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. Read on to learn how to remove efflorescence from a concrete basement floor.

Materials That You Will Need:

• 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

1. 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 brush.

2. 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.

3. Wipe

• 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.

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 Brian@HomePaintersToronto.com.