2024’s Best Concrete Cleaners for Removing Dirt and Stains

Hello, my friend, hello again; today we come together to talk about 2024’s Best Concrete Cleaners for Removing Dirt and Stains and hope the blog can help you.

Don’t put up with a cruddy driveway or a moldy foundation when one of these quality cleaners may be able to get it looking like new.

Concrete is porous and tends to soak up substances like oil, mold, mildew, and grease, and once they penetrate deep into the surface, they’re especially difficult to dislodge without a concrete cleaner. Choosing the right concrete cleaning method is key—as is using the right cleaner for the job. 

The best concrete cleaners, both liquid and dry, attack stains deep below the surface. However, the variety of materials that cause concrete stains requires matching the cleaner to the type of stain. Read on for some of the best concrete cleaners that we thoroughly researched and/or tested as well as some considerations to keep in mind as you shop.

1. BEST OVERALL: Zep Neutral pH Floor Cleaner Concentrate
2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Sunnyside Trisodium Phosphate All Purpose Cleaner
3. BEST ECO-FRIENDLY: ACT Concrete Cleaner
4. BEST FOR PRESSURE WASHING: Simple Green Oxy Solve Total Outdoor Cleaner
5. BEST WATERLESS: CAF Outdoor Cleaning Eximo Waterless Concrete Cleaner
6. BEST DEGREASER: Oil Eater Cleaner & Degreaser
7. BEST HEAVY-DUTY: RMR-86 Pro Instant Mold Stain & Mildew Stain Remover
8. BEST FOR MOLD: Wet & Forget Moss, Mold, Mildew & Algae Stain Remover
9. MOST VERSATILE: Aunt Fannie’s Vinegar Floor Cleaner

How We Chose the Best Concrete Cleaners 

We researched and/or tested the most sought-after concrete cleaners in their respective categories and discovered that the best options are determined by the type of stains they can resolve, cleaner type, compatibility with multiple surfaces, form, working time, and other special features included by top brands.

To satisfy a range of preferences, we included liquid and dry options that have pH neutral, alkaline, peroxide, microbe, sodium hypochlorite, and water-based formulas to tackle a variety of stains and surfaces. Though each cleaner is formulated for specific stains, many of these concrete floor cleaners work on oil, dirt, mold, mildew, grime, moss, algae, and grease stains immediately or within a few weeks. 

While these cleaners are more than capable of cleaning concrete, many are also capable of being used on stone, wood, composite, metals, brick, fabric, and many more. For added convenience, some of these cleaners do not need to be scrubbed to work effectively, while others may require a power washer, sponge, or mop. Finally, some of these top products are recognized by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Safer Choice Program certified.

Our Top Picks

Before contacting garage cleaning services, take a look at the concrete cleaning products listed below. These are considered among the most effective cleaners to combat the toughest stains, including oil stains on the driveway, garage floor paint, and foundation mildew. Each of our tested or thoroughly researched concrete cleaners comes with a vetted list of pros and cons as well as a summary of its most notable features. 

Best Overall

Zep Neutral pH Floor Cleaner Concentrate

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Product Specs 

• Compatible stains: Unlisted 
• Cleaner type: pH neutral cleaner 
• Liquid/dry: Liquid 
• Working time: Immediate

Pros

• Neutral pH formula is able to maintain a floor’s natural luster without stripping any finish or coating 
• 1 gallon of formula can make over 128 gallons of cleaning solution 
• Versatile construction is suitable for concrete, marble, granite, vinyl, and stone 
• No rinsing is required after application with a microfiber mop 

Cons

• Recommended for use with a microfiber mop only; may not be suitable for floor-cleaning machines
• Restores shine; may not be suitable for very stubborn stains 
• Not suitable for use on wood or unsealed concrete floors 

Zep Neutral pH floor cleaner concentrate is a great choice for sealed concrete floors as well as marble, granite, vinyl, and stone (do not use it on wood floors). The neutral pH formula helps maintain the floor’s polish without stripping the protective coat. It cleans and restores shine without rinsing. 

