Non-Fuming Concrete Cleaner & Etcher - 5 Gallon

SafEtch Non-Fuming Concrete Cleaner & Etcher — Acid-Free Surface Prep for Contractors

Technical Specifications

PROSOCO SafEtch is a non-fuming, non-hydrochloric acid cleaner and surface etcher formulated for horizontal and vertical concrete surfaces, as well as fired clay masonry. Designed for contractors and trades professionals, it cleans embedded oil, grease, excess mortar, efflorescence, and dirt while simultaneously etching cementitious surfaces to improve adhesion for subsequent coatings, hardeners, densifiers, and protective treatments. SafEtch is the preferred choice for projects where traditional acidic cleaners are prohibited or restricted.

Unlike conventional mineral acid products, SafEtch contains no hydrochloric or other traditional inorganic acids, making it significantly safer to handle and use in occupied or interior environments. It is up to 70% more effective than citric and glycolic acids, and up to 50% more effective than phosphoric acid, delivering superior cleaning and etching performance without the hazards associated with fuming acid cleaners.

Key Features & Benefits

Non-Fuming, Non-Hydrochloric Formula

SafEtch contains no hydrochloric or other traditional inorganic acids, eliminating the toxic fumes that restrict use in enclosed spaces. This makes it safe for interior cleaning applications where ventilation is limited and traditional acid cleaners are not permitted.

Superior Cleaning Effectiveness

SafEtch is up to 70% more effective than citric and glycolic acids, and up to 50% more effective than phosphoric acid. Contractors get stronger cleaning and etching action without resorting to hazardous acid formulas.

Surface Etching for Better Coating Adhesion

On cementitious surfaces, SafEtch dissolves a small amount of the surface while leaving aggregates intact. This mild etch increases surface area, promoting deeper penetration and improved bonding of hardeners, densifiers, and clear or pigmented coatings.

Safe for Metal Surfaces and Cleaning Equipment

SafEtch will not harm most cleaning equipment or metal surfaces, reducing the risk of accidental damage to tools, hardware, and surrounding metalwork during cleaning operations. This is a practical advantage on job sites where metal fixtures are already installed.

Environmentally Responsible

SafEtch is compliant with all national, state, and district VOC regulations. Its environmentally responsible formulation makes it suitable for projects with strict environmental compliance requirements.

Low Odor and Water-Rinsable

The pleasant odor and water-rinsable formula reduce worker discomfort and simplify cleanup. Thorough rinsing removes spent cleaner and dissolved soiling from surface pores, ensuring no residues interfere with subsequent protective treatments.

Common Applications

Concrete Surface Preparation

SafEtch prepares horizontal and vertical concrete surfaces for application of coatings, hardeners, and densifiers by cleaning and lightly etching the surface to maximize penetration and adhesion.

Efflorescence Removal

SafEtch effectively removes efflorescence from decorative paving treatments and cementitious surfaces, restoring appearance and preparing the substrate for protective coatings.

Construction Soiling and Mortar Smear Removal

SafEtch removes embedded oil, grease, excess mortar, and general construction soiling from concrete and masonry, including mortar smears on fired clay surfaces using latex-modified grout.

Interior Cleaning Projects

SafEtch is safe for interior cleaning applications where fuming acid cleaners would pose health and safety risks or are not permitted by project specifications.

Projects Where Traditional Acid Cleaners Are Prohibited

SafEtch is specifically formulated as a drop-in replacement for mineral and organic acid products on projects where regulatory, safety, or environmental restrictions prohibit their use.

