what is this and how do I clean it?

[sgtmikeoc]

I thought this was chaulking from the aluminum siding. I've tried housewash(bd-200), TSP mixed strong with brushing, high pressure, and hot water. I cant get this crap off. What is this stuff and how can I clean it?

Thanks in advance. This stuff is kicking my butt!

 

[Grime Busters LLC]

Might be efflorescence. I've yet to try a product called SafeRestore, but have heard nothing but great comments about the product. I have ordered some, have yet to receive my order.

http://eacochem.com/pdf/SABRESTORE.pdf

http://www.eacochem.com/

 

[Terry Mullins]

This looks like Efflorencence to me.
Here are a few sites that tell you what it is, and how to remove it.
http://www.concreteconstruction.net/industry-news.asp?sectionID=710&articleID=233348

Efflorescence remover: http://www.envirosafemfg.com/Efflorescence_Remover.htm

 

[Carolina Prowash]

Send your pics to Lyn at EacoChem - they can look and tell you. Doesn't look like efflo - more like white scum.

 

[Christopher]

Send your pics to Lyn at EacoChem - they can look and tell you. Doesn't look like efflo - more like white scum.

+10 I was about to say the same thing.

It could be efflorescense, white scum and maybe even lime run, you never know until you get up close and find out what works.

Send them pictures and they will give you some ideas of what it might be and what to use.

I would not try anything over the counter or try something like HCL or Muriatic as you can really damage the brick by not knowing what it is or how to clean it in case someone suggests that. It is always better to be safe than sorry.

 

[Danny Bates]

wire brush on a drill.

 

[Henry Bockman]

If it dissapears when wet it's effloresence. If not, it's most likely lime run. Contact Prosoco for some Sure Kleen 600 or Custom Masonry cleaner. That should remove it.

 

[Andy Hinson]

Could it be oxidation? Great pics of you problem job. Also great suggestions on a possible fix

 

[CapeFearProWash]

oxidation should of came out with a house mix if it was that

 

[veteran]

I know this post is old, but I wanted to thank everyone for the help. 600 knocked it out. The trick was to dillute it heavily before applying. I called a brick guy for help on this and now we trade a lot of work back and forth!

 

[Ron Musgraves]

I know this post is old, but I wanted to thank everyone for the help. 600 knocked it out. The trick was to dillute it heavily before applying. I called a brick guy for help on this and now we trade a lot of work back and forth!

So what did you use? Post the link

 

[steve rose]

I have used 600 on many jobs work well.

 

[Doug Rucker]

I know this post is old, but I wanted to thank everyone for the help. 600 knocked it out. The trick was to dillute it heavily before applying. I called a brick guy for help on this and now we trade a lot of work back and forth!

Got a link for where to get the 600 that used?????

 

[TheCleaningDoc]

If it dissapears when wet it's effloresence. If not, it's most likely lime run. Contact Prosoco for some Sure Kleen 600 or Custom Masonry cleaner. That should remove it.

I believe he was talking about the product from Prosoco that Henry recommended.

 

[Russ Spence]

http://www.prosoco.com/ProductDetail.asp?ID=%7B3DD244A3-CBD3-44DA-8368-C1C4EC52F4AA%7D

 

[JBurd]

Thanks Mike. I always love to see how the story ends. Do you think it was effloresence or lime or something else?

 

[veteran]

I think it was lime. It did not dissappear when wet and was not coming from the ground moisture. 600 worked at a 4:1 mix. What do you guys think it was? I am still leraning when it comes to masonry problems.

 

[steve rose]

looks like aluminum /paint bleed down to me.