I just parged an exposed foundation with some mortar mix that has a white cement base to it and unfortunately it received a bunch of rain induced mud spatter before I could get some mulch down. I let the mortar cure for about a week and tried to hose it, then 1800PSI pressure wash but can’t quite get the stain off. So, the question is, is there a detergent or bleach that you would recommend to resolve this or could I possible create a white wash with some of the mortar mix and apply that over the stained areas?
Thanks,
Mike C
Replies
If there might be some iron in the mud causing the stain you can try some oxcallic acid.
You can get it at a hardware or paint store.
A mild solution with a detergent is available as StarBrite Boat Hull Cleaner. Wallyworld has it.
Probably won't work, but simple enough to try.
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A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.
If you figure it out, let me know.
I never have.
Sun bleaching is the best thing from what i have seen
I was in HD and looking at the deck stains and cleaners.The Behr #93 deck 2 in 1 deck cleaner/prep said that it removed clay stains.Have no idea if it would do anything for the parging or not..
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A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.
I would try just standard chlorine bleach mixed in water--like you'd clean anything else with. The stains are probably organic matter in the mud and bleach should oxidize them. (TSP may also work.) If that doesn't work, I'd try vinegar, and if that doesn't work, go on to the oxalic acid or other commercial deck renewers as mentioned by others. Acids will "attack" (etch) the surface of the concrete and that should help remove the stains.
If you can't remove the stains, I would think whitewash would work, if you can find it!
As far a power washing--I don't have great faith in it--I power washed some gutters, and was blowing lots of loose dirt off, but when I was done, there was still a grey-brown film. I found that just rubbing that (while the gutters were still wet from the washing) with my thumb removed more than the power washing, so I took a wet rag and gently rubbed and got way more off than the power washer did!
Fellas, thank you all for your suggestions. I believe I'll do as Danno suggests, take the least caustic approach first, then work my way up. Hopefully the diluted bleach won't make the wall any whiter. Maybe some TSP next. If all else fails I can make a diluted paste from some of the mortar mix (no sand) and reapply it to the areas in question.
Mike C.
Scott's Weed and Feed Fertilizer will whiten the #### out of it.
Jeff
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Scott's Weed and Feed Fertilizer will whiten the #### out of it.
Jeff
End Quote
LOL... is that one of those "Don't ask how I know this" suggestions. :)
Yup!
No idea of it's impact on concrete except it turns very very white
Jeff