Gator Efflorescence Cleaner & Shampoo Products

Efflorescence is when salt forms on stone paver surfaces when they come into contact with water. This crystalline deposit looks grey or white, and when it gets on walls and floors, it needs special care to treat. This guide will teach you how to use efflorescence cleaner to restore your stucco, brick, concrete or stone’s vibrant appearance.

EFFLORESCENCE CLEANER

Efflorescence is a natural occurrence of a powdery, whitish deposit on your stones’ or pavers’ surface as mineral-rich waters soak through your porous materials and rise through capillary action. When water evaporates, you may find white crystals on your house, office building or walkway. These stains usually contain calcite, gypsum or salt.

If you notice white or grey deposits on your property, removing them can prevent further damage if it spreads. You may try a few different cleaning methods to get rid of the marks, but only a specialized cleaner can effectively eliminate them. Gator Efflorescence Cleaner removes mineral stains that have developed in natural stone pores and concrete pavers. As a result, the pavers will have a cleaner, more vibrant appearance.

Cleaning the efflorescence off your stone surfaces is essential before sealing them. Once you’ve gotten rid of the grey or white deposits, the sealer can more deeply penetrate the pores. An efflorescence cleaner can help you take better care of your commercial or residential property.

EFFLORESCENCE CLEANER FEATURES

If you need a product that can remove the salt stains from your stone surfaces, review the features of Gator Efflorescence Cleaner to make sure it’s suitable for your application:

• Eliminates efflorescence: Gator Efflorescence Cleaner can remove the mineral deposits on your natural stone surfaces, concrete pavers and wetcast applications. Along with clearing efflorescence, it can also remove encrusted dirt within your pavers’ pores.
• Free of hydrochloric acid: You may have used hydrochloric acid to remove efflorescence in the past, but when misused, it can make the problem worse. Since Gator Efflorescence Cleaner doesn’t have hydrochloric acid, you can be confident that it won’t harm your pavers’ surfaces.
• Comes off with water: Instead of leaving a sticky residue or requiring additional products to wash it away, the efflorescence cleaner comes off your stone surfaces with water.
• High coverage: When you invest in an efflorescence cleaner, you want to get the most use out of it as possible. Gator Efflorescence Cleaner cleans about 200 square feet with each gallon you use.

EFFLORESCENCE CLEANER COVERAGE

The amount of efflorescence cleaner you use for your stone surface depends on how far the mineral deposits have spread. To get the most use out of your product and prevent further damage, you should dilute the cleaner with water. A solution of Gator Efflorescence Cleaner can cover the following spaces:

• One gallon of cleaner diluted with 4 gallons of water covers about 200 square feet.
• Five gallons of cleaner diluted with 20 gallons of water covers about 1,000 square feet.

Diluted Gator Efflorescence Cleaner can clean about 40 square feet per gallon.

EFFLORESCENCE CLEANER APPLICATION

Before using Gator Efflorescence Cleaner, you might want to keep the following in mind:

• Use the cleaner before sealing your stone surfaces to make sure the sealer adheres appropriately.
• If you recently installed Gator Polymeric Sand, you have to allow it to cure for 48 hours at a relatively warm temperature without rain before cleaning with the efflorescence cleaner.
• Avoid allowing the cleaner to dry on a paver surface.
• When applying the product, wear protective equipment, such as goggles and rubber gloves.
• If you recently installed new concrete pavers, wait at least two months after installation before using this product.
• To make sure the product can accommodate your building materials, always test it in an inconspicuous area.
• Avoid applying the cleaner when the sunlight is most potent.
• Create a solution of one part cleaner, four parts water. If you use too much cleaner, you might accidentally discolor the pavers.
• When not in use, store the container above freezing temperatures so it can continue to be effective.

After you’ve ensured that your surface is ready for cleaning, follow these application instructions:

1. Use water to wet the entire paver surface.
2. With a water container or a pump sprayer, spread the cleaner onto your paver’s surface. Let it sit for one minute to allow the product to react, then scrub the surface with a stiff bristle brush. Use one gallon of cleaner solution for each 40-square-foot section.
3. Rinse the section with water and move to the next 40-square-foot area with efflorescence.
4. Clean all 40-square-foot areas that have efflorescence.
5. Once you’ve cleaned the whole surface, rinse off the cleaner with a hose until you don’t notice any more foam buildup.

If your pavers have a lot of efflorescence trapped within their pores, you might have to redo the process.

BENEFITS OF EFFLORESCENCE CLEANER

Here are some of the benefits of investing in efflorescence cleaner:

• Prevent structural damage: Efflorescence occurs when natural stone and pavers absorb water. Since these stones are porous, they can absorb an excessive amount of water and cause structural damage. The absorption of water can cause the building materials to fall apart, crack or flake. On the other hand, preventing and treating efflorescence with a specialized cleaner can help protect your residential or commercial projects.
• Avoid future repairs: You should remove efflorescence before you paint your building to have a strong base for the color. When you apply efflorescence cleaner before making any property adjustments, you can prevent the need to redo your work.
• Effectively remove efflorescence: If you notice white or grey deposits on your building, you may try a few different methods to get it off the surface, like pressurized water, diluted vinegar or brushing. When you use efflorescence cleaner, you know it’s going to work. It contains materials that are safe to use on your stone building or paver surface.
• Restore your property’s appearance: Besides slowly damaging your property, efflorescence can also reduce its curb appeal. The white and grey stains can distract from the brick or natural stone’s vibrant colors. Applying an effective efflorescence cleaner can remove the deposits from your building or walkway to restore its clean, eye-catching appearance.

