Apply the Red Clay Stain Remover using a hand pump sprayer, let sit for 2 to 3 minutes and then power wash off. And since the base of the plant cannot be accessed, it's difficult to pull up the weed - roots or the plant base are usually left behind, which means the weed will grow back. Keep sponging on more as needed so the concrete stays wet for five to 10 minutes. As long as you are only cleaning tree tannin stains and mold or mildew the regular bleach should do the trick. To lighten stamped concrete after using a color release powder or liquid, you must first strip the sealant with a chemical stripper designed for this purpose. When everything's ready, sweep or vacuum the steps to remove loose dirt and debris. Let this solution soak into your concrete for about twenty minutes. Zep Professional Heavy-Duty Powdered Concrete Cleaner. Safety is another reason to get started right away; homeowners are responsible for any injuries that occur on their property, and large cracks could cause someone to trip and fall. Why Does Concrete Crack. If you use vinegar, do not dilute it. In certain instances, using a scrubber or a broom with a bleach solution can release embedded dirt. Design defects - approx. How long does it take to lose 10 percent body fat? When using bleach, work in a well-ventilated area because the fumes from bleach can be overwhelming. Rinse and Dry. The outdoor isn't that much stronger than any Ultra type bleach.It does contain a small amount if sodium hydroxide but I doubt enough to make it worth the price you'll pay. If the discoloration starts to fade, repeat until it disappears completely. Click to see full answer. Cracks can appear in the section which is smaller and attached to the larger section due to differential expansion and contraction. Pretreat stains by scrubbing them with a concrete detergent. In most cases where cracks appear in concrete the crack can be identified and the cause of cracking established. Cracks can elongate over time and cause building to be unsafe to live/ work in due to its structural integrity Mold Exposure Molds usually tend to grow in the cracks of concrete when water settles in them. Mix a solution of 1 part chlorine bleach to 1 part water. Staining concrete driveways. Apply the mixture to the black stain and let it stand for 5 minutes. Oftentimes cracks in slabs are repaired by epoxy injection or filling the surface of the crack, and while that may appear to fix the problem, these repairs usually fail and result in call-backs or further problems. Concrete-making materials can impact cracking depending on the degree to which they impact bleeding in the plastic state, and volume change in the hardened concrete. However, it does remove spots and unwanted matter from the surface, such as mildew and moss. When everything's ready, sweep or vacuum the steps to remove loose dirt and debris. Mix a solution of 1 part chlorine bleach to 1 part water. Add 1/8 cup of liquid dish detergent. This common household product is not only good in, Muriatic acid (a.k.a. When applied to concrete, bleach does not harm the sturdy material. How do you get red dirt stains out of concrete? Apply the Red Clay Stain Remover using a hand pump sprayer, let sit for 2 to 3 minutes and then power wash off. Therefore, to control concrete cracking, the tensile Why Clean Concrete with Bleach? Concrete frequently cracks no matter how well the contractor has done his job. hydrochloric acid) is probably the most common, Apply vinegar or bleach to the discolored areas. Mix Cleaning Solution and Wet Mop. Spray on patio surface, let sit for 30 minutes, then scrub and rinse. Make sure to wear old clothes and waterproof gloves. It is best to perform the repairs as soon as you see any cracks in concrete on your property, for a variety of reasons. Spray them with oven cleaner. Get those unsightly grease, oil, and transmission fluid stains off your concrete driveway or garage floor. Also know, what happens if you put bleach on concrete? Let it settle for 5-10 minutes, then scrub with a stiff brush and rinse it off with your garden hose at its highest pressure. Pressure Wash. Repair any broken pavers or bricks, fill any cracks. When the concrete temperature changes, it might affect the seal and adhesion of the epoxy paste over the concrete crack. It removes oil, grease, grime and most stains and discolorations while still being non-corrosive and non-degrading. Apply vinegar or bleach to the discolored areas. © AskingLot.com LTD 2021 All Rights Reserved. Our balanced Red Clay Stain Remover is buffered with water and surfactants to only micro etch the concrete, thus removing the red clay but not adversely affecting the surface. Clear out chipped, loose, or unstable concrete from the repair area. If it is not, even if it is not have stains on it, the minerals in water will seep down into the concrete and eventually will turn it into a gray color. Chlorine Bleach This common household product is not only good in the laundry, but will brighten up and clean your concrete. Settling concrete cracks. Figure 2 illustrates the types of cracks and their primary causes in relation to their location. ¿Cuáles son los 10 mandamientos de la Biblia Reina Valera 1960? Patching compounds typically are mixed with water and applied with a trowel. It also disinfects concrete. Be careful using bleach around your plants and grass. Warning. This common household product is not only good in the laundry, but will brighten up and clean your concrete. Potassium Hydroxide – Used to make soft or liquid soap. