How To Clean Concrete With TSP

Concrete is a stonelike material made from cement, water and stone or sand, which are mixed, poured and cured into various designs. Concrete is often used to make basement floors, patios and driveways because of its durability. Dirty or stained concrete can look unattractive, and difficult stains such as grease or oil won't always come clean with regular detergents. Trisodium phosphate, or TSP, is a strong and effective cleaner for tough stains on concrete surfaces.

Step 1

Sweep any loose dirt or debris from the concrete with a stiff-bristled broom.

Step 2

Wet the surface of the concrete with a garden hose if it's outdoors, or use a wet mop if it's indoors. Put on rubber gloves and a ventilation mask.

Step 3

Mix 1/4 cup of trisodium phosphate with 1 gallon of hot water in a bucket. Use a long-handled spoon to stir the solution until the TSP dissolves. Use 1/2 cup of TSP if the concrete surface is extremely dirty.

Step 4

Mop the concrete surface with the solution, or pour the solution onto the concrete and scrub it with a stiff-bristled broom.

Step 5

Rinse the concrete surface with a garden hose. If you're working indoors, use a bucket filled with clean water and a mop to remove any remaining cleaner. Rinse the mop in the bucket, and change the rinse water as needed. Allow the concrete to air dry.