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:
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.