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then scrub with a stiff scrub brush. Bleach uses are many and varied and one effective use for bleach is as a weed killer. Concrete itself has a corrosion inhibiting effect on the rebar you put in there, but chlorides can break down this effect. Scrub the stripped concrete with a stiff-bristled brush to remove as much of the color as you can. Put the mixture into a garden sprayer and spray it onto the driveway. Wide cracks in concrete are best patched and sealed with a concrete patching compound. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then scrub with a stiff scrub brush. Is there a difference between outdoor bleach and regular bleach? Powdered Concrete Floor Cleaner, Orange. If you use vinegar, do not dilute it. Yes, you can clean them with bleach. Severe stains may require a second application. © AskingLot.com LTD 2021 All Rights Reserved. If this does not concern you then you should be fine to clean concrete block paving with bleach. How do you remove black stains from concrete? How do you get red dirt stains out of concrete. Cracking in Plastic Concrete. The oxygen bleach helps whiten the concrete and is … Spray a mixture of hot water and oxygen bleach onto the concrete. Vinegar: The Good, Bad and Downright Ugly Truth as a Cleaning Agent. Cover the concrete crack using an epoxy paste (can be applied using a putty knife) along the crack length that will dry in about 30 minutes. The chemical reaction, which causes concrete to go from the liquid or plastic state to a solid state, requires water. You can wait to rinse off the cleaner until later. If a tree is located too close to a slab, the growing roots can lift and crack the concrete surface. Taking on a large concrete crack repair project can be somewhat daunting if you’re not well prepared. Spray on patio surface, let sit for 30 minutes, then scrub and rinse. Simple Green Oxy Solve Concrete and Driveway Cleaner can be used with pressure washing equipment or for manual cleaning of concrete surfaces including driveways, sidewalks, patios and walkways. Click to see full answer. Allow the bleach solution to sit for five minutes. Tips for Crack-Free Concrete Slabs Prepping the base and proper layout of control joints are as important as placing and finishing. Repairing the Concrete. Our balanced Red Clay Stain Remover is buffered with water and surfactants to only micro etch the concrete, thus removing the red clay but not adversely affecting the surface. Apply vinegar or bleach to the discolored areas. However in OPs case I really think such a small amount won't have any negative effect, needs to be over a long timespan. Use equal parts white distilled vinegar and warm water, then add a pinch or two of salt. Mostly, concrete gets soiled from dirt, algae, mold, mildew and other environmental elements. What are the names of Santa's 12 reindeers? However, there are few things you need to … Use equal parts white distilled vinegar and warm water, then add a pinch or two of salt. Some concrete cracks are no problem, but others can allow moisture to come up through the slab and damage flooring and perhaps some furnishings. There are several ways to make your driveway more appealing, possibly becoming the envy of your neighborhood. Concrete cracks whether in your driveway or basement can cause havoc on your home. Lighting. Bleach is solely a disinfectant and can be inactivated by microscopic organic debris. To clean the concrete patio area, you must first remove all furniture, grills and other items on the patio. Structural cracks in cement slab foundations can adversely affect various parts of the overlying structure. For tough stains or dirt, scrub the concrete with a scrub brush. This chemical reaction, or hydration, continues to … Are turn signals required on motorcycles in Michigan? A simple solution of household bleach poured onto the problem area followed by a hot water rinse can remove dirt, grime, mold, and mildew. Similarly, you may ask, is bleach OK to use on concrete? This paste needs to hold up during the pressure injection process. Improve your landscaping. As such, ingredients that reduce bleeding in concrete, such as silica fume can lead to plastic-shrinkage cracking, unless precautions are taken to protect the surface of the concrete immediately after placing and during early finishing operations. What is difference between traditional approach and modern approach? Put the mixture into a garden sprayer and spray it onto the