FIND ALLIANCE GATOR CLEANERS AT OUR CHAMBERSBURG LOCATION 

Nitterhouse Masonry Products carries the Gator cleaning products you need for concrete pavers, clay pavers and wetcast and natural stones. They include:

1. GATOR CLEAN SHAMPOO

Gator Clean Shampoo is perfect for fall and spring cleaning, as it removes all ground-in dirt from the surface of natural stones and concrete pavers. 

This product will make walls, patio slabs, natural stones and pavers look clean and vibrant. For deeper penetration into the cleaned surface, apply Gator Clean Shampoo before a sealer application. 

PRODUCT FEATURES 

Gator Shampoo features and abilities include the following:

• Restores pavers to their natural color
• Removes penetrated dirt
• Will not affect your plantation
• Washes off with water
• Cleans approximately 380 square feet per gallon
• No muriatic acid

PRODUCT APPLICATIONS 

Use Gator Clean Shampoo on:

• Concrete pavers.
• Patios.
• Slabs.
• Walls.
• Wetcast and natural stones.

PRODUCT INSTRUCTIONS 

Follow these six steps for best results when using Gator Clean Shampoo:

1. Wet the paver surface with water.
2. Apply the product on the pavers’ surface with a sprayer’s help or by dipping a stiff-bristle brush in a pail containing the mixed product. Scrub. 1 U.S. gallon of diluted product is to be used for every 75 square feet of the paver surface.
3. Rinse thoroughly with water. Move on to the next section of 75 square feet.
4. Repeat steps two and three over all the sections in question.
5. Once the surface is clean, use a water hose to thoroughly rinse off the Gator Clean Shampoo. Ensure there is no more foaming action on the pavers.
6. Repeat steps if there is a lot of dirt trapped in the natural stones or pavers. 

PLEASE NOTE 

Please take note of the following considerations before installing the product:

• Do not allow the product to dry up on the paver surface.
• This is not an efflorescence cleaner.
• Wear rubber gloves and goggles. 
• To ensure results will meet your expectations, always test product on a small, concealed area of about 4 square feet.
• Refrain from applying under hot sun.
• Paver surface must remain wet from start to finish.
• Introduce liquid in four parts water, one part shampoo concentrated liquid. Mix.

2. GATOR EFFLORESCENCE CLEANER

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

Gator Efflorescence Cleaner eradicates the spots caused by efflorescence wedged between slab pores or pavers, thus giving the surface a polished appearance.

Efflorescence usually consists of calcite, salt or gypsum, and refers to a natural phenomenon of powdery, whitish deposit on the stones’ or pavers’ surface. It is formed as mineral-rich water rises to the exteriority through capillary action before evaporating.

PRODUCT FEATURES 

Gator Efflorescence Cleaner:

• Dislodges encrusted dirt and efflorescence.
• Washes up with water.
• Does not contain hydrochloric acid.
• Cleans approximately 200 square feet per 1 gallon.
• Is best used before sealant application.

PRODUCT APPLICATIONS 

Use Gator Efflorescence Cleaner on concrete slabs or pavers.

PRODUCT INSTRUCTIONS 

Follow these five steps for best results when using Gator Efflorescence Cleaner:

1. Wet the surface of pavers with water.
2. Use a watering can or pump sprayer to apply the diluted product on the wet paver surface. Allow one minute for a reaction to occur. Then, use a stiff-bristle brush to scrub the paver surface vigorously. 1 U.S. gallon of diluted product is to be used for every 40 square feet of paver surface.
3. Rinse thoroughly with water. Move on to the next section of 40 square feet.
4. Repeat steps two and three as needed.
5. Once the surface is clean, use a water hose and rinse off the product. Make sure there is no more foaming action on the pavers. 

PLEASE NOTE 

Please take note of the following considerations before using the product:

• This product should be used before applying a sealer.
• Do not allow product to dry up on the surface.
• Wear rubber gloves and goggles.
• Before using Gator Efflorescence Cleaner, Gator Polymeric Sand that has just been installed must be allowed to cure for 24 hours at above 59 degrees Fahrenheit in dry conditions.
• To ensure results will meet your expectations, always test the product on a small, concealed area of about 4 square feet.
• Refrain from applying under hot sun.
• Introduce liquid in four parts water, one part Gator Efflorescence Cleaner concentrated liquid. Mix.
• Allow at least 60 days to pass after new pavers are installed to use this product — never use on new concrete pavers. 

