How to Clean Cement Mixers

Cleaning a cement mixer properly prevents mistakes in future jobs.

For large concrete jobs, such as making a home foundation or a pad for a new shed or porch, you may want to mix your concrete in a mixer machine. A mixer takes the pain out of hand mixing the concrete. After you finish a job, you must clean the concrete mixer properly. Cleaning prevents concrete buildup on the inside of the mixer drum. Dried cement can contaminate future loads of concrete you try to mix.

Things You'll Need

• Hose
• Crushed rock
• Pressure washer
• Rubber mallet
• Hammer
• Chisel
• Hydrochloric acid
• Safety goggles
• Long sleeved shirt and pants
• Gloves

Instructions

Wet Cement

1. Fill the mixer with 3 to 4 gallons of water from a hose.

2. Add several shovels full of crushed rock into the mixer.

3. Turn on the mixer and allow it to spin. The concrete will come off as the rocks scrape the sides.

4. Tilt the drum to move the rocks throughout.

5. Remove the rocks from the mixer. Spray the inside with a pressure washer to remove any excess cement. Allow the mixer to dry before storing it away.

Dried Cement

1. Add 3 to 4 gallons of water to the drum.

2. Start the mixer so it spins. Hit the side gently with a hammer or a rubber mallet to force the cement off the sides.

3. Open the release on the mixer to remove the larger chunks of cement.

4. Knock off remaining cement with a hammer and chisel.

5. Put on gloves, long clothes and safety goggles. Pour one part hydrochloric acid into two parts water in a bucket. Always pour the acid into the water to prevent splashing. Add the mixture to the mixing barrel and turn it on. Open the release and spray the inside of the mixer to remove the acid.

References

• HowtoCleanStuff.net: How to Clean a Cement Mixer
• Landscape Juice: How to Keep Your Cement Mixer Clean