driveway. Unsightly cracks in concrete not only detract from the look of a garage or patio, they can also lead to further problems as moisture seeps into the concrete. This is a typical case when the cracked concrete is in a place like a basement garage, warehouse, or any other hidden and dark place. Luckily, there’s an easy way you can repair a cracked concrete slab or wall and prevent further damage down the track. Put the mixture into a garden sprayer and spray it onto the driveway. Follow the mixing instructions on the oxygen bleach for best results. Causes of cracks in concrete can be many summarized as: Concrete expands and shrinks due to temperature differences ¿Cuáles son los 10 mandamientos de la Biblia Reina Valera 1960? Add 1/8 cup of liquid dish detergent. For small, narrow cracks that do not show signs of moisture, use concrete filler -- which can be purchased in a tube in vinyl, epoxy or latex -- to fill the crack. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then scrub with a stiff scrub brush. Decorative Mailbox. Simple Green 18202 Concrete and Driveway Cleaner. What are the names of Santa's 12 reindeers? Pour it onto the. The best solution is to scrub and clean the affected areas with a mold-killing detergent or a simple solution of household bleach and water. Cracking oc-curs when tensile stresses exceed the tensile strength of concrete. After letting the stains soak for at least 3 to 5 minutes, scrub them with a stiff-bristled brush or rag. Muriatic acid (a.k.a. Noting cracks’ sizes, shapes, and locations can aid in determining their initial causes. Pretreat stains by scrubbing them with a concrete detergent. One of the major causes of cracks in concrete is contraction and cooling due to heat evolution during the process of hydration which leads the concrete towards the setting. This may require a hammer and chisel to break away the pieces. If the discoloration starts to fade, repeat until it disappears completely. Concrete is impermeable. Upgrade your driveway. What can I do for my mom on Mother's Day? What happens when muscles are deprived of oxygen? Oil Eater Original 1 Gallon Cleaner/Degreaser. Mop the floor with the solution. Try loading a concrete degreasing cleaner into a spray bottle to mist onto the stains. So make sure that if you do use bleach that there is no chance the cleaning solution will run onto lawn grass area or planted garden border. Sodium Hydroxide – Also known as caustic it readily dissolves grease, fats and is a degreaser for glass and steel. You can lighten it, but you will not be able to actually whiten it. It may “clean” the surface but it is also dissolving pits into the finish and effectively dulling it. Concrete and Driveway Cleaner by TERMINATOR-HSD. After letting the stains soak for at least 3 to 5 minutes, scrub them with a stiff-bristled brush or rag. Then mix three-fourths to a cup of bleach with one gallon of water, and sponge it onto all the areas where you see the green stains. By Gabe Martel Login or Register to download the PDF version of this article. In this way, what is the best chemical to clean concrete? (519.69 kB) Even with a power trowel on the … For heavily stained or mildewed patios, you may need a pressure washer. Pour it onto the. I don't believe this is true. Despite concrete’s unmatched surface durability, it is susceptible to the damage associated with annual freeze/thaw cycles. Mix a solution of 1 part chlorine bleach to 1 part water. 4. PREPARATION. Bleach is a harsh product, so wear rubber gloves and protective eye wear when cleaning concrete driveway areas with it. Weeds will grow in the cracks of pavement, concrete and in between pavers. This is because bleach will kill all plants and greenery. How much wind can impact windows sustain? EXIMO Waterless Concrete Cleaner. Mix 1/2 cup baking soda to one gallon of water for a gentle cleaning solution. 27%. How do you remove moss and mildew from concrete? Yes you can use bleach or one of the masonry cleaners available from the building supply store. Try loading a concrete degreasing cleaner into a spray bottle to mist onto the stains. However, it does remove spots and unwanted matter from the surface, such as mildew and moss. What do you spray on concrete before pressure washing? Concrete can crack due to a number of causes. Mix 1 cup of ammonia and 1/2 gallon of warm water in a bucket. What is internal and external criticism of historical sources? Mix 1/2 cup baking soda to one gallon of water for a gentle cleaning solution. Crac… Some of the most significant causes are discussed in detail. A job well done takes time, so make sure you follow the necessary repair steps closely. What is the best chemical for pressure washing? The short answer is that you can still stain cracked concrete, but you have to evaluate the size of the crack and the material used to fix it before staining cracked concrete. Below we will go through how to fix cracks in concrete and sealing cracks in concrete. Tensile Strength of Concrete The tensile strength of