Best way to remove gum and grease from concrete

[steelman39]

Can I get some suggestions of the best way to remove gum (old and hard) and grease (may be several months old) from concrete?

Thanks

 

[the_GUNN_man]

Turbo nozzle and hot water.

 

[steelman39]

I ahve a cold water washer> any other suggestions. My washer is 3500psi,4gpm

 

[tekp446]

I use a surface cleaner and occasionally a turbo nozzle - but be careful, you can blast concrete to pieces with a turbo nozzle... hot water also a plus

 

[jon chapman]

I have not had any luck with a turbo nozzle on gum. Using a 15 deg tip and hot 180 degree water I can get most of it, but I am still not thrilled at the amount left. and I have a real hard time not gouging the concrete, no matter the angle I put the tip or how carefull I am.

 

[Aplus]

A 15 degree tip and 180 degree water should pop gum right off. I have a 10 degree tip that I bought from Mark that works great on gum. After a bit of practice, you'll find it easy to remove all the gum without damaging the concrete. Of course an oily like shadow usually remains behind, and there's no good way to remove it.

Cold water is not the proper tool for removing gum, no matter what. Gum has to be heated for effective removal.

In my opinon, a turbo nozzle should only be used by those who know how to use it. A heck of a lot of damage can be caused by untrained users. In fact, I don't even use mine anymore....haven't for the past 3 years. There is nothing I can't do with either a standard nozzle or my surface cleaner vs. a turbo nozzle.

Many years of experience along with thousands of hours of practice ensures that.

 

[Bob Gates]

15 degree tip....hot water...and low pressure

 

[Henry Bockman]

I use a turbo nozzle with 180 degree heat. I'm real careful with it though and I've never damaged the surface. For oil and grease there is a product called eatsoil and it's supposed to work great but I've never tried it personally.

 

[Aplus]

Henry,
You've been at this awhile, and surely know how to handle a turbo nozzle. Persons new to this trade may likely have different outcomes then you do.

 

[john orr]

I have an orange tip (5 deg, I think) for the gum. Definitely hot water. Using a 5, 10 or 15 deg tip will pop or pry the gum off. A turbo nozzle will tear it off. If the concrete is fresh or "soft", either tip will do damage, but the turbo can do more.

My favorite thing to clean with a turbo nozzle? Round stepping stones...gets them clean with almost no mud.