Compatible Materials

• Horizontal and vertical concrete
• Fired clay masonry surfaces
• Cementitious surfaces (general)
• Decorative paving treatments
• Surfaces receiving hardeners, densifiers, and clear or pigmented coatings
• Most metal surfaces and cleaning equipment (always test first)

Limitations

• Not suitable for polished or unpolished marble, limestone, or travertine
• May cause discoloration and corrosion on certain metals — always test prior to full 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 — protect or test prior to use

Product Documents

• Product Data Sheet
• Safety Data Sheet
• Safety Data Sheet (Spanish)
• Safety Data Sheet (Canadian French)

Application Instructions

Preparation

1. Protect people, vehicles, property, and all surfaces not intended for cleaning from product, splash, wind drift, residue, and rinse water.
2. Remove mortar residues and construction soiling within 7–14 days of tooling the mortar joints.
3. When possible, finish cleaning before installing windows, doors, light fixtures, hardware, surrounding metal, and other items that may be damaged by cleaning. If already in place, protect them.
4. Ensure all caulking and sealant materials are in place and thoroughly cured before cleaning.
5. Best results are obtained when air and masonry surface temperatures are 40°F (4°C) or above. Do not clean when temperatures are below freezing or will be below freezing overnight. Allow masonry to thaw if freezing conditions existed prior to application.

Application

1. Apply using a low-pressure sprayer (50 psi max), roller, or densely filled (tampico) masonry washing brush.
2. Do not atomize. Do not use high-pressure spray above 50 psi, as this drives the cleaner into the surface and makes rinsing difficult, potentially causing staining.

Rinsing

1. Rinse 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 gpm is the recommended combination for rinsing porous masonry. Use a 15–45° fan spray tip.
3. Heated water (150–180°F; 65–82°C) may improve cleaning efficiency.
4. Use adjustable equipment to reduce water flow rates and rinsing pressure as needed for sensitive surfaces.
5. Rinsing pressures above 1000 psi and fan spray tips smaller than 15° may permanently damage sensitive masonry. Ensure adequate rinsing to prevent residues that could interfere with penetration of additional protective treatments.

Safety Data Summary

Hazard Information

• Causes severe skin burns and eye damage (Skin Corrosion/Irritation Category 1B; Serious Eye Damage Category 1)
• May damage fertility or the unborn child (Reproductive Toxicity Category 1B)
• May be harmful if swallowed
• Product is a corrosive material
• Emergency contact: INFOTRAC 800-535-5053 (24-hour); 785-865-4200 (business hours, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM CST Mon–Fri)

Personal Protective Equipment

• Use appropriate personal protective equipment as required
• Do not breathe dust, fume, gas, mist, vapors, or spray
• Wash face, hands, and any exposed skin thoroughly after handling
• Obtain special instructions before use; do not handle until all safety precautions have been read and understood

Safe Handling

• IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes; remove contact lenses if present and easy to do; continue rinsing; immediately call a poison center or doctor
• IF ON SKIN OR HAIR: Remove/take off immediately all contaminated clothing; rinse skin with water or shower; immediately call a poison center or doctor
• IF INHALED: Remove victim to fresh air and keep at rest in a comfortable breathing position; immediately call a poison center or doctor
• IF SWALLOWED: Rinse mouth; do NOT induce vomiting; immediately call a poison center or doctor
• Store locked up
• Dispose of contents and container at an approved waste disposal facility

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can SafEtch be used indoors?
A: Yes. SafEtch is specifically formulated for safe interior cleaning. Its non-fuming formula makes it suitable for enclosed spaces where traditional acid cleaners would pose ventilation and health hazards.

Q: Is SafEtch safe to use around installed metal hardware and fixtures?
A: SafEtch will not harm most cleaning equipment or metal surfaces; however, it may cause discoloration and corrosion on certain types of metals. Always test on an inconspicuous area prior to full application, and protect any metal surfaces that cannot be tested.

Q: Can SafEtch be used on marble, limestone, or travertine?
A: No. SafEtch is not suitable for polished or unpolished marble, limestone, or travertine. Use on these surfaces should be avoided.

Q: How soon after mortar joint tooling should SafEtch be applied?
A: Mortar residues and construction soiling should be removed within 7–14 days of tooling the mortar joints for best results.

Q: What is the recommended rinsing pressure for SafEtch?
A: Masonry-washing equipment generating 400–1000 psi with a water flow rate of 6–8 gpm using a 15–45° fan spray tip is recommended for porous masonry. Pressures above 1000 psi or tips smaller than 15° may permanently damage sensitive surfaces.

Q: What is the shelf life of SafEtch?
A: SafEtch has a shelf life of 3 years in a tightly sealed, unopened container.