3. GATOR OIL AND GREASE CLEANER

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

Gator Oil and Grease Cleaner effectively removes grease and oil on the surfaces of natural stones and concrete pavers.

This Gator Cleaner is the ideal cleaning solution for removing oil left behind from your motorcycle, car or other vehicles. You can also use Gator Oil and Grease Cleaner to remove the grease from your car or BBQ.

PRODUCT FEATURES 

Features of this product include the following:

• Easy to use
• Breaks down, dislodges and removes oil and grease

PRODUCT APPLICATIONS 

Use Gator Oil and Grease Cleaner on:

• Concrete pavers.
• Wetcast and natural stones.

PRODUCT INSTRUCTIONS 

For best results:

1. Apply Gator Oil and Grease Cleaner on the stain.
2. Let the product soak for two to three minutes.
3. Use a stiff-bristle brush to scrub vigorously.
4. Rinse with water.
5. Repeat steps one through four until the stain is thoroughly dissolved.

PLEASE NOTE 

Please take note of the following considerations before installing the product:

• Do not allow the product to dry up on the surface of the paver.
• Wear rubber gloves and goggles.
• Clean entire paver surface with Gator Efflorescence Cleaner after applying Gator Oil and Grease Cleaner. 

4. GATOR RUST CLEANER

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

Gator Rust Cleaner removes rust on natural stones’ and concrete pavers’ surfaces.

PRODUCT FEATURES 

Gater Rust Cleaner:

• Is easy to use.
• Contains no muriatic acid.
• Removes the spots caused by water buildup, rich iron water stains, fertilizer and steel.

PRODUCT APPLICATIONS 

Use Gator Rust Cleaner on:

• Concrete pavers.
• Wetcast and natural stones.

PRODUCT INSTRUCTIONS 

Follow these five steps for best results when using Gator Rust Cleaner:

• Apply cleaning products on the stain.
• Allow Gator Rust Cleaner to soak for two to three minutes.
• Scrub with a stiff-bristle brush.
• Rinse with water.
• Repeat steps one through four until the stain is thoroughly dissolved.

PLEASE NOTE 

Please take note of the following considerations before using the product:

• Do not allow this cleaner to dry up on the surface.
• Wear rubber gloves and goggles.
• Clean the entire paver surface with Gator Efflorescence Cleaner after applying Gator Rust Remover.

5. GATOR RUBBER, PAINT AND TAR REMOVER

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

Gator Clean Rubber, Paint and Tar Remover eliminates paint, tar, and rubber from natural stones’ and concrete pavers’ surfaces.

PRODUCT FEATURES 

Gator Rubber, Paint and Tar Remover features include the following:

• Easy to use
• Washes off with water

PRODUCT APPLICATIONS 

Use Gator Rubber, Paint and Tar Remover on:

• Concrete pavers.
• Wetcast and natural stones that are warm to the touch.

PRODUCT INSTRUCTIONS

To effectively use Gator Rubber, Paint and Tar Remover:

1. Apply Gator Rubber, Paint and Tar Remover to the stain.
2. Let soak for five minutes.
3. Apply product again.
4. Immediately use a stiff-bristle brush to scrub.
5. Repeat steps three and four until the stain dissolves.
6. Rinse with water.

PLEASE NOTE 

Please take note of the following considerations before installing the product:

• Do not allow the product to dry up on the surface.
• Wear rubber gloves and goggles.
• This product dissolves sealants.
• Use in dry conditions above 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

6. GATOR CLEAN XP OIL AND GREASE REMOVER

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

Gator Clean XP Oil and Grease Remover is effective in removing tough stains such as grease, cooking oil and motor oil. 

PRODUCT FEATURES 

Consider the following features of this product:

• Phosphate-free and biodegradable
• Can be used on stone, brick and concrete
• Is not to be used on asphalt or blacktop

PRODUCT APPLICATIONS 

Use Gator XP Oil and Grease Remover on:

• Concrete.
• Brick.
• Stone.
• Composite decking.

PRODUCT INSTRUCTIONS

Follow these four steps for best results when using Gator XP Oil and Grease Remover:

1. Shake the bottle.
2. Disperse product on the stain.
3. Let it dry.
4. Sweep it up. 

PLEASE NOTE 

Please take note of the following considerations before installing the product:

• To ensure results will meet your expectations, always test the product on a small, concealed area of about 4 square feet. Always test before using on painted, colored or sealed surfaces.
• Prior use of alternate cleaners may inhibit performance.
• May damage seal if applied on sealed pavers. 

CONTACT NITTERHOUSE MASONRY FOR GATOR CLEANING PRODUCTS

Reclaim your investment with high-quality Gator cleaning products from Nitterhouse Masonry Products. 

We are a family-owned and -operated masonry hardware supplier serving the northeast since 1923. Nitterhouse Masonry Products has built a solid reputation through our high-quality products, superior customer service, LEED certification and ability to meet ASTM standards. 

Reach out to us online or visit us at a nearby location to find the right Gator cleaning products for your next project.