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7 Best Concrete Cleaners of 2024

Updated
Your stains don’t need to be set in stone. 

Are you looking for one of the best concrete cleaners on the market? Our concrete cleaner recommendations can tackle dirt, stains, discoloration, mold, and mildew.

So if you’ve spent the whole weekend making sure your home looks spic-and-span, but your driveway and garage are ruining the overall aesthetic, we can help.

We spent hours researching dozens of products, expert advice, and genuine customer reviews. With a thorough analysis of each product’s formula, cleaning ability, and value for money, we put together a list of seven impressive cleaners.

Check them out!

Our Top Picks

We independently assess, research, and evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on the links we provide, we may receive compensation.
Image
Model
Product Comparison Table
Features

Product Image of the RMR-86 Stain Remover Spray
Best for Mold and Mildew
RMR-86 Stain Remover Spray
  • Works on variety of surfaces
  • Works on stains below the surface
  • Fast action with no scrubbing
Product Image of the Sheiner’s All Purpose Floor Cleaner
Best pH Neutral Concrete Cleaner
Sheiner’s All Purpose Floor Cleaner
  • Offers long term stain resistance
  • Get rids of stains & odors
  • Works on all surfaces
Product Image of the Zep Pressure Wash Cleaner
Best Value
Zep Pressure Wash Cleaner
  • Brings concrete back to original state
  • Removes oil & grime stains
  • Works on asphalt, brick & stone
Product Image of the Zep Heavy-Duty Powdered Cleaner
Best Heavy-Duty Concrete Cleaner
Zep Heavy-Duty Powdered Cleaner
  • Biodegradable formula
  • Removes tough & dried stains
  • Easy to apply
Product Image of the Oil Eater Cleaner Degreaser
Best Degreasing Concrete Cleaner
Oil Eater Cleaner Degreaser
  • Professional strength cleaner
  • Water-based biodegradable formula
  • Lemon scented
Product Image of the Terminator-HSD Concrete Cleaner
Best Eco-Friendly Concrete Cleaner
Terminator-HSD Concrete Cleaner
  • Easy to use
  • Removes petroleum compounds
  • Works on asphalt, porous stone & soils
Product Image of the ACT Eco Friendly Concrete Cleaner
Most Versatile
ACT Eco Friendly Concrete Cleaner
  • Works on multiple surfaces
  • Eco friendly formula
  • Cleans up a range of stains

Review Methodology: At Oh So Spotless, we strive to provide you with an in-depth analysis and assessment of the best concrete cleaners on the market. Our team of professionals conducts extensive research, benchmark tests, and hands-on evaluations to rank and compare products based on their performance, efficiency, and user experience. We focus on key decision-making factors like effectiveness, safety, ease of use, and environmental impact. Our comprehensive reviews offer first-hand evidence, expert insights, and quantitative measurements to help you make informed choices. We examine the design choices of each cleaner and their effect on users, ensuring that our recommendations stand out from competitors. Trust our expertise in identifying top-performing concrete cleaners that meet the highest standards and criteria.



The Best Concrete Cleaners of 2024

We’ve spent hours creating this list of the best concrete cleaners. To put it together, we’ve researched genuine customer reviews, expert advice, and product descriptions. We are sure you’ll find something that will revive and spruce up your concrete surfaces.

Here are seven fantastic cleaners for washing your concrete.

RMR-86 Instant Stain Remover Spray

Best for Mold and Mildew

Are mold and mildew ruining the appearance of your concrete surfaces? This is our top pick for getting rid of it. This instant stain remover spray can eliminate stubborn stains caused by mildew and mold, even black mold!

The fast-acting spray works almost immediately. It targets the stains, no matter how deeply embedded, and removes them. This works best on bathroom tiles, grout, under sinks, and on shower doors, but it also works for concrete.

Besides the surfaces already mentioned, you can use this spray on tubs, decks, and wood. Plus, vinyl siding, drywall, brick, and other areas where mold and mildew might appear.

