1.) Start by sweeping the floor with a very soft broom. This will help you pick up any loose dirt and dust. You may use a Swiffer if you prefer. These are great because you always need to add a new cloth to the Swiffer and this will guarantee that there will be no left over particles at can damage the surface of your floor.

2.) Mix some simple dish soap in a bucket with warm water.

3.) Use a brush that has very soft bristles and does not have metal bristles. Get the brush wet with the soapy water. You will then want to lightly scrub up any extra dirt that you can not get off of the floor by simply sweeping.

4.) Once you have completed this step you will want to rinse the floor with a sponge. You will do this several times in order to ensure that you have gotten the entire soap op off of the floor.

5.) When you have finished this step you will need to dry the floor with fresh towels. This is very important because these floors can be very slippery when they are wet. You want to make sure that they are dry so that no one slips and gets hurt.

Can you see just how simple and easy this really is? You will need to purchase a few small utensils in order to this properly. But, as long as you have these things, you will be good to go.

Concrete is a hard and durable building material. It is also porous and susceptible to staining. Painting or sealing a concrete surface is a good way to prevent staining. Unpainted or unsealed concrete can quickly become unsightly due to oil, grease, trees, birds or other agents. Often these stains can be removed easily.

The tannins found in tree sap, leaves and nut husks have been used as a natural stain for wood and yarn for years. They can also stain concrete. Oil and grease are common culprits.

Each type of stain has its own challenges. Much of your success will depend on the severity of the stain. You may have to clean the area several times to get results. It also helps to act as quickly as possible after the stain occurs.

Clean large amounts of a fresh spill by covering the area with cat litter. The litter will absorb most of the material. Dispose of the used litter properly.

To remove remaining material or if the stain is old, it is advisable to always look for a cleaner specially formulated for cleaning concrete. If you are in a pinch, try one of these:

1. Household bleach – Dilute as the directions indicate for cleaning. Let the solution sit on the stained area for several minutes, then scrub and rinse.
2. Laundry or dishwashing detergent – Sprinkle dry detergent over the area. Let it sit for a few minutes and then scrub with hot water.
3. Tri-sodium phosphate (TSP) – Dilute one cup in one gallon of hot water. Pour it on the area and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. Scrub with a stiff brush. Rinse off with hose and repeat if needed. TSP is also available in a phosphate-free version.

SAFETY NOTE Always wear eye and skin protection when using cleaning chemicals.

Muriatic Acid

Muriatic acid is not a stain remover or cleaner. The acid actually etches away the concrete itself, and sometimes the stain as well. You will need to scrub and rinse this chemical also. Follow the directions carefully and WEAR EYE AND SKIN PROTECTION. Since you will be removing the actual concrete, use muriatic acid only if you seal the driveway with masonry sealer afterwards. Remember that you will be altering the level of the surface if you remove a lot of material.

To avoid damaging concrete:

1. If you use a pressure washer, make sure you have the right nozzle. A jet that is too concentrated can damage concrete.
2. Use a nylon scrub brush, not wire.

Cleaning and sealing your driveway and other concrete surfaces is just as important as cleaning and sealing your deck or house. Stained, cracked or spalled concrete certainly is not attractive and may not be structurally sound. You do not have to tolerate unsightly and potentially unsafe masonry around your home. Follow these simple preventive measures to maintain the beauty and extend the life of your concrete.

Prepare the Surface

In order for the sealer to adhere properly, the concrete surface must be clean. Remove any dirt, oil or mildew from the surface and repair all cracks or other defects.

1. Use a solution of one part bleach to three parts water and a stiff, nylon bristled brush to kill and remove any mildew.
2. Use a pressure washer to lift and remove dirt and stains from the concrete’s surface. Remove stubborn stains like grease or oil with a mixture of water and trisodium phosphate (TSP) and a stiff, nylon bristled brush.
3. Patch or repair any irregularities in the existing concrete.

Apply the Sealer

You may use a roller, brush or low-pressure garden sprayer to apply the sealer. If you use a sprayer to apply the sealer, back roll it with a medium nap roller to ensure good penetration into the concrete.

1. Stir the sealer until it is completely mixed. Never shake sealer to mix it since shaking can create air bubbles and adversely affect the finished look.
2. Apply the sealer liberally to the concrete surface, but do not allow it to puddle.
3. Allow the sealer to dry and apply the second coat per the manufacturer’s directions.

Kitty litter. That’s right: Cleaning oil from the driveway with kitty litter is the most oft-recommended method for this type of stain removal. There is one additional material that is required when this method is implemented: dry cement. Don’t worry, you won’t be mixing it with water!

Fair warning: For best results, you should follow these steps, which will take approximately two days to complete. Again, there’s no need to worry; the job is actually very simple! To clean oil stains from concrete in five easy steps:

1. Spread a thick layer of kitty litter over the grease, and allow up to 24 hours for absorption.

2. Gently sweep the kitty litter away.

3. Cover the entire spot with dry cement.

4. Allow another 24 hours for the cement’s absorption effect.

5. Gently sweep away the dirty cement.

Gather dirty cement in a bag and throw it away (in a trash receptacle only – do not flush down the toilet or sink!).

The result? A clean driveway! Before long, you’ll be cleaning an oil stain from concrete like a pro.