Toolboxes: Deposit & Stain Removal
Products to have in your Deposit & Stain Removal Toolbox
OneRestore®: Restores virtually everything. Removes red clay and mud buildup, vanadium and manganese.
EF-Fortless: Simple “spray on, leave on” efflo removal.
Heritage Restorer: Restoration for sensitive substrates like sandstone, limestone, granite, marble, and polished stone.
White Scum Presoak: Presoak for deposits on block. Removes calcium and white scum buildups.
Calcite Presoak: Presoak for deposits on brick. Removes calcium and white scum buildups.
Deposit & Stain Removal:
Done Right, No Harm, No Trace
Pressure washing isn’t just a fast way to clean surfaces—it’s a powerful tool for tackling those stubborn deposits and stains that build up over time. Whether it’s oil, grime, mold, or mineral buildup, these contaminants don’t just make your property look bad; they can also cause long-term damage if left untreated.
Regular pressure washing can help prevent the deterioration of surfaces by effectively removing these tough stains before they set in, making it an essential part of property maintenance for both aesthetic and practical reasons.
Below you will find information on chemicals used to remove things like red clay and mud buildup, as well as calcium and white scum.
OneRestore® was used to remove decades of black staining from the historic Matthews Mansion in Ellettsville, Indiana.
Introduction to Deposit & Stain Removal Products
OneRestore®
OneRestore® is a breakthrough product that provides remarkable versatility, cleaning power and safety all in one product. Capable of removing the deepest pollution stains from limestone and brick, it is also used to safely restore glass and anodized aluminum. This product can remove virtually any metal oxide stain including copper stains and can be an effective coating remover.
OneRestore was used to remove years worth of environmental stains from the glass panels at BioSphere 2 at the University of the Arizona.
How to Clean Block with OneRestore® from EaCo Chem
Safe for most surfaces and people, OneRestore® is a great choice for cleaning and restoring colleges, schools, hospitals, government facilities and offices. With a “spray on/spray off” application process, OneRestore® will save hours of cleaning time versus the traditional bucket and brush process.
The following video shows how OneRestore® was used to clean a sign made of block:
Advantages of OneRestore®
- Powerfully penetrates and softens white scum and calcium silicate deposits without damaging the surface when used as directed.
- Works on concrete and clay substrates
Limitations of OneRestore®
- Precautions should be taken to avoid glass or anodized aluminum as it may mark these surfaces
- Do not use on lime-faced brick
Surfaces Safely Used On
Limestone, Brownstone, Unpolished Marble, Precast, Exposed Aggregate, Concrete, Brick, Block, Terra Cotta, Aluminum, Natural Stone*, ACM Panels, Paint, Glass**, Anodized Aluminum, Vinyl, Metals, Wood, Synthetic Decking, Stucco, Sealer Cleaning/Removal
*Not suitable for polished stone.
**Not suitable for metallic oxide film used for tinting, or self-cleaning glass.
How to Apply OneRestore®
Dilutions
OneRestore® is always used undiluted.
Coverage Rates
Coverage rates with OneRestore® will vary from 75-250 sq. ft. per gallon depending on the surface porosity, texture, ambient temperature, craftsmanship, and severity of staining.
Application Instructions
- Pre-wet the surface (do not saturate) with water before applying OneRestore®.
- For the best results, apply OneRestore® with a low-pressure sprayer (brushing is not necessary).
- For the majority of instances, a single application with a 5-to-10-minute dwell time will remove many of the stains.
- For deeper stains or very porous surfaces, a double application with 5 to 10 minutes in between applications will provide the best results. Do not rinse between applications.
Rinsing
Proper rinsing techniques determine the final look and quality of the job. A thorough rinse job is always recommended; however, our chemistry never requires flooding the surface. OneRestore® can be rinsed using cold water. Pressures that mark the surface should be avoided. When in doubt, follow the manufacturers recommended P.S.I. for the substrates. Do not use a zero-degree nozzle.
Caution: Do not allow the product to dry on the surface.
Heritage Restorer
Heritage Restorer is a restoration detergent designed for historical or sensitive substrates. The product is based on our thoroughly developed non-corrosive technology. Cleaning power is achieved by a combination of over 25% surfactants, mild acids to melt metal and mineral oxide residue, and water-based solvents for hydrocarbon-based residues.
Advantages of Heritage Restorer
- Excellent for removing virtually all stains, including mineral and metal oxide stains.
- Reduces liability.
- Low odor means it can be used for interior cleaning
- Spray-on/rinse-off application process improves productivity.
- Good on multiple substrates
Limitations of Heritage Restorer
- Do not allow product to dry on the surface. Always rinse thoroughly.
- Do not use on polished marble and metallic oxide film used for tinting or on self-cleaning glass.
- Not suitable for certain low-fire tiles when using extended dwell times. Always pre-test a small area first.