Not only that, but this powerful formula can remove unpleasant odors. Now your home can be free of musty and damp smells, leaving a more refreshing scent behind.

Pros

  • Removes mold and mildew stains.
  • Works on stains that are below the surface.
  • Fast action with no scrubbing.
  • Works on a huge variety of surfaces.
  • Ready-to-use formula.
  • Works on wood damaged by floods.

Cons

  • Toxic formula, so wear protective clothing and clear area from children and pets.
  • If using on walls, be careful as it might strip paint.

Product Specs

Sealed or unsealed Not specified
Type of cleaner Specialty
Eco-Friendly No
Stain Type Mold and mildew
Quantity 1 gallon

Our Ratings

Cleaning Effectiveness
4.5 / 5
Application Ease
4.5 / 5
Eco-friendliness
1.5 / 5
Versatility
4 / 5
Total Rating
3.5 / 5

User Experience

My experience with this mold and mildew stain remover has been nothing short of amazing. I was initially skeptical of its effectiveness, but after using it on various surfaces like bathroom walls, fences, and decks, I was blown away by the quick and impressive results. It's important to note that this product does have a strong chemical smell, so be sure to open windows and ventilate the area before using it. Despite the odor, the instant stain removal and ease of use make this product worth every penny. Just remember to test on a small area first to avoid any potential discoloration or damage to surfaces.

Sheiner’s All Purpose Floor Cleaner

Best pH Neutral Concrete Cleaner

A pH-neutral cleaner is excellent for a variety of surfaces without causing damage. This also means it’s safe for both sealed and unsealed concrete surfaces, whereas most cleaners are only safe for unsealed.

Besides freshening up floors and making them look brand new again, this product offers long-term stain resistance. Next time you have a spill on your concrete, it’s easier to clean up due to this protective layer.

It also works for tackling odors. The synthesized formula targets dirt and bad smells at the source, even on heavily soiled surfaces.

While you can deep clean your concrete with this product, you can also use it for basically all surfaces. Use it to clean your toilet, counters, cement, linoleum, vinyl, ceramic, tiles, and anything else you think of!

Pros

  • Works on all surfaces.
  • Offers long-term stain resistance.
  • Removes stains and odors.
  • pH neutral, so it’s safe for all surfaces.
  • No rinsing required.
  • Non-toxic: safe for kids and pets.

Cons

  • May leave streaks.
  • Strong fragrance.

Product Specs

Sealed or unsealed Both
Type of cleaner pH neutral
Eco-Friendly Non-toxic and biodegradable
Stain Type A variety of tough stains and dirt
Quantity 1 gallon

Our Ratings

Cleaning Effectiveness
4 / 5
Application Ease
4 / 5
Eco-friendliness
4 / 5
Versatility
5 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

Personal Perspective

From my experience, this pH-neutral cleaner effectively refreshes various surfaces, providing long-term stain resistance and odor elimination. I've used it on sealed and unsealed concrete, as well as on other materials like ceramic and vinyl, appreciating its non-toxic and kid/pet-safe properties. However, it sometimes leaves streaks and has a potent fragrance, which may not be suitable for everyone.

Zep Concrete Pressure Wash Cleaner Concentrate

Best Value

The Zep Concrete cleaner is of super high value; you get a lot for your money. This pack of four high-strength cleaners will transform your driveway and concrete surfaces back to perfection.

Just remember you need a pressure washer to use this product.

With that in mind, let’s look at this product’s perks. It’s suitable for surfaces, walkways, and driveways that are dirty due to high traffic and intense weather. A thorough cleaning can bring the concrete back to its original state.

This solution lifts and removes all kinds of stains, including oil and grime stains. Besides concrete, it also works on asphalt, brick, and stone. So it’s a useful, versatile product that can go a long way, tackling a range of stains.

Pros

  • Good value for money.
  • Brings concrete back to original state.
  • Removes oil and grime stains.
  • Works on asphalt, brick, and stone.
  • Professional-grade cleaner.
  • Brightens appearance of various surfaces.

