Learn how to safely tackle tough stains and clean concrete with vinegar.
If your concrete’s looking more "grimy garage" than "pristine patio," you might be wondering if vinegar, the humble hero of pantry and Pinterest fame, can help. Spoiler alert: it can! But before you start dousing your driveway, there are a few important things to know.
TL;DR
Vinegar is a natural, affordable option for cleaning rust, mold, and mildew off concrete, but it can damage sealed or decorative surfaces if not diluted or rinsed quickly. Always spot test first and avoid using it on sealed concrete or in combination with bleach.
In This Article
Why Use Vinegar on Concrete?
Vinegar is a natural, affordable, and non-toxic way to tackle many kinds of surface stains on concrete. Its mild acidity is great for cutting through grime, rust, mold, and mildew, especially in places where you’d rather not use harsh chemicals.
Best Types of Stains for Vinegar
Vinegar works well when used on:
Rust Stains
Rust stains can be stubborn, but white vinegar can help remove them.
- Pour white vinegar directly onto the rust stain.
- Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes
- Scrub with a stiff-bristled brush.
- Rinse well with clean water.
- Repeat if needed.
Pro Tip: Lemon juice works similarly, but vinegar tends to pack a stronger punch for deeper stains.
Mold and Mildew
Does your concrete have a greenish film or moldy blotches? Mix vinegar and water in a spray bottle and follow these steps:
- Spray the moldy area generously.
- Let it soak for about 30 minutes.
- Scrub thoroughly with a stiff-bristled brush or broom.
- Rinse thoroughly with a garden hose or pressure washer.
Dirt and Grime
Vinegar and baking soda make a dynamic duo for cutting through tough dirt:
- Mix vinegar and baking soda to form a paste.
- Apply to dirty and stained areas.
- Scrub with a stiff-bristled brush.
- Rinse completely and/or follow up with pressure washing.
When to Avoid Vinegar on Concrete
While vinegar is great for plain exterior concrete, it can be too strong for sealed, stained, or decorative concrete. Here’s why:
- Acids like vinegar can eat through sealers or damage colored finishes.
- Prolonged exposure can dull or etch the surface
Pro Tip: Always test a small, hidden patch before going full blast with your vinegar solution.
What to Try Instead of Vinegar
For some issues, vinegar isn’t the best option. Try these instead:
- Oil stains: Use absorptive baking soda and concrete-specific degreaser.
- Sealed concrete: Opt for pH-neutral cleaners.
- Hard-to-clean areas: Consider professional pressure washing and sealing
Cleaning Concrete With Vinegar FAQ
Is vinegar good for cleaning concrete?
Yes, white vinegar is a great natural cleaner for plain, unsealed concrete, especially when tackling rust stains, mold and mildew, and built-up dirt and grime. Just remember: it's acidic, so dilute it and always do a test patch first to avoid damaging sealed or decorative finishes.
How do you clean outdoor concrete?
Start by sweeping away debris, then use a mix of warm water and dish soap and/or vinegar for stains. Scrub with a stiff-bristled brush and rinse thoroughly with a hose or pressure washer. For tougher grime, try adding baking soda, a concrete-specific detergent, or an enzymatic cleaner to your cleaning toolkit.
Related Resource: How To Clean Concrete Step by Step
What is the best household product to clean concrete with?
It depends on the mess! For general cleaning, dish soap and warm water do wonders. For rust, go with vinegar or lemon juice. For grease or oil, baking soda or kitty litter help absorb the oil before scrubbing with dish soap and water. Vinegar or a mold-killing detergent is your best bet for mold or mildew.
Request a Free Estimate from A-1
If your concrete needs more than a surface scrub or you’re unsure how to move forward, get in touch with the experts. A-1 Concrete Leveling offers cleaning, sealing, caulking, and leveling that protects your surfaces and restores your peace of mind.
Request a Free Estimate!
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Sarah Etler
Sarah Etler joined A-1 Concrete Leveling after receiving her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Northern Kentucky University. As A-1's Content Marketing Manager, she works closely with industry experts to produce content that will best answer questions related to concrete repair and maintenance practices. Sarah loves living a life full of discovery and is excited every day to see what new things she can learn and share with those around her.
