Waterless Concrete Cleaner Application Instructions


Examine the Lane

Examine the Lane - After closing the lane to traffic, walk the area and examine the condition of the lane. Ensure that the surface of the lane is dry to the touch before CLEAN-SWEEP is applied. Also remove any excess surface debris such as dirt, gravel, sand, or road salt. The lane does not have to be completely free of surface debris, however the cleaning process will benefit by having the obvious surface debris removed from the area to be cleaned before the CLEAN-SWEEP powder is applied.

 

Excessive Oil Build-ups - If a lane has not been cleaned for quite awhile or if the lane receives excessive exposure to oil, it's possible that there is a heavy oil buildup. Heavy oil buildup includes a combination of oil and dirt, often in many layers. If the lane being cleaned contains this type of heavy buildup, scratch the surface of the buildup by using a wire brush prior to applying CLEAN-SWEEP. This scratching breaks up the surface tension of the heavy oil buildup and allows CLEAN-SWEEP to get into the concrete easier. If build-up is very thick, we recommend first treating the area with our liquid cleaner.

Apply CLEAN-SWEEP

Apply CLEAN-SWEEP - Starting from the center of the lane, apply the CLEAN-SWEEP powder. The fastest method is to use a common garden fertilizer/seed drop spreader.


The entire amount needed to clean the entire lane should be applied down the center of the lane. For a surface that has a broom finish, one pound will cover approximately 60 square feet. For surfaces with grooved finishes, one pound will cover approximately 30 square feet.

Note that if too much powder is applied, the excess can be picked up and used later in another lane.

Spread CLEAN-SWEEP Down the Center of the Lane - Using a broom with fine bristles, spread the CLEAN-SWEEP powder down the center of the entire lane. .

 

Spread CLEAN-SWEEP

Spread CLEAN-SWEEP Towards Each Side of the Lane - Using the broom, spread CLEAN-SWEEP from the center of the lane towards the edge of each side of the lane as shown in the image on the left.

Since most of the oil stains are in the center of the lane, the idea is to start from the center and spread the powder to the sides.

Even out the Powder

Level out CLEAN-SWEEP - Completely even out the powder on the surface of the lane by using the broom. Then, walk off the lane and onto the adjacent island. If you track full foot prints off the lane, you've applied too much powder. Excess powder can be used on the next lane to be cleaned.

The proper method is to leave a light coating of CLEAN-SWEEP powder on the surface of the lane, rather than a heavy pile.

 

 

Water Spritz

Water Spritz - It can take an hour or two for the powder to "settle in" to the pores of the concrete. Since CLEAN-SWEEP is a fine powder, wind caused by weather and/or by vehicles traveling through the lane can impact the settling-in process.

Therefore, if wind is a concern, it's recommended that a fine spray of water be put on top of the powder immediately after the application is finished.

This spritz of water serves to hold the powder down allowing it time to settle into the pores of the concrete. This step can be skipped if there is no wind or if the vehicles will not be traveling through the lane at high speeds.

CLEAN-SWEEP The lane can be re-opened to traffic immediately after CLEAN-SWEEP has been applied. The exact time needed to completely clean a lane varies based upon the amount of oil and the severity of any heavy oil buildups in the lane. In approximately 24 hours, most stains will no longer be visible. Tougher stains such as heavy oil buildups will require more time or perhaps multiple treatments. The product also improves the look of concrete with each application.

Post Application - CLEAN-SWEEP will continue to work after it has been applied. For example, even after a week, the active ingredients will continue to break down the oil in the concrete. CLEAN-SWEEP will also work on the new oil that vehicles passing through the lane might leave after CLEAN-SWEEP was applied. Although CLEAN-SWEEP should be applied on surfaces that are dry to the touch, rain, sleet, or snow that might occur after the application will not prevent CLEAN-SWEEP from working. Depending upon traffic and oil leakage of vehicles, reapply CLEAN-SWEEP periodically.

Temperature - CLEAN-SWEEP can be applied at any temperature. However, the process works best when the outside temperature is above freezing.

Drop Spreader Saves Time

Application Using Spreader - For cleaning large areas, time can be saved by using a common "Drop Spreader" to apply the powder down the center of the lane. The type shown here is the low-cost Scotts AccuGreen model 1000 which is available in most home improvement stores such as Home Depot, Lowe's, or Wal-Mart. Set the spreader to the setting number 13 so the amount applied resembles the trail on the pavement as shown in the picture on the left. If you pour more CLEAN-SWEEP into the spreader than is needed to clean the area, the excess can be returned to the tub.

Safety Procedures:

Ventilation: None required with normal use. If general ventilation is not adequate use MSHA/NIOSH approved respirators. It is always good practice when using any Chemical Cleaning Compounds to always work in a well ventilated area.

Gloves: Although not normally required, it is always good practice to wear protective clothing when working with chemicals. (especially those with more sensitive skin types).

Eye Protection. Wear safety glasses with eye shields or safety goggles.

Click here for an overview of CLEAN-SWEEP.


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© 2001 Tolltex, Inc.