Prosoco Sure Klean Heavy Duty Concrete Cleaner

Prosoco Sure Klean Heavy Duty Concrete Cleaner – Concentrated Acidic Cleaner for Tough Concrete Soiling

Sure Klean® Heavy Duty Concrete Cleaner is a concentrated, general-purpose acidic cleaner engineered for the removal of concrete splashes, excess mortar, retarders, heavy efflorescence, embedded stains, rust, and surface soiling from textured concrete surfaces. Formulated for use by contractors and trades professionals on demanding new construction and restoration projects, it improves color uniformity across standard concrete, colored concrete, precast panel, and concrete block surfaces. The product is supplied in concentrate form for flexible on-site dilution, making it practical for a wide range of job conditions and application scales.

Unlike light-duty alternatives, Sure Klean® Heavy Duty Concrete Cleaner can be applied in stronger solutions to etch concrete surfaces, enabling additional aggregate exposure ideal for weathering architectural concrete. For situations where etching is not desired, Prosoco recommends Sure Klean® Light Duty Concrete Cleaner, while Sure Klean® Custom Masonry Cleaner may be more appropriate for colored concrete block — giving contractors a full system of matched products for precise surface outcomes.

Key Features & Benefits

Heavy-Duty Efflorescence and Stain Removal

Removes heavy efflorescence and deeply embedded stains from new concrete construction where standard cleaners fall short. The acidic formula attacks mortar residues, rust, and retarder deposits that accumulate during typical construction cycles.

Concentrated Formula for On-Site Dilution

Supplied as a concentrate, the cleaner allows contractors to adjust dilution ratios on-site based on the severity of soiling. This reduces shipping weight, lowers storage requirements, and provides cost efficiency across large projects.

Designed for Pressure Water Rinsing

The product is specifically engineered for use with pressure water rinsing systems operating at 400–1,000 psi with a 6–8 GPM water flow rate, ensuring spent cleaner and dissolved soiling are fully flushed from surface pores. A 15–45° fan spray tip and heated water (150–180°F) can further improve cleaning efficiency.

Improves Bond for Protective Coatings and Membranes

When used prior to coating application, Heavy Duty Concrete Cleaner removes surface contamination and opens pores, improving the mechanical bond of protective coatings and membranes. This is particularly important on precast and architectural concrete where coating adhesion is critical.

Aggregate Exposure and Architectural Weathering

When applied in strong solutions, the cleaner etches concrete to expose aggregate, making it a versatile tool for architectural finishes requiring a weathered or textured appearance. This dual functionality reduces the number of separate products needed on job sites.

VOC Compliant and Build America, Buy America Act Certified

Sure Klean® Heavy Duty Concrete Cleaner is compliant with all national, state, and district VOC regulations. Product blending and packaging takes place in Lawrence, Kansas, and Prosoco has provided BABAA certification for this product as a courtesy to contractors and specifiers on federally funded projects.

Common Applications

Removal of Concrete Splatter and Excess Mortar

Effectively cleans concrete splashes and mortar smears from textured concrete surfaces on new construction. Best results are achieved when cleaning is performed within 14–28 days of installation; high-strength mortar and grout should be addressed within seven days.

Heavy Efflorescence Treatment

Targets and removes heavy efflorescence deposits on concrete block, precast panels, and poured concrete, restoring surface uniformity and color consistency across the cleaned area.

Rust and Embedded Stain Removal

The acidic formulation dissolves rust stains and deeply embedded soiling that cannot be addressed with neutral or alkaline cleaners, making it suitable for concrete exposed to rebar bleed, metal fasteners, or other rust-generating contact.

Retarder Removal from Concrete Surfaces

Removes curing retarders that can inhibit bonding and affect surface appearance, particularly on precast panels and architectural concrete elements where surface quality is specified.

Aggregate Exposure for Architectural Concrete

Applied in strong concentrations to etch and expose aggregate on architectural concrete, producing a weathered finish commonly specified on feature walls, facades, and decorative flatwork.

Pre-Coating Surface Preparation

Used as a surface preparation step prior to the application of protective coatings or membranes, improving adhesion by removing soiling and opening the concrete substrate's pore structure.

Compatible Materials

• Textured concrete
• Colored concrete
• Precast concrete panels
• Concrete block
• Standard concrete (new construction and restoration)
• Architectural concrete (for weathering and aggregate exposure)

Product Documents

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

Application Instructions

Step 1: Surface and Site Preparation

1. Clean masonry before installing non-masonry materials such as windows, doors, finished flooring, metal fixtures, hardware, light fixtures, roofing materials, and other items that could be damaged by the cleaner.
2. If cleaning must occur after non-masonry materials are installed, test all adjacent substrates before full-scale application. Protect substrates that cannot be tested or show adverse effects using Sure Klean® Strippable Masking or polyethylene sheeting to guard against splash, residue, wind drift, and fumes.
3. Ensure all caulking and sealant materials are in place and thoroughly cured before beginning cleaning operations.
4. When applying to exteriors of occupied buildings, cover all windows and exterior intake and air conditioning vents, and shut down air handling equipment during application.
5. Allow surface temperatures to reach 40°F (4°C) or above before application. Do not apply if temperatures are below freezing or will drop below freezing overnight. If freezing conditions exist, allow the surface to fully thaw before proceeding.
6. When working over active traffic areas, clean when traffic volume is at a minimum and protect or divert traffic as necessary.

