How to remove Efflorescence

This is a DIY how to video taking you step by step on how to remove salt mineral deposits called Efflorescence from your concrete. Using an acid-based cleaner and water to remove Efflorescence which is the white powdery substance on the surfaces of unsealed concrete.
Tools and items needed: Efflorescence remover, Acid neutralizer or baking soda, a sprayer, a scrub brush and or a broom, a water hose, a high-pressure nozzle, safety glasses and gloves.
Link to Efflorescence remover:
amzn.to/3HUn93w
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

[@AlexErika]

Thank you for sharing. Going to do this on some areas of new concrete that have this issue.

[@BruBuilds]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@mobmob5944]

the bricks were still not dry when you showed us your results . it takes a couple days for them to evaporate the water all out completely dry and youll be lucky if the salt drys out before it hits the surface.
after all this time ,when the bricks fully dehydrated did the salty bricks not want to be nice and cooperate by pushing out the salt the other direction? meaning did salt resurface?
happened to me on a brick house built during ww2. after battling with several different methods i finally tried to just let the bricks push out all the salt out first by wetting it repeatedly and letting it absorb the water then i used a torch and hair blower to dry the bricks one by one . then i used various wire brushes and angle grinder with wire wheels to remove the salt as much as i could and i used a steam vacuum brush with no water but only hydrochloric acid being sprayed from a bottle . all i can say is these bricks were very salty for what i was doing to them . .. after days of working on it little by little with full patience i managed to remove most of the salt . i knew this because they would not get any more white after i used hot air to quickly dry them.
well after this i ended up getting hold of a sand blaster and blasting off the top layer i was left with .. only after fully letting the bricks dry for over a month though.. by the way i blasted baking soda mixed sand and with no water.
im pretty sure there is still alot of salt in these bricks no doubt, but i wonder if i would of used the blaster from the start without saturating the bricks with any liquid , would they have left me with the same results that i have now.. which is looking about 3 shades from new..
i learned that any liquid will bring out the salt after it dries no matter what unless you get the salt to dry before it hits the surface..
also when you build a house from brick always waterproof seal the brick immediately

[@BruBuilds]

That’s for the comment and all the information. The salt hasn’t really returned unless I had something sitting on a paver and moisture was trapped underneath. But the salt deposits are easily removed with a little scrubbing. I don’t have any experience with basements, I imagine waterproofing is extremely important.

[@hellomyg8182]

Great work very informative liked and subscribed keep up the good work 👏

[@BruBuilds]

Thank you, hope you enjoy my other videos.

[@DrWenChannel]

good job very high quality video production and informative. Thanks!

[@BruBuilds]

Thanks, glad you liked it.

[@DucatiHyper]

People are sure bashing about adding water to acid, like they didn't read the comments. It looks like the jug says it makes 5 gallons, which would mean that you would use 4 parts water to 1 part acid. Looks like it still did ok at 5 to 1though 🙂

[@paulsanchez35]

Great video thanks for sharing

[@BruBuilds]

Thanks for watching!

[@Jaylowrider]

Now you have to go one step further. You will seal it with an impregnator from drytreat, specifically StainProof- salts cannot make it through

[@BruBuilds]

Good to know, thanks.

[@isaganicahigan5745]

What to do if without that solution? It is not available in our country.

[@BruBuilds]

I heard you can mix one-part vinegar with three parts warm water and use a sponge or brush to scrub the efflorescence-ridden surfaces. I haven't tried it yet, but the next time I will.

[@johnmorrison4224]

Muriatic acid.

[@johnbakasmoothhotchocolate]

Will it work on wood, too?

[@BruBuilds]

No, Efflorescence is the salty mineral in cement that comes to the surface because of water.

[@bernatrans08]

Can this be done in bathroom tiles too? I mean this chemical?

[@BruBuilds]

Efflorescence is caused by the minerals in concrete so I would use a cleaner that is designed to be used for clay products. I would also be careful with the chemical harming the glazed surface.

[@jaimejestrada]

Will the run off cause my grass to die??

[@BruBuilds]

@jaimejestrada I'm not sure, I don't' have any grass near my pavers. They do recommend neutralizing the acid, after using the product. You may also want to try using white vinegar first, I imagine it would be better for plants.

[@124nandoman]

You added water to acid, that is a no no, it can cause a reaction, always add acid to water.

[@BruBuilds]

Thanks for the safety tip!

[@MrBikedrummer]

I worked for a plumbing company and the owner had this saying:
"For heaven's sake, do as you oughta, pour the acid into the water."
I'll never forget it because of this rhyme!

[@BruBuilds]

@MrBikedrummer thanks, good way to remember!

[@Kee7-ii3hm]

Please, oh please, never add water to acid. It can explode. Always add acid to water. This was a horrible example of safety. I’ve seen it happen. The results of acid on the skin is not pleasant! Please do not follow this poor example of how to mix an acid with water! Another thing to consider is wearing a respirator rated for chemical gases if working in an enclosed area.

[@BruBuilds]

Yes, that has been pointed out to me. Thanks for the safety tips.

[@MrBikedrummer]

I will be using vinegar to clean my pavers which I installed 6 months ago. They have a uniform white haze noticable on the dark border pavers. Not stains like your examples.
I want to clean it before I apply the solvent based sealer.
I'm curious if this cleaning will damage the polymeric sand in my joints?
Any info will be helpful. Great video and new sub!

[@BruBuilds]

@MrBikedrummer I used regular sand with mine so not sure how the poly sand will react. Vinegar is a mild cleaner, I think a pressure washer or scrub brush could do more damage to the sand. Good luck and thanks.

[@vcash1112]

Where can I get this product online and what's the price?

[@BruBuilds]

Here is a link to one that is on amazon, but I have not used this exact product.
Link to Efflorescence remover:
amzn.to/3HUn93w

[@steveanstine493]

Great video, but I'm cringing about pouring water in to acid!!

[@BruBuilds]

Yes, someone else called me out on that one.

[@todortodorov940]

Just to make it clear: Vinegar is an acid, just a weak one.

[@BruBuilds]

Thanks for clarifying that.

[@yadayadayada4674]

Tried vinegar, didnt work.

[@BruBuilds]

Thanks for watching. I tried some white vinegar on some other pavers, it removed a little bit not as well as the efflorescence remover.

[@nomosssoftwash]

ALWAYS ADD CHEMICAL TO WATER. NEVER water to chemical.

[@BruBuilds]

Thanks for the tip

[@charlottebest7826]

Why?

[@nomosssoftwash]

@@charlottebest7826 If you add water into concentrated acid, the heat will go into the still very concentrated acid. This can cause it to fume, spatter or even boil - giving off corrosive fumes and droplets.
If you add acid into water, the heat is absorbed by the water which just warms slightly but remains un-reactive.

[@3mmanagement752]

Whose trying to pass a inspection?

[@BruBuilds]

I'm not sure what you are asking?

[@michelledickman436]

Can this work on patio grout too?

[@BruBuilds]

It should work on any cement type product, but I would definitely do a test area first and check with the manufacture.