Can I use hydrochloric acid instead of an efflorescence remover?

We would advise against it. Hydrochloric acid dissolves the cement binder along with the efflorescence, washes out the joints and opens up the structure of the concrete, so the efflorescence returns sooner.

Why must the product not dry on the surface?

Because it then stays there together with the dissolved soiling and leaves a streak that is often harder to remove than what it was meant to lift. That is the commonest cause of discolouration after washing.

Do I have to seal immediately after washing?

Not immediately - you have to wait until the surface is dry all the way through. But do not leave it for weeks: a clean, unprotected surface will soil again.

How do I work out how much concentrate to buy?

From the dilution ratio. At 1:4 a litre gives five litres of working solution; where the dose is given in ml per litre of water, work the other way - 50 ml per litre means 20 litres of solution from one litre.

Cleaners for paving, concrete and facades - efflorescence, grease, oil

pH: Efflorescence and scale come off with an acidic product. Grease, oil and algae with an alkaline one. The other way round does nothing.
Form: A concentrate is diluted with water and its strength depends on the ratio. A ready-to-use product goes on as it is.
What not to touch: Acidic products carry a list of excluded materials - metal, painted coatings, render.

26 products

Standard
Grout and cement joint cleaner C-12F CTS Chemistry
38,99 zł
51,99 zł/L
Standard
Anti-slip treatment for granite and gneiss tiles R-9G CTS Chemistry
59,90 zł
59,90 zł/L≈ 9,22 zł/m²
Standard
Anti-slip treatment for ceramic and porcelain tiles R-9C CTS Chemistry
59,90 zł
59,90 zł/L≈ 11,98 zł/m²
Standard
Oil stain remover for concrete and paving OL-1 CTS Chemistry
55,20 zł
55,20 zł/L
Standard
Heavy-duty mineral soiling cleaner D-4 CTS Chemistry
40,16 zł
37,64 zł/L
Standard
Lime efflorescence remover D-2W CTS Chemistry
35,67 zł
30,50 zł/L≈ 7,63 zł/m²
Standard
Post-construction residue cleaner D-2B CTS Chemistry
49,20 zł
40,59 zł/L≈ 10,15 zł/m²
Standard
Block paving cleaner D-12K CTS Chemistry
29,52 zł
27,06 zł/L
Standard
Heavy-duty organic soiling cleaner D-12 CTS Chemistry
33,90 zł
29,80 zł/L

A cleaner is chosen for the type of soiling, not for the surface. That is the commonest misunderstanding in this category and the source of most failed jobs.

Two families

Acidic products - lime and carbonate efflorescence, cement laitance, mortar residue, scale. Efflorescence is alkaline, so it comes off with an acid.
Alkaline products - grease, oils, soot, algae, moss, organic soiling.

Used the other way round there is no effect, and on a sensitive material there is damage. Marble, travertine and limestone are sensitive to acids - a product at pH 2 will etch a matt mark into them.

Concentrate or ready-to-use

A concentrate is diluted with water and its strength depends on the ratio: a litre diluted 1:4 gives five litres of working solution, so over a large area it works out clearly cheaper per square metre. A ready-to-use product goes on as it is and is more convenient for spot work. The ratios and the pH of every product are under "Technical data".

Cleaning is usually the first step, not the last. Once washed and dried, a surface is ready to be sealed; it has not, in itself, been protected against the soiling coming back.

Questions before you choose

Can I use hydrochloric acid instead of an efflorescence remover?: We would advise against it. Hydrochloric acid dissolves the cement binder along with the efflorescence, washes out the joints and opens up the structure of the concrete, so the efflorescence returns sooner.
Why must the product not dry on the surface?: Because it then stays there together with the dissolved soiling and leaves a streak that is often harder to remove than what it was meant to lift. That is the commonest cause of discolouration after washing.
Do I have to seal immediately after washing?: Not immediately - you have to wait until the surface is dry all the way through. But do not leave it for weeks: a clean, unprotected surface will soil again.
How do I work out how much concentrate to buy?: From the dilution ratio. At 1:4 a litre gives five litres of working solution; where the dose is given in ml per litre of water, work the other way - 50 ml per litre means 20 litres of solution from one litre.