete , wood , brick , plywood , drywall , and other areas where mold and mold grow .
Get the RMR-86 concrete clean atAmazon , The Home Depot , Walmart , orRMR Solutions .
Photo: Amazon
Best for Mold
Wet & Forget Moss, Mold, Mildew & Algae Stain Remover
cellar , garages , and driveways are prone to being near wet , which is a enceinte place for mold and mildew to grow . For removing this pesky buildup , try the Wet & Forget stain remover . This versatile and effectual cleaner is safe to use on concrete , vinyl radical , wood , canvas , aluminum , and even upholstery . The brand states that light-green stains will take 1 to 2 weeks to clear up , contraband or refractory stains take a few months , and long - patch up stains may take 6 to 12 calendar month to slicing .
A unmarried Imperial gallon jug can make enough cleaner for over 2,250 square foot , and the formula is made without the use of bleach or other acidic ingredients . To apply , just dilute at a 1:5 ratio with clean water in a garden spray . Be advised that this should be implement at least 4 to 5 hours before any expected rain .
What our examiner says : Glenda Taylor , a BobVila.com product examiner and writer , note inour tested guide , “ I await until a bright daybreak with no rainfall forecast and sprayed the foundation garment thoroughly with Wet & Forget , travel along the instructions to permit the solvent soak in for up to 5 hours . Later that afternoon I returned and found the previously mold - darkened areas wait light and powdery . I used a tight juiceless brushing to remove the powder , and the concrete mental block beneath looked clean with no saturnine or stained area . To be sure , I went back a few day later , after it had rain down , and the foundation was still free of mold . ”
Photo: Amazon
Get the Wet & block concrete cleaner atAmazon(2 - pack),Lowe ’s , orWalmart .
Best Indoor
Aunt Fannie’s Vinegar Floor Cleaner
Aunt Fannie ’s acetum level cleaner is an excellent indoor concrete cleaner . In accession to cleaning concrete floors and countertops , it works on hardwood , tile , bamboo , vinyl , laminate , stone , or linoleum . This 32 - ounce bottleful can create over 16 gallons of concrete cleaning root and can be used with a swob and pail , in a spray bottle , or in afloor - clean machine .
This option comes in multiple size and choices of scent , which is a benefit many other concrete cleaner do not provide . The hypoallergenic , commercial - grad , and EWG A - rated cleaner is also made with livid vinegar , which makes it safe for homes with children and PET or domain that are close to wildlife .
Get the Aunt Fannie ’s concrete clean atAmazon , Walmart , orGrove .
Photo: Amazon
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Chose and Tested the Best Concrete Cleaners
Because of its texture , porosity , and susceptibility to damage from acid exposure , concrete present cleaning challenge . We regard the broad diversity of concrete cleaning scenarios and take highly rate products view as safe for utilisation on sealed concrete , uncertain concrete , or both . Since many cleaners are specialized for certain type of stains , and may be compatible with a wider or narrower salmagundi of surface in gain to concrete , we included both general- aim and limited - use of goods and services option . Throughout the process , we favored the most environmentally favorable products .
For the products we test , we started with a drive that was already sully with calamitous alga and soot from fireworks , then added motor vegetable oil soil for secure measure . We marked off squares to essay the product , used them as directed , and appraise the cleaning process and effectiveness of each . After examination , we recorded our observations on a scoring rubric before awarding the merchandise title .
What to Consider When Choosing a Concrete Cleaner
Since there are many cleaners on the market place to choose from , you may be interested in knowing how these specific products work toremove dissimilar types of stains on concrete . show on to find out how filth are assort , which cleaners work on the different kinds of blot , and to get word other utile peak that can help you choose the best concrete dry cleaner for your project .
Stain Type
biologic stains are cause by populate being such as mold , moss , and algae . They often appear as green streaks , film , or padded development over a encompassing region on concrete airfoil that stay moist . This can be a repeat job in humid area , so it ’s helpful to have a tight - acting , long - lasting solution . Home remedies like call off with bleach or blanched vinegar are ordinarily recommended , but commercial cleansing agent do the line of work quicker , more good , and can help keep regrowth .
Spills and leaks of hydrocarbons ( petroleum products like motor crude ) , cleaners , paint , and result also cause unsightly concrete smear . These products penetrate the porous surface of the concrete causation discoloration . In some cases , they can even cause chemical reactions that may physically degrade the concrete surface .
Be certain to choose a cleaner that is recommend for usage on the particular spill you ’re dealing with . Enzyme cleaners can neutralize many volatile compounds , eliminating their minus environmental impact , and absorbent cleaners deplumate the spilled product out ofworn or porous concrete .
Photo: Amazon
Ingredients
In choosing an appropriate concrete dry cleaner , be aware that different cleansing agent represent in different ways to banish stigma , and they also react otherwise to the concrete surface . cleansing agent may use pH neutral , alkaline , or acidic formulas to chemically lift stains . Concrete is made with lime , which is alkaline , so the open must be counterbalance after using window pane cleaner . Enzyme and bacteria - found cleaners expend biochemical reactions to suffer or degrade chemical substance pollutants into inert sum .
Concentration and Form
Concrete cleaners come in either melted or ironic applications . Most swimming concrete cleaner are for biological or mineral stain removal . They are typically chemical substance - based cleaners , although some may be enzyme - based . quick - to - use formulations are quick and convenient , while concentrate , which must be thin out with water before exercise , are often more economical .
