Prosoco Custom Masonry Cleaner

Prosoco Sure Klean Custom Masonry Cleaner – Acidic Cleaner for Colored Concrete & Textured Masonry

Prosoco Sure Klean Custom Masonry Cleaner is a concentrated acidic cleaner formulated to remove concrete splashes, excess mortar, mud, retarders, heavy efflorescence, embedded stains, rust, and surface soiling from textured custom masonry surfaces and colored concrete. Designed for B2B use by masonry contractors, general contractors, and restoration professionals, it delivers consistent color brightness, depth, and uniformity across a wide range of masonry substrates. The product is supplied as a concentrate for easy on-site dilution, offering flexibility across varying levels of soiling and substrate sensitivity. It is also suitable for additional aggregate exposure (weathering) when applied in stronger solutions.

Unlike lighter-duty alternatives, Custom Masonry Cleaner is specifically engineered for demanding post-construction cleandown situations where heavy mortar smears, lime run, and embedded staining require a higher-strength acidic solution. It also improves the bond of color coatings and enhances penetration of protective treatments, making it a productive part of a complete masonry finishing workflow. For applications where no surface etching is desired, Prosoco Sure Klean Light Duty Concrete Cleaner is the recommended alternative.

Key Features & Benefits

Improves Color Brightness, Depth, and Uniformity

Custom Masonry Cleaner restores the intended appearance of colored concrete and custom masonry by eliminating surface haze, efflorescence, and staining that obscure color. Contractors working on decorative masonry or colored CMU projects can rely on this product to deliver a consistent, finished appearance across the entire surface.

Removes Heavy Soiling and Mortar Residues

Formulated to tackle mortar smears, lime run, heavy efflorescence, embedded stains, rust, and general construction soiling, this cleaner handles the toughest post-construction cleanup scenarios. It is most effective when applied 14–28 days after masonry installation, and cleaning high-strength mortar within seven days further improves results.

Concentrated Formula for On-Site Dilution

Supplied as a concentrate, Custom Masonry Cleaner allows contractors to adjust dilution ratios on-site based on substrate type and degree of soiling, improving efficiency and reducing waste. Coverage rates of 300–700 sq ft per gallon of concentrate provide cost-effective yield across large commercial projects.

Designed for Colored Concrete

Many standard masonry cleaners risk bleaching or unevenly reacting with pigmented concrete; Custom Masonry Cleaner is specifically designed to be compatible with colored concrete substrates. This makes it a reliable choice for decorative flatwork, colored block, and custom masonry facades where color integrity is critical.

Improves Bond and Penetration for Subsequent Treatments

Beyond cleaning, the product opens the masonry surface to improve the bond of color coatings and the penetration of protective sealers and treatments applied afterward. This makes it a practical first step in a complete masonry protection system.

VOC Compliant and BABAA Certified

Custom Masonry Cleaner is compliant with all national, state, and district VOC regulations, making it suitable for use on federally funded or regulated job sites. PROSOCO has issued a Build America, Buy America Act (BABAA) certification for this product, with blending and packaging conducted in Lawrence, Kansas.

Common Applications

Post-Construction Masonry Cleandown

Removes mortar smears, splashes, and construction soiling from brick, block, and textured masonry surfaces following new construction. Most effective when applied 14–28 days after installation.

Colored Concrete Cleaning

Cleans and restores color uniformity on integrally colored or pigmented concrete surfaces, including colored CMU block walls and decorative concrete applications.

Efflorescence Removal

Dissolves and removes heavy efflorescence deposits from masonry facades, retaining walls, and horizontal surfaces where mineral salt migration has left visible white residue.

Rust and Embedded Stain Removal

Addresses rust staining and deeply embedded soiling on textured and rough-faced masonry surfaces that resist lighter-duty cleaners.

Aggregate Exposure (Weathering)

When applied in stronger concentrations, Custom Masonry Cleaner can be used to achieve additional aggregate exposure on masonry surfaces, simulating a weathered or exposed-aggregate finish.

Pre-Treatment Surface Preparation

Prepares masonry surfaces prior to the application of color coatings or penetrating protective treatments by opening the surface and removing contaminants that could interfere with adhesion or penetration.

Compatible Materials

• Textured custom masonry surfaces
• Colored concrete
• Concrete block (CMU)
• Brick masonry
• Mortar joints
• Rough-faced and split-face masonry
• Precast concrete panels (use at maximum 1:4 dilution to avoid undesirable etching)

Product Documents

• Product Data Sheet
• Safety Data Sheet
• Safety Data Sheet (Spanish)
• SDS Canadian French
• Build America, Buy America Act Certification

Application Instructions

Stage 1: Pre-Application Preparation

1. Complete all masonry work before beginning cleaning. Install and fully cure all caulking and sealant materials prior to cleaning.
2. Remove or protect non-masonry materials such as windows, doors, finished flooring, metal fixtures, hardware, light fixtures, roofing materials, and any glazing — especially low-E glass and glass with surface-applied reflective, metallic, or synthetic coatings — before applying the cleaner.
3. If cleaning after installation of non-masonry materials, test all adjacent substrates not intended for treatment prior to full-scale application. If testing is not feasible or indicates adverse effects, protect substrates using Sure Klean Strippable Masking or polyethylene sheeting before application.
4. When applying to exteriors of occupied buildings, cover all windows, exterior intake vents, and air conditioning vents, and shut down air handling equipment during application.
5. Ensure surface and air temperatures are 40°F (4°C) or above. Do not apply when temperatures are at or below freezing or will drop below freezing overnight. Allow frozen surfaces to fully thaw before application.
6. Best practice: clean new masonry 14–28 days after installation. For high-strength mortar or grout, cleaning within seven days improves results.

