| Concrete
Floors
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technique information:
Summary
This details the equipment, products and techniques
recommended for fast, safe, and effective preparation
of concrete floors prior to the application of
a floor coating.
Effective water-based cleaning
is controlled four key variables:
Time
- Length of time the cleaning solution is in contact
with the surface
Agitation - Impingement
of the cleaning solution on the surface, i.e.,
scrubbing or the force of high-pressure spray.
Concentration - Strength
of the cleaner.
Temperature - The temperature
of the cleaning solution. Each +18°F increase
in temperature doubles the cleaning rate.
The fastest most effective cleaning
method requires the use of a hot water pressure
washer that will inject detergent under high pressure.
The combined effect of the high-pressure spray,
heat and detergency in continuous contact with
the soil results in fast cleaning and minimum
detergent use.
Increasing any one of the four
variables will improve cleaning results. Since
cleaning quickly is usually required, increase
the temperature, agitation and/or cleaning solution
strength to improve cleaning results.
Equipment
- 3,000+ psi hot water pressure
washer
- Chemical injection system
which allows high pressure detergent injection
- 15° wand tip for routine
cleaning
- 0° Oscillating tip for
heavy soil removal
- Quick-Disconnect fitting
for the wand tip
Detergent
- Great Lakes Laboratories
All Purpose Prepaint Degreaser #1921
- USDA Accepted with an A-1
Rating
Preparation
- Adjust temperature to deliver
140°F at the wand tip. Temperatures above 140°F
may cause thermal shock to concrete floors in
refrigerated work areas.
- Adjust injector for 1 oz.
of detergent per gallon of water.
To Determine Injection
Rate
- Fill a measuring cup with
water.
- Place the injector foot into
measuring cup.
- Trigger the wand at high
pressure into a 5 gallon pail until the pail
is full.
- Determine how many oz. of
water have been drawn from the measuring cup.
- Divide the oz. drawn from
the cup by 5 to determine the oz./gal. injection
rate.
- Adjust the injection control
valve to provide the oz. per gallon of detergent
required.
Method
- Position the 15° tip so that
the fan spray pattern is horizontal.
- Work in 10' x 10' sections.
Begin in a corner and work toward floor drains,
if available.
- Prevent recontaminating treated
areas by cleaning boots frequently.
- Hold wand within 12"
of the floor so that the spray strikes the floor
at a 45° angle. This provides the maximum "chiseling"
effect and the fastest soil removal.
- Move the wand at 1' per second.
Push spray to insure complete coverage.
- Flush floor with hot water
after cleaning. For best results, scrub while
rinsing using a clean push broom.
- Use pedestal fans, compressed
air or an electric leaf blower to reduce drying
time.
Usage Tips
- To determine if the floor
is clean, spray water onto a clean, dry area.
The water should flow evenly over the surface
and wet the concrete. If the water beads or
breaks, the surface is still contaminated and
should be re-cleaned.
- Heavily soiled areas may
require pre-wetting with detergent and scrubbing
with a brush or pushbroom or using a 0° oscillating
wand tip.
Other Considerations
Some pressure washer manufacturers offer a floor
cleaning attachment that can be connected to the
hot water pressure washer. Such a unit may further
reduce cleaning time and improve cleaning results.
-If floor drains are not available, vacuum up
the cleaning solution using a wet-dry vac.
For Technical Assistance
Call:
1-800-888-1105
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