How to Get Rid of Salt on a New Brick and Cement Patio

The white powdery or crystalline salt that you see on your new brick and cement patio is called efflorescence, and it consists of salts and other minerals present in the brick and cement. As the newly-installed brick and cement dry out, their internal salts are carried to the surface. Most new patio owners must deal with some degree of efflorescence as the patio dries. If removed promptly, efflorescence is little more than a cosmetic problem.

Things You'll Need

• Broom
• Industrial vacuum
• Sponge
• Bucket
• Water

Instructions

1. Give the new brick and cement patio 72 hours of dry weather to completely dry out. Until the masonry dries out completely, salt will continue to come to the surface.

2. Remove the salt deposits with a stiff broom, indoor/outdoor vacuum cleaner, or combination of both methods.

3. Dump the salt into the trash. Do not simply sweep it onto the ground. The salt will persist in the soil for decades and inhibit plant growth.

4. Moisten a sponge with water. Wring it out well, then use it to wipe up any remaining residue. As you collect salt, rinse the sponge as needed. Be sure to wring it out well before each use.

Tips & Warnings

• Once the salt deposits are gone, they should not return. If they do return each time it rains, your patio was not properly sealed. Contact the installation company, and ask if the patio was sealed or waterproofed. If it was not, have someone come and seal the patio, or apply the sealant yourself during dry weather. Concrete sealants are available at most home improvement centers. Follow all label instructions for application methods and amounts.

References

• AustralBricks: Cleaning Techniques
• "Complete Patio Book"; Sunset Books; 2001
• Ask the Builder; Efflorescence on Masonry; Tim Carter