Cons

  • You must have a pressure washer.
  • Not suitable for sealed concrete.
  • Doesn’t work for wood, painted surfaces, or sealed surfaces.

Product Specs

Sealed or unsealed Unsealed
Type of cleaner Specialty
Eco-Friendly No
Stain Type Oil and grime
Quantity 4 gallons

Our Ratings

Cleaning Effectiveness
4 / 5
Application Ease
3.5 / 5
Eco-friendliness
2 / 5
Versatility
3 / 5
Total Rating
3 / 5

Community Feedback

I recently tried this product to tackle some tough oil stains on my floor and was amazed by the results. It even handled a super messy concrete pool deck filled with dirt and algae. Following the manufacturer's instructions for heavy areas, I mixed it in a bucket and poured it on, watching it turn orange before pressure washing the mess away. Although it wasn't the best solution I've ever used, it worked well on driveways and stone surfaces, making them look brand new. However, I was slightly disappointed as I had to apply it multiple times on my not-so-bad driveway to get the desired effect.

Zep Heavy-Duty Powdered Concrete Cleaner

Best Heavy-Duty Concrete Cleaner

Choose this product for professional-level, heavy-duty cleaning. The fast-acting formula removes embedded dirt, so even if it’s been there for a couple of weeks — this product should be able to eliminate it.

This cleaner is super easy to use, so even if this is your first time cleaning concrete, you shouldn’t struggle. Basically, you wet the floor, apply the product, scrub, and rinse.

That’s not all, though. The powder changes color from orange to green to indicate when it’s working, so you’re never second-guessing!

It’s designed for heavy grease and grime stains. It dissolves quickly to remove the stains and dirt, so you can restore your concrete in no time at all.

While it requires a bit of scrubbing with a broom brush, customers loved how well it worked on concrete floors. It significantly removes oil stains, so it’s fantastic for the driveway and garage.

Pros

  • Heavy-duty cleaning.
  • Removes tough and dried grease, grime, and oil stains.
  • Easy to apply, especially with the color-changing assistant.
  • Works quickly.
  • Biodegradable formula.

Cons

  • The powder may solidify in the packaging.
  • Does require scrubbing.

Product Specs

Sealed or unsealed Not specified
Type of cleaner Alkaline degreaser
Eco-Friendly Biodegradable
Stain Type Grease and oil
Quantity 5 gallons

Our Ratings

Cleaning Effectiveness
4.5 / 5
Application Ease
4 / 5
Eco-friendliness
3.5 / 5
Versatility
3 / 5
Total Rating
3.75 / 5

First-Hand Impression

This product proved to be quite effective in cleaning oily and dirty floors at our automotive shop. We applied it liberally to the wet concrete floor and let it sit for a couple of days to absorb the oil. However, we experienced some difficulty removing the dried product, as it hardened to a concrete-like consistency and required a flat chisel to pry it off. Despite this minor inconvenience, we were impressed with how well it cleaned our shop's floors and even our pavers without needing to scrub.

Oil Eater Cleaner Degreaser

Best Degreasing Concrete Cleaner

This professional-strength cleaner removes grease and grime, so your concrete looks and feels as good as new. This works for heavy, medium, or light-duty cleaning, depending on the mess at hand. Follow the packaging instructions when diluting to make the exact solution for your mess.

This lemon-scented product dissolves grease and oils on almost every kind of surface. It’s made without acids, abrasive products, or petroleum products. Instead, it’s water-based and biodegradable, so it’s safe for your home and septic system.

It’s even been approved for food prep surfaces. Try using it on anything from concrete to floors, carpets, tubs, grills, decks, boat hulls, siding, and much more.

If using it for industrial purposes, try it on machinery, tools, exhaust hoods, and many more places. Basically, whatever corner of your life is greasy, this product can help.

Manufacturer Tip

Although it’s a water-based biodegradable formula, the manufacturer warns of potential skin and eye irritation. So use protective equipment like gloves and glasses when handling this product.