Step 2: Equipment Setup

1. Apply the cleaner using a soft-fibered tampico masonry washing brush or low-pressure spray equipment (50 psi maximum) fitted with acid-resistant hoses and gaskets.
2. Do not exceed 50 psi during application — higher pressure drives the cleaner into the surface, making rinsing difficult and potentially causing staining.
3. Set up rinse equipment capable of generating 400–1,000 psi with a water flow rate of 6–8 gallons per minute. Use a 15–45° fan spray tip. Heated rinse water at 150–180°F (65–82°C) may improve cleaning efficiency.

Step 3: Dilution and Application

1. Dilute the concentrate on-site according to the severity of soiling and the desired result. For etching or aggregate exposure, use stronger solution concentrations. Reference the product data sheet for specific dilution ratios for each application type.
2. Apply the diluted cleaner to the surface using the brush or low-pressure spray equipment. Work the cleaner into the surface as needed to address embedded soiling, efflorescence, or mortar residues.
3. Allow adequate dwell time for the cleaner to react with surface contaminants before proceeding to rinsing.

Step 4: Rinsing

1. Rinse the surface with sufficient water volume and pressure to fully flush spent cleaner and dissolved soiling from the masonry surface and surface pores without causing damage.
2. Inadequate rinsing leaves residues on the cleaned surface that may cause staining — ensure all cleaner is completely removed.
3. Use the 400–1,000 psi pressure washing setup with a fan spray tip for best results on porous masonry surfaces.

Technical Specifications

Safety Data Summary

Hazard Information

• Concentrated acidic formula — highly corrosive to skin, eyes, and mucous membranes
• Pungent odor — adequate ventilation required during application
• May damage exposed low-E glass treatments; acrylic and polycarbonate sheet glazing; and glazing with surface-applied reflective, metallic, or other synthetic coatings and films
• May etch smooth concrete surfaces — not intended for use on polished surfaces
• Always test for adverse effects on adjacent substrates prior to overall application
• Always read the full label and SDS before use

Personal Protective Equipment

• Acid-resistant gloves
• Chemical splash goggles or face shield
• Acid-resistant clothing and footwear
• Respiratory protection appropriate for acidic fumes where ventilation is inadequate

Safe Handling

• Use appropriate safety equipment and job site controls during application and handling
• Apply with acid-resistant hoses, gaskets, and equipment — do not use standard metal fittings
• Do not apply to occupied buildings without first covering windows, intake vents, and air conditioning vents, and shutting down air handling equipment
• Protect adjacent non-masonry materials from splash, residue, wind drift, and fumes using Sure Klean® Strippable Masking or polyethylene
• Do not apply above 50 psi — higher application pressure forces cleaner into the surface, complicating rinsing and risking staining
• Store in tightly sealed, unopened containers for full 3-year shelf life
• 24-Hour Emergency Information: INFOTRAC at 800-535-5053
• Refer to full Safety Data Sheet for complete handling, storage, and disposal instructions

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can Sure Klean® Heavy Duty Concrete Cleaner be used on polished concrete surfaces?
A: No. The product is not recommended for use on polished surfaces, as the acidic formula may etch and permanently alter the finish. For surfaces where no etching is desired, Prosoco recommends Sure Klean® Light Duty Concrete Cleaner.

Q: How soon after installation should cleaning be performed?
A: For best results, clean concrete and masonry surfaces within 14–28 days of installation. Mortar and grout smears that remain on the surface longer become more difficult to remove and may cause undesirable results. High-strength mortar and grout should be addressed within seven days of installation.

Q: What dilution ratio should I use for standard cleaning versus etching?
A: For general cleaning of efflorescence, mortar residues, and embedded stains, use a standard dilution as specified in the product data sheet. For etching concrete to expose aggregate or achieve a weathered architectural finish, use a stronger (less diluted) solution. Always refer to the full product data sheet for specific dilution guidance.

Q: Is this product compliant with Build America, Buy America Act requirements for federally funded projects?
A: Prosoco has issued a BABAA certification for Sure Klean® Heavy Duty Concrete 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 should I do to protect adjacent materials like windows and glazing during application?
A: Cover and protect all adjacent surfaces including windows, low-E glass, acrylic and polycarbonate glazing, reflective or metallic coated glass, air intake vents, and non-masonry materials before beginning application. Use Sure Klean® Strippable Masking or polyethylene sheeting to guard against splash, residue, wind drift, and fumes. Always test adjacent substrates before full-scale application.

Q: What rinse pressure and equipment is recommended for this product?
A: Prosoco recommends rinsing with masonry-washing equipment generating 400–1,000 psi at a water flow rate of 6–8 gallons per minute, using a 15–45° fan spray tip. Heated rinse water at 150–180°F (65–82°C) may improve cleaning efficiency. Inadequate rinsing can leave residues that stain the cleaned surface, so thorough flushing is essential.