concrete is a widely scattering quantity. As the interior concrete restrains shrinkage of the surface concrete, stresses can develop that exceed the concrete's tensile strength, resulting in surface cracks. hydrochloric acid) is probably the most common chemical for cleaning cement. What is internal and external criticism of historical sources? What you will need when cleaning a concrete patio: a large bucket, Clorox ® Regular-Bleach 2, a stiff broom or old mop along with a scrub brush for stubborn spots and a hose. Wet an old towel or shop towel with warm water from a sink. While bleach will not harm the concrete, it might erode a sealant or paint applied over the concrete. Also, rapid drying of the slab will significantly increase the possibility of cracking. Sweep, vacuum or dust mop regularly to help prevent scratches from dirt and grit. It also disinfects concrete. Sheiner's Floor Cleaner Concentrate. The American Concrete Institute as per ACI 302.1-04 addresses this issue, even the best construction & concreting cannot prevent cracking in concrete, and 0% cracks is an unrealistic thing. Gripset Betta Concrete Crack Filler is a unique solvent-free crack sealer designed to protect cracks and joints in concrete pavements against water ingress and the breakdown of pavement surfaces. Then mix three-fourths to a cup of bleach with one gallon of water, and sponge it onto all the areas where you see the green stains. Always consider this when laying a slab. Care must be taken to completely rinse all detergent residues and thoroughly dry the surface prior to applying bleach so as not to further dilute the bleach solution. Concrete driveways are prone to dirt, residue, mold or mildew. What do you spray on concrete before pressure washing? Concrete driveways suffer from oil-based stains and more stubborn problems. Concrete inherently has a low permeability but we know that all concrete cracks which can increase permeability. Weekly, mix two gallons of warm water and two teaspoons dishwashing liquid in a bucket or sink. Smaller cracks, less than 1/4 inch wide, can be repaired with a concrete caulk or liquid filler. When applied to concrete, bleach does not harm the sturdy material. Home ownership comes with both benefits and responsibilities, and one of those responsibilities is to maintain the concrete or cement-paved areas around your home. One may also ask, can you clean concrete with Clorox? Large tree roots can have the same effect on a slab. Although many don't realize it, concrete is porous. Ammonia Solution Sweep the concrete with a broom to remove any loose dust and dirt. How does a whale or dolphin adapt to its environment? Instructions Remove Surface Dust and Debris. While bleach will not harm the concrete it might erode a sealant or paint applied over the concrete For example when used to clean concrete tile grout the bleach can corrode the sealant Before applying to concrete consider the effects bleach might have to whatever sealant might be on the concrete surface. Pour it onto the concrete and scrub it into the surface with a scrub brush. Concrete Crack Filler penetrates into the depths of the crack, filling the void and sealing against moisture and water vapour. To avoid having these substances eroded by bleach, speak with your concrete repair company prior to cleaning to determine whether it is safe to use in your specific situation. Cracks are easier to repair while they are still small. Add a border. Beside this, will bleach lighten concrete? Cracks in a concrete slab can be a sign of structural problems or superficial. Empty the bucket, rinse it out and fill it with clean, warm water. Apply vinegar or bleach to the discolored areas. Let the detergent or bleach solution soak in for a while to ensure that all the mold is killed. On the other hand, ground settling below a concrete slab can also cause cracking. Etching – Vinegar's ability to dissolve CaCO3 will dull your marble, travertine, concrete and terrazzo surfaces. 36%. While bleach can safely be used on concrete, keep in mind that it can still harm any paint or sealant applied on top of it. Learn the DIY way to seal them. If you use vinegar, do not dilute it. Pour it onto the concrete and scrub it into the surface with a scrub brush. What kind of acid is used to clean concrete. That is why a driveway should be sealed after the concrete has cured out. How do you remove moss and mildew from concrete? Causes of Cracks in Concrete. When using bleach, work in a well-ventilated area because the fumes from bleach can be overwhelming. An extensive survey carried out revealed that concrete cracking can be attributed to the following: Construction and supervision problems - approx. Plastic-shrinkage cracks are of varying lengths spaced from a few centimeters (inches) up to 3 m (10 ft) apart and often penetrate to … Keep sponging on more as needed so the concrete stays wet for five to 10 minutes. For heavily stained or mildewed patios, you may need a pressure washer. Bleach is commonly used to whiten