MENU
faq

Frequently Asked Questions



I don't know what it is. Why should I test, just tell me what to use? Pros know that all projects are not the same. The purpose of testing is to find the solution first when removing the various stains and deposits.

Information: Benefits of Testing




1. How much product do I need? What is the square foot coverage?


There are factors to consider:

  • Is the product used straight (undiluted) or diluted at what ratio?
  • How is it being applied?
  • How fast or slow is the applicator person moving when applying the product?
  • How many applications? One application, more than one less than four.


To start, you need:

    1. 1. Tape measure
    2. 2. Graduated spray bottle
    3. 3. Calculator

Knowing how much product you need can also give you the square foot coverage. For instructions: How much product do I need?




2. What is the process used to remove thick white deposits from brick & block?


Identifying those types of deposits can be tricky. Examples:

  • Calcite (calcium carbonate) will appear as a thick whitish deposit that usually forms over time.
  • Lime Run (calcium hydroxide) occurs as a steady release of calcium soaked water that creates a streak.
  • Admixtures in mortar can bleed out leaving a white stain that can appear above and below the mortar joints. It looks similar to calcite and lime run.

For information on the products used to remove the various deposits: "White Deposit Issues"




3. When using concentrates what dilution should I use?


Dilutions will vary, depending on the surface porosity, texture and severity of staining. Dilution ranges are listed within the product data / specification. Always test dilutions in an inconspicuous area prior to beginning full-scale cleaning operations.

See the Benefits of Testing




4. What kind of black stain is this and how do I remove it?


There are many types of black stain. If you know the type of stain & the type of substrate / surface, take a look at the “Product Reference Guide”. If you don't know, send in photos and call for assistance. info@eacochem.com - 724-656-1055




5. What do I use to remove efflorescence, I tried everything?


Efflorescence is often described as a white or ivory chalk-like deposit. There might be a reason why the products used for efflorescence removal are not working. Perhaps it’s not efflorescence.

For more information: "White Deposit Issues". Not every “white deposits” is efflorescence.




6. Do the products harm plant life?


Avoid direct contact with foliage. Cover landscaping using plastic or wet the foliage with water before, during and after the cleaning process.




7. Why can’t I rinse into the storm drain, other cleaners do?


Discharging detergents or chemicals into storm drains that lead to your creeks, streams, rivers and lakes is not permissible. ‘Clean Water Act – 1980’s’, EPA “Only Rain in the Drain”

See our "Environmental Statement"




8. Do I have to collect and dispose?


More than ever before, environmental awareness is a major concern. It depends on the type of work that is being done. When required, disposing of rinse waters after using chemical cleaners must be done properly to avoid costly fines.

Read about "Collecting Rinse Water".




9. I need to strip paint. I don’t what kind of paint it is. Which product should I use?


Not knowing the type of paint, makes it difficult to know which type of paint stripper will work. Since there are a variety of paints, a Paint Test Kit is useful to find the correct product prior to the project. The kit has 5 products for removing water base and solvent base, single layers and multiple layers.

See our "Paint & Coating Stripping Manual".




10. What are good detergents for cleaning vinyl?


Cleansol BC for brushless cleaning sun bleached vinyl siding, oxidized paint from metal siding and EIFS. Cleansol BC works well in tandem with HD Britenol. HD Britenol removes stains that can occur under the eaves on siding.




11. How to remove black stain from limestone, without damaging the surface?


It depends on the severity of the stain which product would be used. Heritage Restorer, OneRestore, Stripper Cream

Check out the "Learning Center - Limestone Restoration".




12. Can the products damage adjacent substrates?


If the adjacent substrate is not listed on the product data sheet, test the product. Testing first can determine any potential or adverse reactions with adjacent materials.




13. How do I clean anodized aluminum frames without harming the glass?


OneRestore® has been proven time and again to be safe for glass and anodized aluminum frames.

For more information: OneRestore - Glass & Anodized Aluminum.




14. How can I remove mortar smears that have been there for over a month?


When removing aged mortar smears. two to three applications of NMD 80 or SOS50 is needed. Do not rinse between applications to extended the dwell time.

For details: "New Construction Cleaning Process".




15. I’m trying to remove white stuff from concrete pavers. Which product should I use?


There is more than one type of white deposit:

Efflorescence

  • Scuff Marks
  • Secondary Hydration or “Halos”
  • Hard Water Stains

Information: "Hardscape Cleaning".




16. What to use to remove rust?


Concrete flatwork: HD Britenol for smooth trowel finish concrete / GS Restoration for broom finish concrete / Heritage Restorer for white concrete with white sand.

Vertical applications: OneRestore & Heritage Restorer except for polished stone.




17. What to use to remove stain from bluestone?


Dinginess from air pollution, foot traffic, general maintenance - Cleansol BC.

For new construction cleaning – SOS50.




18. A sealer was applied, turned foggy after drying, what do I do?


OneRestore removes cleans and de-blushes many sealer / Silicate Blush Remover over applied silicate / AcrylicStrip for solvent base sealer / LCS for water base sealer remover. Professionals always test product(s) in a small inconspicuous area prior to beginning full-scale cleaning operations.




19. I clean all kinds of roofs, which product should I use?


Depends on the substrate:

  • Asphalt shingles, slate, cedar shingles - HD Britenol
  • Painted metal roofing – CP & B, Cleansol BC
  • Concrete roofing tile - NMD 80
  • Flexible rubber membrane EPDM – HD Britenol, Cleansol BC
  • Terra cotta – OneRestore.

See Product Listing




20. Which product should I use to remove hard water deposits?


- Masonry, glass, stucco – OneRestore
- Masonry, synthetic stucco, arid regions – HD Britenol
- See "White Deposit Issues".




21. Which product to use for removing black streaks / tiger stripes from gutters?


Cleansol BC (blenders concentrate) is diluted at 4:1 (water to product) applied to gutters and down spouts only.




22. What is the pressure when rinsing?


Craftsmanship determines the appropriate pressures for rinsing. Pressures that mark or damage the surface should be avoided. A 40-degree tip is recommended especially for sand faced or other special brick surfaces to reduce the potential for surface damage. Use lower rinse pressures (no more than 1000 p.s.i.) when cleaning sensitive substrates.

Examples: Sand faced brick, concrete brick, synthetic masonry and surface dyed substrates including limestone, and sandstone need to be rinsed at lower pressures.




23. Where is my closest distributor?


“Find a Distributor” located on the EaCo Chem home page. Type in the name of the city & state or the zip code, then the radius of miles to find the closest distributor. It is best to call a sales person first to check their inventory for availability.




24. How can I purchase product when not in stock at a distributor?


Having difficulties getting what you want, email or call 724-656-1055 (est)



"The most expensive chemical is the one that doesn't work!"