Pros

  • Lemon scent.
  • Degreasing formula removes grease and oil stains.
  • Biodegradable solution.
  • Works on a huge variety of surfaces.
  • USDA-approved for food service facilities.
  • Concentrated formula — a little goes a long way.

Cons

  • Best for medium or light-duty cleaning rather than heavy.
  • Not suitable for old stains.

Product Specs

Sealed or unsealed Not specified
Type of cleaner Alkaline degreaser
Eco-Friendly Yes
Stain Type Grease and grime
Quantity 1 gallon

Our Ratings

Cleaning Effectiveness
4 / 5
Application Ease
4 / 5
Eco-friendliness
4 / 5
Versatility
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

User Experience

In my experience, this product has proven to be a versatile and effective cleaner for various messes around the house, from removing stubborn grease stains on clothes to tackling pet urine odors on rugs. While the initial smell during the cleaning process can be a bit strong, it dissipates once the area dries, leaving behind no overpowering scent. I've even used it to save my favorite rug from being ruined by my dog's marking. Though it may take a couple of tries for more challenging stains, this cleaner has become an essential part of my household cleaning arsenal.

Terminator-HSD Concrete Cleaner

Best Eco-Friendly Concrete Cleaner

Want to clean your concrete surfaces with a more eco-friendly formula? Then the Terminator might be for you! This formula is made without harsh chemicals but is still powerful enough to deep-clean concrete.

It’s kind on the environment. Other cleaners lift the oil before it’s rinsed down the drain, ending in our waterways. This product breaks down and dissolves oil naturally with byproducts of CO2 and water.

It is specifically designed to remove petroleum compounds. That includes oils, fuels, solvents, and hydraulic fluid.

For instance, this is a dream solution for gas station concrete. Your customers will be wowed by how clean the place looks after using this!

Besides concrete, it also works on asphalt, porous stone, and soils. We love how easy it is to use, too. Just sprinkle it, sweep it, and dampen it. Clean concrete once again!

Pros

  • Eco-friendly formula.
  • Removes petroleum compounds.
  • Easy to use.
  • Works on asphalt, porous stone, and soils.
  • No scrubbing required.

Cons

  • Doesn’t remove all types of stains.
  • Not good for old stains.
  • Takes four to six weeks to see results.

Product Specs

Sealed or unsealed Unsealed
Type of cleaner Alkaline degreaser
Eco-Friendly Yes
Stain Type Petroleum-based
Quantity 10 ounces

Our Ratings

Cleaning Effectiveness
3.5 / 5
Application Ease
4 / 5
Eco-friendliness
5 / 5
Versatility
3 / 5
Total Rating
3.75 / 5

Personal Perspective

When I first tried this product on an oil stain on my concrete driveway, I was skeptical. However, after following the directions and applying it consistently for several weeks, I noticed a significant improvement in the stain's appearance. While it didn't completely remove the stain, this product performed better than other methods I had tried, making it a worthwhile purchase for tackling tough oil stains.

ACT Eco Friendly Concrete Cleaner

Most Versatile

We love this concrete cleaner because it goes a long way. Not just because it covers up to 50 square feet, with only eight ounces of product, but because it’s versatile. Yes, it does clean up concrete, but that’s not all.

This product also cleans pavers, ceramic, marble, wood, metal, plastic, and other surfaces. All while being eco-friendly! So it’s safe around humans, pets, and plants.

What does it do? It’s designed to clean up oils, fluids, grease, animal waste, antifreeze, gum, pop, mold, and much more. Whatever you’re trying to eliminate, test this product against the grime.

It’s also very quick and easy to apply with no scrubbing required. Just apply a small amount of the product to the stain. Use a soft-bristled broom and brush in opposite directions.

Mist the area with water until the area around the cleaner is damp. The cleaner and stain will dissipate as the contaminants are eaten away. And voila! You have clean concrete again.