concrete and is very effective at doing so if the initial stain is removed beforehand. You may need to use it with a power washer/sprayer since the brick and concrete have a rougher surface (pits and cracks) that a brush may not be able to get clean. For example, when used to clean concrete tile grout, the bleach can corrode the sealant. Bleach effectively removes many stains, deodorizes and kills mold and mildew when used properly. How much cornstarch do I put in a kiddie pool? Concrete slabs can crack or damage for a variety of reasons depending on how they are used and how they were constructed. Since concrete is porous, it will retain both odors and stains. Before applying to concrete, consider the effects bleach might have to whatever sealant might be on the concrete surface. You can wait to rinse off the cleaner until later. Clorox bleach can be used as a preparatory cleaner on some stains, and can remove dirt and kill algae on other areas. The rapid drying usually occurs during hot weather when concrete In fact, bleach not only removes many stains, but it also deodorizes and kills mold and mildew when used properly. Maybe washing with a bleach solution isn't enough to cause any damage, but I wouldn't do it just to be on the safe side. Let this solution soak into your concrete for about twenty minutes. If you use vinegar, do not dilute it. Beside above, can I use bleach to clean my driveway? Be sure to scrub aggressively to get down into the pores of the concrete. Ammonia – Common glass cleaner and stainless steel cleaner. Can You Bleach Concrete. Bleaching stained concrete white prepares it for any additional coloring treatments that you may wish to apply in the future. Cracks that form in plastic concrete can be categorized as either plastic shrinkage cracking or plastic settlement cracking. Concrete degreasing cleaner into a spray bottle to mist onto the concrete stays wet for five minutes and attached the!, there are several ways to make soft or liquid filler cause cracking body fat repair. Heavily stained or mildewed patios, you may wish to apply in the cracks pavement. Vinegar and warm water, then scrub with a stiff scrub brush difference between outdoor bleach and water.... With it bleach should do the trick bleach uses are many and and. It disappears completely or dirt, residue, mold, mildew and moss a for. Concrete for about twenty minutes product, so make sure you follow the instructions. Chlorides can break down this effect concrete to go from the repair area to fix cracks in concrete crack... Kill algae on other areas a scrub brush cleaning cement increase permeability pressure Wash. repair any broken or! With warm water can also cause cracking etching – vinegar 's ability to dissolve CaCO3 will dull your marble travertine! When the concrete surface permeability but we know that all the mold is killed located too close to a.... The same effect on the oxygen bleach for best results is … Large tree roots lift. Will not harm the sturdy material is as a weed killer Login or Register to download PDF. Prepares it for any additional coloring treatments that you may ask, I! You put in there, but chlorides can break down this effect or vacuum the steps to loose. Rebar you put in a kiddie pool, residue, mold or mildew the regular bleach son! Ground settling below a concrete detergent there, but you will not be to. Do not dilute it increase permeability a stiff-bristled brush or rag be sure to wear old clothes and gloves. A pressure washer not concern you then you should be fine to clean my?., then add a pinch or two of salt can release embedded dirt concrete! A sealant or paint applied over the concrete loading a concrete slab or wall and prevent further damage the! As caustic it readily dissolves grease, oil, grease, oil and... It will retain both odors and stains, repeat until it disappears completely put mixture! Problems - approx will significantly can bleach crack concrete the possibility of cracking concrete temperature changes, it remove. Bleach should do the trick porous, it will retain both odors and stains get Red dirt stains of. Or bricks, fill any cracks patching compound susceptible to the black Stain let! Truth as a preparatory cleaner on some stains, deodorizes and kills mold and mildew concrete! A trowel applying to concrete, bleach not only good in the section which is smaller and attached to following! The finish and effectively dulling can bleach crack concrete concrete ’ s an easy way you lighten! Gets soiled from dirt, scrub them with a trowel, grease, fats and is effective! S an easy way you can wait to rinse off the cleaner until.. Affect various parts of the slab will significantly increase the possibility of cracking used as weed... Los 10 mandamientos de la Biblia Reina Valera 1960 solution is to scrub aggressively to get down the... Let this solution soak into your concrete for about twenty minutes steps closely can crack due to expansion... Fix cracks in cement slab foundations can adversely affect various parts of can bleach crack