This concentrated formula makes up to 128 gallons of cleaning solution, saving on storage space. Zep recommends using a microfiber mop with this product instead of a traditional string mop for improved maneuverability and more efficient cleaning without leaving a residue. 

Get the Zep concrete cleaner at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, or Walmart.

Best Bang for the Buck

Sunnyside Trisodium Phosphate All Purpose Cleaner

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Product Specs 

• Compatible stains: Dirt, grease, mildew, and soap scum
• Cleaner type: Alkaline 
• Liquid/dry: Liquid 
• Working time: Immediate 

Pros

• Heavy-duty trisodium phosphate–based cleaner is suitable for tough stains
• Can be used as a cleaner, degreaser, and paint remover; suitable for preparing concrete for painting 
• 1 pound of product can create hundreds of gallons of cleaning solution 

Cons

• Limited versatility compared to other products; safe for indoor concrete floors only 
• Can cause irritation or burns if used incorrectly; gloves and protective gear should be worn when in use 

The active ingredient in Sunnyside TSP all-purpose cleaner is trisodium phosphate, a powerful alkaline cleaner, degreaser, and paint remover that is safe for concrete surfaces. It’s about one-third the cost of many other cleaners, yet effective at removing dirt, grease, mildew, and soap scum from a wide range of soiled surfaces. It’s also a solid choice to prep concrete surfaces for paint. 

Mix between ¼ and ½ cup of this powdered concentrate with a gallon of hot water for a powerful cleaning solution. TSP is best used for indoor cleaning of basement and garage areas, as the high phosphate content is problematic if it leaks into streams and other water sources. Use caution and protection when mixing and using this all-purpose cleaner, as TSP is highly alkaline and capable of causing severe skin irritation or burns.

Get the Sunnyside concrete cleaner at Amazon.

Best Eco-Friendly

ACT Concrete Cleaner

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Product Specs  

• Compatible stains: Oil, grease, antifreeze, gum, animal waste, mold stains, and more 
• Cleaner type: Enzyme  
• Liquid/dry: Dry 
• Working time: 3 to 4 weeks 

Pros

• USDA-certified enzymatic formula is safe for homes with children and pets 
• Removes bioremediate petroleum hydrocarbons and proteins to remove a wide variety of tough stains 
• Works on concrete, pavers, wood, soil, plastic, and more 

Cons

• Should not be rinsed off after use; cannot be used on outdoor surfaces before a potential rainfall 
• May take some elbow grease upon application 

ACT concrete cleaner effectively releases oil, antifreeze, gum, animal waste, mold, and grease stains from concrete, pavers, wood, soil, plastic, and other surfaces without scrubbing. It uses the same effective processes employed by the oil and gas industry and commercial warehouses to break down and bioremediate petroleum hydrocarbons as well as proteins (it does not remove paint). Stain materials are converted to water and carbon dioxide. 

Simply apply this USDA-certified dry cleaner to the stained surface, work it into the stain with a broom or scrub brush, and let it sit; you should see full results in three to four weeks. This product is environmentally friendly and safe for use around people, animals, and plants. 

Get the ACT concrete cleaner at Amazon, The Home Depot or Walmart.

Best For Pressure Washing

Simple Green Oxy Solve Total Outdoor Cleaner

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Product Specs 

• Compatible stains: Dirt, grime, mold, mildew, moss, and algae stains
• Cleaner type: Peroxide 
• Liquid/dry: Liquid 
• Working time: 3 to 5 minutes 

Pros

• Biodegradable formula is recognized by the EPA’s Safer Choice Program 
• Safe for wood, composite, vinyl, metal, fabric, plastic, wicker, stone, brick, and asphalt
• Can be used in a pressure washer’s reservoir for heavy-duty cleaning projects 

Cons

• Some users report a strong chemical smell while using 

Use Simple Green Oxy Solve outdoor cleaner before pressure-washing as a pretreatment to weaken the bond of stains to concrete, or use it in the pressure washer’s cleaning solution reservoir for one-step cleaning. This cleaner employs the power of peroxide to deep clean dirt, grime, mold, mildew, moss, and algae stains. 

