To clean the floor, mix up one cup of methylated spirits into a bucket of hot water and mop the floor regularly refreshing the mop. If the floor is very dirty we recommend washing first with a non-abrasive detergent (ideally ph-neutral) and then follow with the methylated spirits and water solution.
White spots left on concrete by methylated spirits (also known as denatured alcohol) are probably actually bleached or faded areas left by the contact. This means they cannot be scrubbed off or simply removed. You can restain the concrete, or you can try this quick fix to add color back to a small area.
Methylated spirits is safe to use on glass, sinks, chrome taps, ceramic, stone, marble and grout. (Do not use on painted or varnished surfaces).
Glass Cleaner
Add a cup of vinegar or half a cup of methylated spirit to a bucket of hot water to clean your windows. Finish with a squeegee. This also works well on mirrors.
Methylated Spirits (100%) leaves no residue after evaporation.
Pressure washing is one of the fastest, most effective ways to get your concrete white again. Concrete can change color over time due to pollen, algae, or dirt buildup, but a good pressure wash can easily remove dirt and stains and make your concrete look new again.
Clean the patio floors.
Dish soap and water: Dish soap is a degreaser, and it works well to clean oily and grimy concrete. Create a cleaning solution of warm water and few drops of dish soap and apply it to the surface. Let it sit for a while, then mop the patio and rinse it with fresh water.
Use a detergent such as Dawn or Ajax dishwashing liquid mixed with water to brighten a concrete patio that hasn't been cleaned in a while. Use a detergent such as Dawn or Ajax dishwashing liquid mixed with water to brighten a concrete patio that hasn't been cleaned in a while.
Concrete is a sturdy material for indoor and outdoor floors. It's durable, easy to clean and somewhat resistant but not impervious to stains. It's porous and will soak up dirt, spills and harbor mildew. Tough as concrete is, it will need periodic scrubbing.
Sugar soap is great to use as a de-greaser to lift light oil and grease stains from concrete – you know, the ones that appear in your garage or driveway that you're at a loss to do something about? Just the sugar soap, neat or diluted, then scrub the surface to a lather, and rinse clean.
For stubborn stains, use a specialized concrete cleaner that is safe for use on polished surfaces. Avoid using abrasive or acidic cleaning products like sugar soap, CLR, and metho, as these can damage the surface. Instead, use pH-neutral cleaners like vinegar or specialized concrete cleaners.
Methylated spirits can be used as rubbing alcohol when diluted down to about 65-70%. The reason it needs to be diluted down to this is so it is not as harsh on the skin and so it evaporates off slower in order to kill the bacteria.
Use Concrete Sealer After Power Washing
The most effective way to clean concrete is power washing it. Concrete is porous by nature, and the voids deep within fill up with dirt, contaminants, and water, not to mention what's on the surface.
Bleach, Soap, and Water Mixture
Mix one cup of bleach with one cup of powdered laundry detergent, then add 15 cups of hot water. Pour your mixture over your driveway's dirty areas, such as the parts that contain oil stains. Work your mixture in using a bristle brush and scrub for approximately 20 minutes.
As moisture rises to the surface of the concrete, it carries with it the calcium salts from within the concrete. These react with CO2 at the surface, forming that white powdery dust. It can be worsened by exposure to moisture, such as rain.
Metho - 100 Percent Pure Methylated Spirits
Metho is an effective non-smearing cleaner and disinfectant for hard surfaces including glass, mirrors, showers, tiles, jewellery, fridges and other household appliances. It's popular for removing ink and other stains from non-porous surfaces, upholstery and clothes too.
Some wastes, such as short-chain alcohols (e.g., “methylated spirits”), are non-aqueous but miscible with water. If the waste is able to be readily consumed by bacteria and contains no persistent toxins, it may be acceptable to dilute the waste with water (say, 20 times) and pour it down the drain.
Clean any excess immediately with methylated spirits. Wait for at least 48 hours (longer in cooler or dry conditions) before using.