Dry concrete cleansing agent are made to divide hydrocarbon soil from the surface of the concrete and absorb liquids . Bacterial cleaner are applied dry . The microbes set off when they amount into link with hydrocarbon and then slowly consume the leftover of the stain until it is gone .
Effectiveness and Versatility
Most of the concrete cleaner on the market are effective at strip grease , oil , soil , dirt , animal waste , and more either on coating , with scrubbing , or even superpower - wash . While clean the surface is significant , many cleaners are also adequate to of conducting bass - cleansing without damaging concrete by breaking down and fade away dirt and grime deeply within the control surface .
Cleaning Method
With such a variety of cleaning products , cleaning methods vary as well . You might knowhow to scavenge concretewith a liquid degreaser , but ironic enzyme cleaners work otherwise . disregardless of the production , be sure to read and pursue all safety , software , cleanup position , and disposition instructions .
Working Time
Cleaning meter could take as minuscule as a minute or as long as several week . Biological stain like alga and mold are comparatively easy to vote out and clean , whereas cleaning deep - set up hydrocarbon stains with an enzyme or bacterial cleaner can take a farsighted time . The major conflict in workings time , as mentioned previously , is due to the way the product works .
Chemical reactions such as the interval of grease from concrete by alkaline cleaners occur more quickly than bacterial digestion of petroleum . But the trade - off is that the tight - acting cleaner leave petroleum pollutant intact , whereas the bacterial handling convert the pollutant into H2O and carbon copy dioxide .
Safety
The environmental shock of concrete cleaning products alter base on the nature of the grease or spill being houseclean — and the product itself . Care should always be taken to polish off and properly dispose of toxin , rather than dispersing them into the surroundings .
pressure sensation - washing spreads debris from the concrete aerofoil into the smother environs , so this outgrowth is effective and safe to employ on biologic smirch when accompanied by eco - well-disposed cleaners . Potential environmental pollutants like oil or gun should ideally be remediated by enzyme or bacteria - based cleaners whenever possible .
While concrete cleaners are good when stored and used by rights , they pose inherent danger for peel contact , ingestion , inspiration , and other inadvertent exposure . Keep these products stored out of the reach of youngster and pets . Never store them in unmarked containers , and always heed the manufacturer ’s instructions for safe use , include the use of personal protective equipment , safe storage , and first care in grammatical case of emergency .
FAQs
Looking for more information about concrete cleaners ? interpret on for answers to several vernacular questions about these products .
sure concrete cleanser are made for a sort of surfaces and stains include bamboo , vinyl group , tile , hardwood , lino , Harlan Fisk Stone , and even upholstery . However , some of the option on the market are made for use on concrete surface only . Always read the instructions included on a product before lend oneself it to certain surface .
Always keep baby and pets away from the sphere while using concrete cleaner , and store the products out of their reach . Once clean , the area is safe for employment correctly away .
take out fossil oil stains and other hydrocarbons with a bioremediation private road cleansing agent . For rugged algae or moss growth , spot - sportsmanlike with a declarer - grade hypochlorite - based cleaner . Use an acidconcrete driveway cleaner to deep - cleanand remove efflorescence . Forgeneral cleanup of a dirty private road , a pressure - washing cleaner will do the trick .
The unconscious process of imperativeness - washing is made easy and more efficient if the surface is pretreated with a concrete cleaner . put on the cleaner at humble force per unit area and allow it to stand for 3 to 5 minutes before pressure - lavation .
Frequent cleaning with an appropriate cleaner is the proficient direction to prevent mold , mould , and algae from rise on a concrete surface . One of the good options for fight algae on concrete is theWet & blank out concrete cleaner , which has a concentrated formula that easy dissolves plaguey mould and mildew over meter while preventing any regrowth . Another mode to prevent any mold and mildew ontogenesis is to apply aconcrete sealer .
Concrete cleaners should be used at least once a year to prevent deep stains from settling . However , service department , machine shops , or other commercial-grade spaces with a heap of grease and petroleum could benefit from the use of goods and services of a concrete clean once a week to keep old and unexampled stains at bay .
There is a wide-eyed cooking stove of products , stains , and control surface to deal . Some products work almost immediately on mild staining , but a few mo of soaking or unrest might be required for cryptic - set stains . Some of the enzyme - based cleaners on the market take weeks to repair stains .
forcible cleanser , like scrub or pressure - washing without a cleaner , only work for canonical dirt and rubble buildup . Carbon , protein , and mineral - ground stain , such as oil , algae , mould , rust , and many other type , almost always require the function of a cleaning solution , which could be chemical or biologically based .
air pressure washers depart in their insistency rating , flow rate , and accessory . A good concrete pressure automatic washer should have a pressure evaluation of about 3,000 pounds per square inch and flow rate of at least 2 gallons per minute .
Meet the Tester
Mark Wolfe is a writer and product examiner with a background in the green industry . He ’s also an avid DIYer who lives in an old home . When he is n’t writing , he spend his time upgrading , repairing , and replacing anything and everything in his habitation , yard , and garden . He prove and writes reviews about hand tools , lawn tending and home fix products , and outdoor - living goods .
This Is the Year for a Kitchen Renovation
Whether you ’re selling or staying , everyone can get something out of a kitchen update . Learn why we consider this restoration the Most Valuable Project of 2025 and how to stay on budget .