Pros

  • Works on a variety of surfaces.
  • Eco-friendly formula.
  • Cleans up a range of stains.
  • Easy to use.
  • No scrubbing required.
  • Safe for sealed and painted surfaces.

Cons

  • Some customers complained of stains reappearing after a while.
  • Expensive.

Product Specs

Sealed or unsealed Both
Type of cleaner Not specified
Eco-Friendly Yes
Stain Type A huge variety
Quantity Eight ounces

Our Ratings

Cleaning Effectiveness
3.5 / 5
Application Ease
4.5 / 5
Eco-friendliness
5 / 5
Versatility
5 / 5
Total Rating
4.5 / 5

Community Feedback

My experience with this product has been quite impressive, as it effectively removed stubborn oil stains from my concrete driveway. I was initially skeptical due to the price, but after using it, I believe it's worth every penny. The application process was straightforward and required minimal effort, although I did need to apply it more than once to see the best results. This product seems to work well on various types of stains, but its effectiveness may vary depending on the situation.

Product Comparison Chart

Product Best Sealed or unsealed Type of cleaner Eco-Friendly Stain Type Quantity
RMR-86 Instant Stain Remover Spray For Mold and Mildew N/A Specialty No Mold & mildew 1 gal.
Sheiner’s All-Purpose Floor Cleaner pH Neutral Concrete Cleaner Both pH neutral Yes Tough stains & dirt 1 gal.
Zep Concrete Pressure Wash Cleaner Value Unsealed Specialty No Oil & grime 4 gal.
Zep Powdered Concrete Cleaner Heavy-Duty Concrete Cleaner N/A Alkaline degreaser Yes Grease & oil 5 gal.
Oil Eater Cleaner Degreaser Degreasing Concrete Cleaner N/A Alkaline degreaser Yes Grease & grime 1 gal.
Terminator-HSD Concrete Cleaner Eco-Friendly Concrete Cleaner Unsealed Alkaline degreaser Yes Petroleum-based 10 oz
ACT Eco-Friendly Concrete Cleaner Versatile Both Not specified Yes A huge variety 8 oz

Types of Concrete Cleaners

Finding the right concrete cleaner for your specific situation is a challenge. We’ll walk through some main types so you can find the right one for you.

pH Neutral

pH-neutral cleaners are often used for multiple different surfaces. The pH-neutral formula means the cleaner won’t cause damage. People also use them for sealed indoor concrete, which is best for mild cleaning.

Pros

  • Less likely to cause damage.
  • Can often be used on multiple surfaces.
  • Suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
  • Suitable for unsealed and sealed concrete.

Cons

  • Best for mild cleaning.
  • May work better on some floor types than others.

Acidic

Acidic cleaners are best for removing heavy-duty stains on concrete. This includes grease, stains, efflorescence, residue, and other dirt. They’re usually made with hydrochloric or phosphoric acid that reacts with the concrete to remove build-up.

Pros

  • Deep cleans concrete.
  • Removes a variety of stains and grease.
  • Removes efflorescence, hard water stains, and salt build-up.
  • Many versatile formulas.
  • Most can be used indoors or outdoors.

Cons

  • Some very strong formulas.
  • Protective clothing is necessary.

Alkaline Degreasers

Alkaline cleaners are best for removing grease, oil, and other petroleum-based stains on concrete. They work by breaking down oily residue using their high alkalinity.

Pros

  • Break down oily stains.
  • Many work for industrial and household uses.
  • May be able to remove mildew, too.
  • Some non-toxic options.

Cons

  • Some are highly concentrated and require diluting.
  • Some are made with harsh chemicals.

Enzymatic

Enzyme cleaners contain natural enzymatic bacteria that feed on ammonia crystals and organic matter to eliminate them completely. This works well on concrete for starch or protein-based stains.

Pros

  • Works for starch- and protein-based stains.
  • Neutralize volatile compounds.
  • Pull spilled messes out of concrete.
  • Suitable for many surfaces.
  • Digests old stains.
  • Attack grease and oil.
  • Lifts and tackles urine stains.

