What is efflorescence, exactly? How do you get rid of it?

Occasionally, a powdery white residue may show up on the surface after installing pavers or a wall. You might be alarmed to see it on your just installed patio and wonder what it is. You can ask your landscaper or contractor what it is, and they will likely identify it as an "efflorescence." So what exactly is this? Is it a cause for concern?

We're here to inform you that: It's normal... (not a 'flaw' in manufacturing). It’s temporary. It’s removable.

What exactly is it?

Efflorescence is a white, powdery mineral deposit that can occasionally be seen on the surface of clay goods and building materials made of concrete. Technically speaking, it is a calcium salt that naturally occurs.

What does that look like?

Calcium hydroxide is created chemically when cement and water are combined. After the concrete dries, the calcium hydroxide and atmospheric carbon dioxide combine to form calcium carbonate, which appears as a white solid on the surface. The calcium "wicking" to the surface is accelerated by repeated wetting and drying.

The formation of efflorescence in the concrete pores can cause white spots to appear on the paver's surface or a general lightening of the paver, which is sometimes misinterpreted as the product having stains or marks on it. Although efflorescence's outward manifestation can be unsettling, rest assured that its aesthetic effects do not affect the toughness or longevity of the concrete pavers. Most importantly, they are temporary!

What time does it occur? What is the best way to get rid of it?

If efflorescence does develop, it typically does so a few months after installation and naturally disappears over time and following a rainy season

Washing using a specialized efflorescence remover, a product that is especially created to dissolve efflorescence and remove ground-in dirt on paving stones and concrete, without discoloring or harming surfaces, can speed up the elimination of efflorescence

Start with some soap and water. Many homeowners only use basic dish soap, water, and a stiff plastic scrub brush, depending on the quantity of efflorescence. A wire brush SHOULD NOT BE USED because it may cause wire fragments to get loose and leave rust stains on the product's surface.

Think about specialty cleaners. You can buy an efflorescence remover, which is specially created to dissolve efflorescence and remove embedded dirt on paving stones and concrete, without discoloring or harming surfaces, if soap and a stiff brush are unable to completely remove the efflorescence. Most landscape supply retailers carry these cleansers.

Acid-based efflorescence cleansers normally need to be mixed and applied properly. Acid cleansers may cause a tiny coating of cement on the pavers' surface to disintegrate, which could cause a slight change in the pavement's color. Always heed the usage instructions on the label

Always test for surface and color reactivity in a small, unnoticeable area before applying any cleaning solution.