Stage 2: Dilution

1. Determine appropriate dilution ratio based on substrate type, degree of soiling, and project requirements. Refer to the Product Data Sheet for substrate-specific dilution guidance.
2. For precast concrete panels, do not exceed 1 part cleaner to 4 parts water to avoid undesirable surface etching.
3. For additional aggregate exposure (weathering), use stronger solution concentrations as specified in the Product Data Sheet.
4. Always mix cleaner with water — do not apply full-strength unless specifically directed by the Product Data Sheet for the substrate in question.

Stage 3: Application

1. Apply diluted cleaner using a soft-fibered tampico masonry washing brush or with low-pressure spray equipment (50 psi maximum) fitted with acid-resistant hoses and gaskets.
2. Do not apply with pressure spray above 50 psi — higher pressure drives the cleaner into the surface, making rinsing difficult and potentially causing staining.
3. When working over traffic areas, clean when traffic is at a minimum. Protect or divert traffic as necessary.

Stage 4: Rinsing

1. Rinse thoroughly with sufficient water and pressure to flush spent cleaner and dissolved soiling from the masonry surface and surface pores without causing damage.
2. Masonry-washing equipment generating 400–1000 psi with a water flow rate of 6–8 gallons per minute is the recommended water/pressure combination for rinsing porous masonry surfaces.
3. Use a 15–45° fan spray tip for rinsing. Heated water (150–180°F; 65–82°C) may improve cleaning results.
4. Ensure all residues are fully flushed from the surface. Inadequate rinsing will leave residues that may cause staining on the cleaned surface.

Technical Specifications

Safety Data Summary

Hazard Information

• Strong acidic cleaner — pH as low as 0.25 at working dilutions
• Pungent odor; ensure adequate ventilation during application
• May damage exposed low-E glass treatments, acrylic and polycarbonate sheet glazing, and glazing with surface-applied reflective, metallic, or synthetic coatings and films
• May etch smooth concrete surfaces
• Undesirable surface etching may occur on precast concrete panels at concentrations stronger than 1:4 (cleaner to water)
• Not for use on polished surfaces
• Will not correct damage caused by improper cleaning
• 24-Hour Emergency Information: INFOTRAC at 800-535-5053

Personal Protective Equipment

• Read full label and SDS before use
• Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) as specified in the SDS during application and handling
• Eye and face protection recommended given acidic nature of product
• Chemical-resistant gloves and protective clothing recommended

Safe Handling

• Always read the full label and SDS for complete precautionary instructions before use
• Use appropriate job site controls during application and handling
• When applying to occupied buildings, cover all windows, intake vents, and air conditioning vents, and shut down air handling equipment during application
• Protect all non-masonry substrates from product splash, residue, wind drift, and fumes prior to application
• Do not apply at or below freezing temperatures
• Store in tightly sealed container; shelf life is 3 years when stored properly
• For complete safety information, download the Safety Data Sheet above

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the recommended dilution ratio for Custom Masonry Cleaner on standard brick masonry?
A: Dilution ratios vary by substrate type and degree of soiling. Refer to the Product Data Sheet for substrate-specific dilution guidance. For precast concrete panels, do not exceed 1 part cleaner to 4 parts water to avoid undesirable surface etching.

Q: Can Custom Masonry Cleaner be used on polished concrete or smooth concrete surfaces?
A: No. Custom Masonry Cleaner is not for use on polished surfaces and may etch smooth concrete surfaces. For applications where no surface etching is desired, use Sure Klean Light Duty Concrete Cleaner instead.

Q: When is the best time to clean new masonry with Custom Masonry Cleaner?
A: New masonry surfaces clean most effectively 14–28 days after installation. Mortar and grout smears left on the surface longer become more difficult to clean and may cause undesirable results. For high-strength mortar or grout, cleaning within seven days improves results.

Q: Is Custom Masonry Cleaner compliant with federal BABAA requirements for publicly funded projects?
A: Yes. PROSOCO has issued a Build America, Buy America Act (BABAA) certification for Custom Masonry Cleaner. The product is blended and packaged in Lawrence, Kansas. Note that PROSOCO considers construction cleaners to be out-of-scope of BABAA since they are not permanently installed or integral to building assemblies; the certification is provided as a courtesy to contractors and specifiers.

Q: What application pressure should be used when applying Custom Masonry Cleaner?
A: Apply using a soft-fibered tampico masonry washing brush or with low-pressure spray equipment at a maximum of 50 psi. Exceeding 50 psi during application drives the cleaner into the surface, making rinsing difficult and potentially causing staining. For rinsing, use masonry-washing equipment generating 400–1000 psi at 6–8 gallons per minute with a 15–45° fan spray tip.

Q: What surfaces or materials must be protected before applying Custom Masonry Cleaner?
A: Protect all non-masonry materials including windows (especially low-E glass and glass with surface-applied reflective, metallic, or synthetic coatings), doors, finished flooring, metal fixtures, hardware, light fixtures, roofing materials, and acrylic or polycarbonate sheet glazing. Use Sure Klean Strippable Masking or polyethylene sheeting to protect vulnerable substrates from product splash, residue, wind drift, and fumes.