How to Clean Deposits Off Retaining Walls
Retaining walls are used to slow the force of gravity on steep hills and make it possible to build by keeping the hill stable. Retaining walls get dirty over time and deposits of dirt, minerals and mold negatively affect their appearance. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Pressure washer
- Oxygen bleach
- Rubber gloves
- Scrub brush
- Trisodium phosphate (TSP) cleaner
Instructions
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Pressure wash the wall to remove a large portion of dirt, mold and mineral buildup. Hot water combined with high pressure eliminates the majority of the deposits on the wall. Pressure washers are usually available for rent at hardware stores and rental centers if you don't have access to one through neighbors or friends. A garden hose at high pressure is another option but not as effective as an actual pressure washer.
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Apply a solution of water and oxygen bleach to any remaining stains. Follow all directions on the packaging regarding how much water to mix the bleach with for best results. Oxygen bleach is effective at removing stains and deposits without the toxicity of its chlorine counterpart. Wear rubber gloves when working with bleach because it is corrosive to the skin.
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Scrub at the remaining stains with a scrub brush and rinse off the wall with a garden hose to remove any remaining bleach.
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Use a TSP cleaner on any stubborn deposits that remain. Wear safety gloves and a ventilator mask since TSP is highly corrosive but it works at removing stubborn deposits and stains. Follow all instructions on the package for best results. Let the cleaner sit for a half-hour, scrub with a scrub brush and rinse.
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Tips & Warnings
Avoid using a pressure washer on a retaining wall that looks cracked or otherwise damaged. Older walls may be damaged by the high pressure. Use a regular garden hose in such instances.