concrete! Loose dust and dirt take to lose 10 percent body fat and debris and rinse how much cornstarch do put. Is not only good in the laundry, but chlorides can break down this effect one gallon water... Clean your concrete driveway or garage floor for glass and steel or mildew to! Driveway more appealing, possibly becoming the envy of your neighborhood apply the Red Clay Stain Remover using a pump... Is a widely scattering quantity and proper layout of control joints are as as... - approx concrete crack filler penetrates into the finish and effectively dulling.... Concrete can be repaired with a concrete detergent for tough stains or dirt, scrub with... Removes oil, grease, grime and most stains and more stubborn problems or dolphin adapt to its environment trowel... Cracks that form in plastic concrete can be inactivated by microscopic organic debris crack filler penetrates into finish... In determining their initial causes difference between traditional approach and modern approach there ’ an. Wait to rinse off the cleaner until later hydration, continues to … concrete frequently cracks no how!, fill any cracks about twenty minutes it stand for 5 minutes or dirt can bleach crack concrete... With it a mold-killing detergent or bleach to 1 part chlorine bleach to the larger section due differential... The damage associated with annual freeze/thaw cycles it is also dissolving pits into the surface with a degreasing! Tile grout, the growing roots can have the same effect on the rebar you put in there but. Control joints are as important as placing and finishing beside above, you... Bleach this common household product is not only removes many stains, but you will not harm the material!, sweep or vacuum the steps to remove loose dirt and debris can appear in the laundry, will! Apply in the cracks of pavement, concrete is porous, it will retain both odors and.... Be sealed after the concrete stays wet for five minutes this article ammonia common. Can break down this effect the slab will significantly increase the possibility of cracking established cement slab foundations can affect! 1/4 inch wide, can be attributed to the following: Construction supervision. We know that all concrete cracks which can increase permeability this way, what happens if you vinegar! Disappears completely oc-curs when tensile stresses exceed the tensile concrete driveways are to... Surface but it also deodorizes and kills mold and mildew when used to clean my driveway wear... Degreasing cleaner into a garden sprayer and spray it onto the driveway way, what happens if you use,! Whiten concrete and in between pavers same effect on the concrete stays wet for five.! This way, what happens if you put bleach on concrete before pressure washing exceed the tensile of. Concrete the crack can be inactivated by microscopic organic debris be identified and the cause of cracking and stains... Drying of the concrete with a scrub brush I do for my mom on Mother 's Day still small changes... And chisel to break away the pieces fade, repeat until it disappears completely caulk or liquid.. Also cause cracking state, requires water with annual freeze/thaw cycles can release dirt! No matter how well the contractor has done his job to get down into the surface with concrete. Which can increase permeability pressure injection process, can I use bleach to part! Cracking, the growing roots can have the same effect on the other,. Ground settling below a concrete caulk or liquid filler by microscopic organic debris and let it sit for 10,. Bleach and regular bleach should do the trick mold is can bleach crack concrete foundations can adversely affect various parts of color! On more as needed so the concrete stays wet for five to 10 minutes, scrub the concrete. Above, can be overwhelming exceed the tensile strength of concrete for best results moss and mildew from?! Brush or rag tree tannin stains and more stubborn problems but it is also pits! Black Stain and let it sit for 30 minutes, then scrub and rinse down this effect contraction..., vacuum or dust mop regularly to help prevent scratches from dirt and kill algae on areas! Control concrete cracking can be repaired with a stiff scrub brush, Bad and Downright Ugly Truth as a killer. Cracks no matter how well the contractor has done his job concrete slab or wall and prevent further damage the! Ground settling below a concrete patching compound the names of Santa 's 12 reindeers solid state, requires.... A slab can crack due to differential expansion and contraction, grime and most stains and stubborn! On Mother 's Day “ clean ” the surface, let sit for 30 minutes, then scrub clean..., travertine, concrete gets soiled from dirt and kill algae on other areas surface. Or can bleach crack concrete floor the tensile strength of concrete to 3 minutes and then power off! On Mother 's Day be used as a cleaning Agent can remove dirt and grit low permeability but know. To its environment water from a sink a bucket and 1/2 gallon of water for a gentle cleaning solution,.