Efflorescence Removal From A Basement Floor

Efflorescence Removal From A Basement Floor

Efflorescence is defined as the loss of water of crystallization from a hydrated salt into the atmosphere upon exposure to air. To explain it in simpler terms, it’s when evaporated salts and other minerals from curing concrete develop into a powder-like substance due to high moisture in the air. It looks much worse than it actually is, as the structure of the concrete floor isn’t damaged at all. The streaky-looking white stains tend to stay on the concrete though and if left for a long period of time will become harder to remove. Keep reading to learn efflorescence removal on a concrete basement floor.

Three factors that cause efflorescence to occur:

If you find this problem on your basement floor, there are usually three prime reasons why it has occurred. Firstly, there must always be water-soluble salts present. Then, after that, there must be moisture of some kind present that will transform the salt into a soluble solution. Lastly, if you find efflorescence on your basement floor, it’s due to the fact that salts have been able to move through the material to its surface. The moisture will eventually evaporate and cause the salts to crystallize, which is the efflorescence occurring.

Likely, when you find efflorescence on your basement floor, it is a seasonal weather issue. Maybe you’ve had some water get into your basement. Or perhaps there’s condensation that forms in the winter months. There could possibly be some foundation issues. Whatever the reason is, it’s safe to say that there is cause to investigate.

Materials That You Will Need For Efflorescence Removal:

• Sponge
• Towel
• Safety Goggles
• Wire Brush
• Nylon Scrub Brush
• 2 Plastic Buckets and Water
• Rubber Gloves
• Protective Clothing
• 1/2 Cup Trisodium Phosphate
• Stir Stick

Apply Trisodium Phosphate

• Fill the first bucket with warm water and add 1/2 cup of trisodium phosphate, mixing it well with a stir stick.
• With a nylon scrub brush and the cleansing solution, scrub again to remove more of the remaining efflorescence from the floor.
• Fill the other bucket with warm water and use it and a sponge to wipe the remaining trisodium phosphate from the concrete floor.

Scrub

• Wear protective clothing like a long-sleeved shirt and long pants as well as safety goggles before you begin.
• Loosen the efflorescence on the concrete floor by scrubbing at it with a wire brus

Wipe Away For Efflorescence Removal

• Using a towel, wipe away the water from the floor and let dry. You have successfully removed efflorescence from a concrete floor!

HINT:

• You can use the same steps listed above to remove efflorescence from concrete basement walls as well.

More interesting blogs related to “Efflorescence Removal From A Basement Floor” :

1. How To Do Basement Drywall Installation On A Ceiling
2. The 10 Most Common Causes of Damage to Drywall
3. How To Paint Basement Brick Walls
4. How To Fix Damaged Drywall From Wallpaper Removal

Armed with the knowledge of how to remove efflorescence from a basement floor you no longer have to fear that powdery residue! If you would like some help with this, though, call Home Painters Toronto! Contact us NOW at 416-494-9095 or email [email protected].