Surfaces Safely Used On
Sandstone, brick, limestone, concrete, precast, exposed aggregate, granite, unpolished marble, synthetic stone, terrazzo, anodized aluminum, EIFS, uncoated stainless steel, stucco, cast stone, glass
Stain Removal
Vanadium, manganese, mineral oxide stains, pollution stains, concrete leaching, caulk bleed, hard water stains on glass and concrete, sealer overspray from glass
How to Apply Heritage Restorer
Dilutions
Heritage Restorer is always used undiluted.
Coverage Rates
Coverage rates with Heritage Restorer will vary from 75-250 sq. ft. per gallon depending on the surface porosity, texture, ambient temperature, craftsmanship, and severity of staining.
Application Instructions
- Pre-wet the surface (do not saturate) with water before applying Heritage Restorer.
- For the best results, apply Heritage Restorer with a low-pressure sprayer (brushing is not necessary).
- For the lighter soils, a single application with a 10-minute dwell time will remove many of the stains.
- For deeper soils or very porous surfaces, a double application with 10-minute dwell for the first application; then reapply and allow up to 1-hour total dwell time will provide the best results. Do not rinse between applications.
Rinsing
Proper rinsing techniques determine the final look and quality of the job. A thorough rinse job is always recommended; however, our chemistry never requires flooding the surface.
Heritage Restorer can be rinsed using cold water. Pressures that mark the surface should be avoided. If in doubt, follow the manufacturers recommended P.S.I. for the substrates.
Do not use a zero-degree nozzle.
Caution: Do not allow the product to dry on the surface.
EF-Fortless
EF-Fortless is a soap solution that melts powdery efflorescence and haze from cleanup efflorescence and helps to control its return. This product is mildly acidic and great for use on color sensitive surfaces since it will not discolor brick, block or mortar. It can be used on slurry-dyed blocks and similar substrates.
Simply apply EF-Fortless straight and wait for foam to collapse. Reapply as needed. No rinsing required. The amount of coverage will vary with the thickness of the efflorescence; with the most common powder type getting approximately 75 square feet per gallon. This product offers long-term protection. Surface can be sealed after one week.
Advantages of EF-Fortless
- Powerfully penetrates and softens white scum and calcium silicate deposits without damaging the surface when used as directed.
- Works on concrete and clay substrates
Limitations of EF-Fortless
- Precautions should be taken to avoid glass or anodized aluminum as it may mark these surfaces
- Do not use on lime-faced brick
- Do not allow this product to freeze
Surfaces Safely Used On
Block, Brick, Concrete
How to Apply EF-Fortless
Dilutions
EF-Fortless is always used undiluted.
Coverage Rates
Coverage rates will vary based on severity of build-up. Proper testing will determine actual coverage rate.
Application Instructions
- Apply EF-Fortless to the affected areas. Re-apply as necessary.
- EF-Fortless will foam on the surface. When there is no foaming on the surface upon application, the product is done working.
Rinsing
Proper rinsing techniques determine the final look and quality of the job. Rinsing is not required on vertical surfaces; however, if sealing is going to be the next step, the surface must be rinsed to remove any chemical residue. Rinsing is required on glass and horizontal surfaces. Pressures that mark the surface should be avoided. When in doubt, follow the manufacturers recommended P.S.I. for the substrates. Do not use a zero-degree nozzle.
Caution: Do not allow the product to dry on a surface.
White Scum Presoak
This product is designed as a pre-soak to facilitate quick removal of white scum on block, brick, or concrete. White Scum Presoak is used to remove calcite deposits from concrete masonry units (CMU). White Scum Presoak is used in conjunction with NMD 80™ to ensure complete removal of white scum.
White Scum Presoak provides powerful penetration and softening action of white scum. First apply White Scum Presoak straight and allow a dwell time of 5-10 minutes. Then apply NMD 80™ or SOS-50 cut 4:1 wet on wet without rinsing in between. Allow dwell time 5-10 minutes, then rinse for results.
White Scum Presoak, followed by NMD 80™, made these bricks look like new.
Advantages of White Scum Presoak
- Powerfully penetrates and softens white scum and calcium silicate deposits without damaging the surface when used as directed.
Limitations of White Scum Presoak
- Precautions should be taken to avoid glass or anodized aluminum as it may mark these surfaces
- Do not use on lime-faced brick
- Do not allow this product to freeze
Surfaces Safely Used On
Block, Brick, Concrete
How to Apply White Scum Presoak
Dilutions
White Scum Presoak is always used undiluted.
Coverage Rates
Coverage rates will vary based on severity of build-up. Proper testing will determine actual coverage rate.
Application Instructions
- Apply White Scum Presoak undiluted directly to the affected areas. Keep product off areas not being treated.
- Do a scratch test after a few minutes to determine if the build-up has softened. If not, repeat step 1.
