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Cleaning Raw Block

JoeRat | Posted in General Discussion on June 10, 2002 09:12am

 

Just took possession of a house that features some exposed concrete block (built ’64) on both interior and exterior walls. Architecturally unique house, not as bad as it sounds!

We are searching for materials and techniques for cleaning the interior walls, preferably without removing the carpet in living room, etc. I don’t think the walls have been treated. The dirt in question is dust and grime. Are there alternatives to acid-type treatments? Looking for something fairly safe. Outside is easier, I assume; pressure wash away!!

Any ideas?

JoeRat

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  1. Rein_ | Jun 11, 2002 03:13am | #1

    TSP is the usual starting point. It is relatively safe (no toxic fumes, wear eye protection though) and does not etch the concrete.

    It does a good job on grease, oils and soot. It will not really get soaked in stains.

    I have seen it in a spray-on wipe-off bottle form, but I suspect that would be tedious and probably expensive.

    If you can find a way to cover the carpets, the better way is to wet down the wall with a TSP/water solution, let it sit a while and rinse it off.

    1. KenHill3 | Jun 11, 2002 06:00am | #2

      From the supermarket or such, try Dow's "Scrubbing Bubbles", a weak lye-based cleaner.

      Ken Hill

      1. Handydan | Jun 11, 2002 11:47am | #3

        Would it be completely out of line to suggest cleaning with TSP, and if that is not enough then consider painting the block.  Maybe even gray so that it looks sort of original.  Or bright color to add a real statement.  Just thinking out loud, try not to take me to seriously. I don't!!!

        Dan

        1. frugalarch | Jun 11, 2002 07:52pm | #4

          Take a look at http://www.prosoco.com. They manufacture a cleaning chemical for almost any kind of masonry staining/discoloration problem, and will offer advice from their website on the most appropriate chemical for your particular situation.

          1. JoeRat | Jun 14, 2002 09:26pm | #5

            Thanks to all that responded. I will look into the cleaning products suggested.

            Does anybody have experience with sandblasting interior masonry? We've spoken to one local contractor. I was thinking about how it might give a more consistent result, with the added benefit that it's dry (lessening potential damage to the carpets I'm hoping not to remove. In either case, I think I'm gonna be buying lots of Visqueen! ;-)

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