| For years the most effective solution for cleaning a | | | | expert in gels who had tried in vain to clean the |
| concrete slab has been by using a liquid muriatic acid | | | | edges of his pool deck of black algae that continually |
| solution. The process has been to mix two or more | | | | built up every year. Finally by combining acid with a |
| parts of water to acid and apply to the surface. | | | | gel provided the answer. |
| This has been a flawed system with numerous | | | | A gel will stay where it is applied without dripping. |
| alternative solutions that seemed logical but didn't | | | | This meant pool deck edges could be cleaned with an |
| work. Acids do work but are flawed for a few | | | | acid solution without dripping into the pool water. It |
| reasons. | | | | also created a solution for cleaning concrete walls |
| 1. When water is applied to an acid it dilutes the | | | | that get minimal sunlight and a way for mold to |
| effectiveness and works to neutralize the acid. | | | | thrive. Without direct sunlight moisture can easily build |
| 2. Liquid acid applied to concrete provides an uneven | | | | on a vertical surface yielding dark mold and algae. A |
| result. The problem is how to evenly apply a liquid | | | | gelled acid solves that cleaning problem. It can be |
| acid solution on a surface. It's also difficult to know | | | | rolled on the surface with a paint roller or applied in |
| how much to apply. | | | | tight areas with a paint brush. |
| 3. While muriatic acid works to pull rust stains or mold | | | | Gel technology has made it possible to blend with |
| out of concrete it is impossible to remove the | | | | acid without VOC's (volatile organic compounds) |
| impurities out of the surface before they settle back | | | | making them water soluble and environmentally safe. |
| into the pores of the concrete. | | | | For cleaning a concrete slab the acids pull mold, |
| Cleaning concrete has been an uphill battle forever. | | | | mildew, algae and rust out of the concrete and are |
| Not only does a flat concrete surface get filthy dirty | | | | contained in the gels. This prevents the impurities |
| and be partially cleaned with liquid acids it has been | | | | from settling back into the concrete. Gels are simply |
| impossible to clean vertical surfaces like walls, | | | | cleaned with a squeegee and any remaining residue |
| columns, building facades or pool deck edges. | | | | with a hose and stiff bristle broom. |
| That has all changed in recent years. Some | | | | The added benefit is the etching process that profiles |
| enterprising entrepreneurs figured out that there | | | | the concrete creating a non-slip surface. Finally the |
| must be a way to get acids to really work. It was an | | | | concrete can be sealed for long term protection. |