- Once the build-up has been softened, apply NMD 80 diluted 4 parts water to 1 part NMD 80 without rinsing between applications. Heavy white foam will form. White scum is completely removed once white foaming ceases.
- If you see green foam while using NMD 80, there is no white scum remaining.
Rinsing
Proper rinsing techniques determine the final look and quality of the job. A thorough rinse job is always recommended; however, our chemistry never requires flooding the surface. White Scum Presoak can be rinsed using cold water. Pressures that mark the surface should be avoided. When in doubt, follow the manufacturers recommended P.S.I. for the substrates. Do not use a zero-degree nozzle.
Caution: Do not allow the product to dry on the surface.
Calcite Presoak
This product is designed as a pre-soak to facilitate quick removal of calcite on clay brick. Calcite Presoak is used in conjunction with NMD 80™ to ensure complete removal of calcite. Calcite Presoak provides powerful penetration and softening action of calcite.
First apply Calcite Presoak straight and allow a dwell time of approximately 5 minutes. Once you’ve opened little pin holes, then apply NMD 80™ cut 4:1 wet on wet without rinsing in between. Allow dwell time 5-10 minutes, then rinse for results.
Calcite Presoak, followed by NMD 80™, was used to remove this lime run.
Advantages of Calcite Presoak
- Powerfully penetrates and softens calcite
Limitations of Calcite Presoak
- May bleach surface if used repeatedly undiluted
- Do not use on lime-faced brick
Surfaces Safely Used On
Clay Brick Only
How to Apply Calcite Presoak
Dilutions
Calcite Presoak is always used undiluted.
Coverage Rates
Coverage rates will vary based on severity of calcite build-up. Proper testing will determine actual coverage rate.
Application Instructions
- Apply Calcite Presoak undiluted directly to the affected areas. A heavy white foam will result – allow this foam to collapse.
- Re-apply Calcite Presoak undiluted without rinsing directly to the same affected areas.
- Do a scratch test to determine if you can see the substrate beneath the calcite. If not, repeat steps 1 and 2.
- Once the substrate is visible beneath the calcite, Apply NMD 80 diluted 4 parts water to 1 part NMD 80 over the treated area. Heavy white foam will form. Calcite is completely removed once white foaming ceases.
- Complete with another application of NMD 80 diluted 4 parts water to 1 part NMD 80. As long as there is no white foaming, you are ready to rinse.
Note: Do not allow Calcite Presoak to run down the surface as bleaching may occur. Apply enough product to the calcite deposits without over soaking to avoid runs. If runs occur, rinse the excess immediately.
Rinsing
Proper rinsing techniques determine the final look and quality of the job. A thorough rinse job is always recommended; however, our chemistry never requires flooding the surface. Calcite Presoak and NMD 80 4:1 can be rinsed using cold water. Pressures that mark the surface should be avoided. When in doubt, follow the manufacturers recommended P.S.I. for the substrates. Do not use a zero-degree nozzle.
Caution: Do not allow the product to dry on the surface.
Issue Statement: Vanadium and Manganese
Vanadium and Manganese are naturally occurring minerals in certain seams of clay. Like soluble salts, they are released when an abundance of water must migrate through a masonry structure. In the case of NMD 80™, the occurrence of stains has absolutely no relation to the cleaning process of a sound, well-built wall.
The best way to keep these stains from occurring is to keep the brick covered before installation. Do not allow rain to enter the wall during construction. If these two practices are not or cannot be adhered to, allow the wall to dry thoroughly before cleaning. Any stains that occur during the drying process can be removed by NMD 80™ in the normal cleaning process. Only one normal cleaning process is needed to resolve the issue.
In the case of exceptionally heavy staining, a trigger sprayer or pump sprayer of OneRestore® can accompany the cleaner. During the rinsing process, any visible staining that is still visible can be immediately released with a small application of OneRestore®. Simply rinse and the regular cleaning process can continue. Troubleshooting during the cleaning has virtually no extra cost.
Regarding the issue of chemistry causing the stains, we have a simple test: Take a stained brick prior to installation and liberally pour undiluted NMD 80™ on the surface. Allow the product to dry and you will find the stains have been removed and no new staining has occurred. We have tested the scenario on a multitude of bricks and have yet to see the product fail.
The use of OneRestore® is not normally required when NMD 80™ is used in the initial cleaning process. Over two decades of experience with the product informs us that it will remove all stains on a well-dried wall. We have documented many large projects where a generally specified product is used and a large amount of staining occurs. When a wall is re-cleaned with NMD 80™, the stains dissolve.
The recorded occurrences, observations and consistent test results have led us to the conclusions in this statement. The conclusions have been field tested over the past several years and have provided very accurate results.
Do remember that the brick manufacturers do not put the minerals into the brick (unless added as a colorant) and are not responsible for the stains occurrence.