This biodegradable concrete cleaner for pressure-washing meets the criteria of the EPA’s Safer Choice Program, and it’s safe for use around pets, landscape plants, and wildlife. It is suitable for concrete and other materials including wood, composite, vinyl, metal, fabric, plastic, wicker, stone, brick, and asphalt. Use it on driveways, foundations, siding, and more. 

Get the Simple Green concrete cleaner at Amazon.

Best Waterless

CAF Outdoor Cleaning Eximo Waterless Concrete Cleaner

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Product Specs  

• Compatible stains: Gas, diesel, oil, grease, and petroleum-based materials
• Cleaner type: Microbes 
• Liquid/dry: Dry
• Working time: 4 weeks 

Pros

• Natural and eco-friendly formula restores luster and cleanliness to surfaces 
• Can be used as either a wet or dry cleaner for excellent versatility; wet application takes very little time to work effectively 
• Comes in multiple quantities depending on the size of the project
• Suitable for residential and commercial use; perfect for garages and driveways 

Cons

• May take some elbow grease to apply when dry
• Takes some time to clean compared to other options 
• Can only be used on concrete surfaces; not as versatile as similar options 

Eximo concrete cleaner uses microbes to break down hydrocarbon chains in oil to lift away concrete stains caused by gas, diesel, oil, grease, petroleum-based materials, and more. It is a powerful, eco-friendly, natural, waterless cleaner that is highly effective against stains but completely safe for surrounding landscape plants and grass as well as people and pets. It is suitable for wet or dry parking areas, sidewalks, concrete patios and stairs, pavers, and other similar surfaces. 

Apply by working the dry or wetted product into the stain with a broom, and leave it on the surface; no need to sweep it up or wash it off. Apply weekly for four weeks for complete stain removal. Living microbes in the cleaner follow stains and spills deep below the surface, consuming petroleum through tiny crevices in the concrete and even into the subsoil below.

Get the CAF concrete cleaner at Amazon or Walmart.

Best Degreaser

Oil Eater Cleaner & Degreaser

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Product Specs 

• Compatible stains: Grease and oil 
• Cleaner type: Water-based 
• Liquid/dry: Liquid 
• Working time: Immediate 

Pros

• Biodegradable formula is USDA-approved for reliability and peace of mind
• Appropriate for indoor and outdoor use; can be used in residential and commercial spaces 
• Concentrated formula is suitable for light to heavy-duty grease and oil stains
• Works as a light-, medium-, and heavy-duty concrete degreaser 

Cons

• Some users report poor oil stain removal; may require more than 1 application to work effectively 

Oil Eater cleaner/degreaser is formulated to safely dissolve grease and oil on most surfaces. It is nonacidic, noncorrosive, nonhazardous, contains no abrasives or petroleum solvents, and is USDA-approved for nonfood surfaces. The water-based and biodegradable product is concentrated, so follow the dilution chart on the label to use it as a light, medium, or heavy-duty degreaser. 

In addition to removing oil stains and grease on concrete, it can be used on household floors, carpets, tubs and tile, grills, decks, stoves, boat hulls, tires, siding, asphalt, and many other surfaces. 
What our tester says: Glenda Taylor, Bob Vila product tester and writer, notes in The Best Deck Cleaners that “choosing an in-between ratio of 1:5, I mixed it up in a bucket and brushed it on my test board with a nylon-bristle brush. After a few minutes, I rinsed the board—both the mud and the grease stain was gone.”

Get the Oil Eater concrete cleaner at Amazon, Tractor Supply Co., The Home Depot, or Walmart.

Best Heavy-Duty

RMR-86 Pro Instant Mold Stain & Mildew Stain Remover

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Product Specs