Cleaning concrete?

[odie]

Whats the best product to use to clean up the concrete floor from the previous owners? I'm not ready for a tile, epoxy, etc., floor yet, but would like to get rid of the oil stains and whatever else they left me.
Thanks

 

[930dreamer]

I've used a floor buffer with the different color pads on concrete with good results.

 

[larry_g]

To remove oil stains liberally wash with solvent scrubbing with a stiff broom and then cover with floor dry while still liquid. The solvent will draw up the stain and while in suspension the floor dry will absorb the liquid. I always thin oil spills with solvent before applying floor dry.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[odie]

To remove oil stains liberally wash with solvent scrubbing with a stiff broom and then cover with floor dry while still liquid. The solvent will draw up the stain and while in suspension the floor dry will absorb the liquid. I always thin oil spills with solvent before applying floor dry.

lg
no neat sig line

Any specific solvent that you use?

 

[Hammerdown]

I'vd had success with just a good degreaser (Simple Green, Purple Power, ZEP, Dawn dish soap, Tide, etc) and the use of a floor buffer with the scubbing attachment. This has nylon bristlesabout two inches long that will work the deghreaser into the stain and emulsify the oils, lifting them to the surface so they can be rinsed away. A solvent like lacquer thinner may work, it does on tire dressing, or even oven cleaner! Any solvent is going to leave an oily residue that should be degreased as well.

 

[larry_g]

Any specific solvent that you use?

Any cheap paint thinner, stoddard solvent, or gas if the shop is wide open and it is small amount. I think the secret is to get the oil thinned to allow the floor dry to absorb the thin liquid.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

If the solvents don't work. You might try a light grinding over the stains with a masonry wheel. It will etch the surface a bit but this will be hidden if you choose, epoxy or tile later on.

 

[1SlowFormula]

Subscribing, we just put an offer in on a new house this weekend and I was on here today to ask the same questions, lol...

 

[djjsr]

I use mineral spirits most of the time. For stubborn stuff I use lacquer thinner (no open flames).

 

[AlphaGarage]

Muriatic acid will also clean some stains that are otherwise tough to lift. Keep in mind that muriatic acid is a strong, toxic chemical, so read and follow package instructions.

 

[Rickochet]

I have also been trying to eradicate some oil spots on my garage floor left from the previous owner/builder. He parked his Harley in the garage while he was building the home. His scooter must have leaked badly as there are a few spots that are about 18" square. I have used Simple Green, Purple Power, gasoline, lacquer thinner, oven cleaner, Tide, brake cleaner, acetone, followed by oil dry, concrete, saw dust, etc.

As you can see I have tried many different cleaners to no avail! Any more suggestions? Oh, I also have a spot where he did a burn out with his H-D that lifted little pockets of concrete in a 4 square inch area too, along with leaving a 2' long black tire mark that I can not get remove either.

Yes, I know what you're thinking.... The guy must have been a real DA. Yes he was!!!! But he also was an outstanding craftsman.....

I don't want to apply epoxy because I fabricate with steel fairly often and the welder would make the floor look even worse!

Any suggestions you have will be appreciated.