Cons

  • Limited options on the market for concrete.
  • Most need to be diluted before use.

Specialty

Specialty concrete cleaners are essentially cleaners that are made up of the above cleaners. They use a blend of a few different cleaners in order to tackle specific problems, such as rust or efflorescence.

Pros

  • These cleaners tackle specific issues, such as rust.
  • Use a blend of effective cleaners.
  • Many non-acid-based solutions.
  • Many work on multiple types of surfaces.

Cons

  • May be more expensive.
  • Not always as effective as other types of cleaners.

How To Choose the Best Concrete Cleaner

With all these different types of cleaners on the market, how can you choose the best one? Here are essential details to consider.

Sealed vs. Unsealed Concrete

Check whether the cleaner will work on your concrete or whether you have sealed or unsealed concrete. When in doubt, go for a pH-neutral cleaner that is safe on both.

Type of Cleaner

Consider the types of cleaners from above to decide the best one for the stains you’re dealing with. You can choose pH-neutral, acidic, alkaline degreasers, enzymatic, and specialty cleaners. Recap the pros and cons so you know what to expect.

Eco-Friendliness

Many people want to opt for an eco-friendly cleaner, especially if there are plants and wildlife nearby. There are lots of biodegradable and eco-friendly formulas on the market.

We’ll let you know whether each product is eco-friendly or not.

Value for Money

Concrete cleaners come in a range of prices. Look at the price per ounce rather than the overall price. At the same time, consider if the product is concentrated or not. Concentrated cleaners need to be diluted, but they generally are more cost-effective.

Ease of Use

Consider how easy the product is to use. Be sure to check if it’s made to be used with a pressure washer. It may be suitable for use without one, but check how much scrubbing is required. Some cleaners are easier and quicker to use than others.

Versatility

Many concrete cleaners work on a range of surfaces, indoors and outdoors. While you may be happy with one specifically for concrete, many people want a product that goes a bit further. Check how many surfaces and purposes the cleaner that you’re looking at has.

Toxicity

Last, but not least, consider if the formula has toxic or harsh chemicals. This is especially important if you have kids or pets around.


Concrete Cleaner FAQs

Can You Clean Concrete With Bleach?

Yes, you can mix household bleach and water to clean your concrete. This can remove mold, mildew, dirt, and grime.

Combined with a scrubber, this can also release embedded dirt and odors. Just be sure never to mix bleach with other chemicals, as this can lead to toxic gasses.

Can You Use Chlorine To Clean Concrete?

Like the above, you can use chlorine bleach to clean your concrete but don’t mix it with other cleaning chemicals.

Does Dawn Dish Soap Remove Oil From Concrete?

Yes, this is a very common and safe way to remove oil stains from concrete. Mix dish soap and hot water and scrub the concrete surfaces. Afterward, rinse the concrete with water.

Does WD-40 Remove Oil Stains From Concrete?

WD-40 can remove grease stains but may not be as effective as other cleaning solutions. If the stain is old, we don’t recommend this as it won’t work super well.

You can always try it, though! Spray it onto the stain and wait 30 minutes. Scrub well with a brush. Sprinkle cat litter over the spray to absorb the excess.

Does Coca-Cola Remove Oil Stains From Concrete?

Coke is acidic, so it’s pretty effective on oil stains. Just pour a few cans of room-temperature coke over the stains. Let it sit for up to 24 hours, then blot it up with old towels.

How Can I Make My Outdoor Concrete Look Better?

You can make your outdoor concrete look better by cleaning it with a dedicated detergent like this RMR-86 Stain Remover Spray. It removes mold and mildew, works to clean beneath the surface, and is fast acting.


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About the Author

Beth McCallum

Beth McCallum is a freelance writer & book blogger with a degree in creative writing, journalism, and English literature. Beth firmly believes that a tidy house is a tidy mind. She is always looking for new ways to sustainably clean and tidy her house, that's kind on the environment but effective in the house, too!