Concrete Cleaning Edmonton: The Ultimate DIY & Hiring Guide

Concrete is tough, but Alberta’s freeze–thaw cycles, road salt, and prairie dust take their toll. This guide blends easy-to-read narrative instructions and quick-scan tables, so homeowners and property managers can:

handle a weekend DIY clean with confidence,

or understand professional services like a pro.

1. Why Concrete Cleaning Matters in Edmonton

Edmonton’s dramatic temperature swings let water seep into tiny pores; winter expansion then chips the surface. Add oil drips, algae, and de-icing salts, and even pristine driveways look tired within a season. Cleaning flushes out contaminants, restores traction, and postpones costly resurfacing.

Pro tip: One afternoon of cleaning can add years to your slab’s life and instantly lift curb appeal.

2. Prep Work Before You Start

Sweep, protect nearby plants, and check the weather—aim for a dry day between 10 °C and 25 °C.

Quick reference:

Task	Why it matters	Edmonton-specific tip
Sweep gravel & sand	Grit acts like sandpaper under pressure	Spring street-sweeping residue is notorious—use a stiff poly broom
Mask landscaping	Prevent chemical or high-pressure splash	Use plastic sheeting + mist shrubs before and after cleaning
Check the forecast	Cleaners need dwell time & dry conditions	Avoid rain or frost within 24 hours

3. Pick the Right Cleaner for Your Concrete

Different stains demand different chemistry. Always test a small patch first.

Stain Type	Best Commercial Cleaner	Budget DIY Substitute
General grime	pH-neutral detergent	Dish soap and warm water
Oil & grease	Concrete degreaser	Baking soda paste + elbow grease
Rust	Oxalic acid-based remover	Lemon juice with coarse salt
Algae & mold	Biocide or bleach solution	1 part bleach : 4 parts water

Pro tip: Wet the surface first so the cleaner spreads evenly and doesn’t cause “clean spots.”

4. DIY Concrete Cleaning Step-by-Step

1. Apply your cleaner in small 1 m² sections.

2. Scrub with a nylon-bristle brush. Allow:

   1. 5–10 min dwell for detergents

   2. 2–3 min dwell for acids or bleach

3. Rinse thoroughly with a garden hose or pressure washer.

Safe Pressure-Washing Basics

• 3,000+ PSI / 4 GPM gas washer is ideal

• Use a 25° tip, hold wand 30 cm above surface

• Move in overlapping passes (50%) to avoid stripes

• Follow broom lines on broom-finish concrete

• Use a rotary surface cleaner for polished/stamped concrete

Pro tip: Always wear PPE—eye/ear protection and non-slip boots are a must.

5. Should You Seal Your Concrete After Cleaning?

Absolutely—cleaning is only half the battle. Without sealing, your newly cleaned concrete is still exposed to water, de-icing salts, oil, and contaminants that can quickly undo all your work.

At Total Concrete Care, we use professional-grade sealers that bond deeply with the slab for lasting protection:

• PAVIX CCC 100 – A penetrating crystalline sealer that repels water and de-icing salts, protecting driveways and exterior slabs from Edmonton’s harsh freeze–thaw cycles for up to 10 years.

  
  

• Pantheon Interior Sealer – Designed for warehouse and industrial flooring, this treatment strengthens and dust-proofs interior concrete while enhancing its appearance.

  
  

• SOFIX & YUFIX treatments – Ideal for decorative or coloured concrete where long-term clarity and colour retention are essential.

  
  

Pro Tip: These products only perform at their best on a clean surface. That’s why we often pair a professional-grade clean with a sealer application in the same visit—ensuring contaminants are removed and protection is locked in.

When to apply: Wait 24–48 hours after cleaning for the slab to fully dry (moisture content below 5%). Applying too soon can trap moisture and reduce product effectiveness.

By sealing immediately after cleaning, you’re not only locking in the fresh, bright look—you’re extending the life of your concrete and reducing future maintenance costs.

6. Concrete Cleaning Costs in Edmonton

Service	Typical Price	Notes
DIY cleaner + scrub brush	$25–$50 total	Ideal for small stains or spot cleaning
DIY pressure washer rental	$60–$90/day	Add fuel and safety gear
Professional driveway clean	$180–$300	Up to 600 sq ft, includes pre-treating
Sealing add-on	$0.90–$1.20/sq ft	Two coats, 5-year protection

7. FAQs About Concrete Cleaning

Q: Can pressure washing damage concrete? A: Yes—if you use too much pressure, the wrong tip, or hold the wand too close.

Q: What about salt stains from winter? A: Use a concrete-safe descaler early in spring, then rinse thoroughly.

Q: How often should I clean? A: Once per year is usually enough. Twice if you’re near trees or use a lot of de-icer.

Q: Do I really need to seal concrete in Edmonton’s climate? A: Yes. Our freeze–thaw cycles and heavy use of de-icing salts create the perfect conditions for cracking and surface spalling. Sealing after cleaning stops water and salt penetration, which is the leading cause of damage.

Q: How long will a sealer like PAVIX CCC 100 last? A: Unlike hardware-store sealers that need reapplication every 1–2 years, PAVIX CCC 100 can protect exterior slabs for up to 10 years when applied correctly.

Q: What’s the difference between consumer-grade sealers and TCC’s products? A: Most big-box sealers form a thin film on top of the concrete, which wears away quickly. TCC’s sealers penetrate deep into the slab and chemically bond with the material, offering long-lasting protection.

Q: How do I know if my concrete is ready for sealing? A: After cleaning, the surface must be completely dry (moisture content <5%). We recommend waiting 24–48 hours in dry conditions or booking a professional service—our team will test moisture levels before applying.

Ready to Make Your Concrete Look Brand New?

Keeping your concrete clean is a smart investment. It makes your space look great, reduces slip risks, and helps your concrete last years longer.

📞 Call: 1-780-497-1140 ✉️ Email: team.totalconcretecare@gmail.com 🌐 www.totalconcretecare.com

Concrete Cleaning Edmonton – Done Right the First Time.