How to clean a concrete mixer from hardened cement

It can be difficult to clean a concrete mixer, particularly when hardened cement is involved. Cleaning the equipment is important, but it’s easy to forget after a long day of mixing and pouring concrete. But allowing the cement to solidify inside the mixer can lead to serious issues later on. It may result in increased wear and tear, lower mixer efficiency, or even damage that needs expensive repairs. It is essential to completely clean the mixer after every use because of this.

Removing hardened cement can be especially difficult. Once the cement has set, it adheres firmly to the mixer’s surfaces, unlike wet cement, which is easily removed with water. It is resistant to basic cleaning techniques because of this bond. To effectively dissolve and remove the hardened material, specialized methods and equipment are frequently required. If the mixer isn’t cleaned properly, the buildup may accumulate over time and reduce its effectiveness and ease of use.

Fortunately, even when working with hardened cement, there are a number of efficient ways to clean a concrete mixer. These techniques include using chemical solutions to dissolve the cement and using mechanical tools like hammers and chisels. The type of mixer and the degree of buildup often influence the method selection. We will go into more detail about these techniques and provide step-by-step instructions to help you maintain the best possible condition for your concrete mixer in the sections that follow.

Mechanical cleaning method

On building sites, this approach is most frequently employed because it is thought to be the most accessible. Use the following to clean cement out of a concrete mixer:

  1. Crushed stone. In this case, 3 liters of water are poured into the drum (you can pour it directly from a hose) and 2 buckets of crushed stone are added. After that, the concrete mixer needs to be turned on and wait 10-15 minutes until the water softens the sticking pieces of concrete, and the small gravel will clean them. It is important to ensure that the angle of the drum allows the "scrub" to reach the inner edges.
  2. Shovel. You can also clean the device in the "old-fashioned" way using a sharp shovel, but it is worth considering that in this case you will also damage the inner surfaces of the drum.
  3. Chisel and hammer. This cleaning process will require a lot of time and physical effort, and the inner surface of the drum will be damaged in the same way as in the previous method.
  4. An angle grinder with a brush attachment. To use this tool, you will have to sweat and be sure to wear a mask and gloves. This method is considered the most gentle of all mechanical cleaning methods.
  5. Sandpaper. It is worth using sandpaper if small particles of the mixture have stuck to the walls of the mixer.

Another option is to fill the drum with a mushy mixture of sand and water, then turn the machine on for 20 minutes. In this instance, every "undesirable" component will be removed by the abrasive composition. Until the drum surface is completely clean, the process is repeated multiple times (each time the water is changed).

Chemical method of cleaning the mixer

There are many different chemicals that you can use to quickly remove cement. So here’s how to maintain a concrete mixer:

  1. A special solvent for cement Bio Decap Beton Guard, which will remove all stuck pieces of the mixture without damaging the plastic and metal parts of the equipment. This composition is also recommended for treating the inner surface before mixing, so that the concrete does not stick to the drum.
  2. Lugato cleaner, which is as effective as hydrochloric acid, but does not cause much harm to human skin.
  3. Khimfrez. This product can only be used at temperatures above 5 degrees.
  4. Barracuda, which does not contain acid. A very economical method, since a liter bottle of the product is enough to clean 10 "cubes".
  5. Oily composition Divinol Mischerschutz. It not only quickly removes stuck masses, but also prevents their subsequent formation. The composition must be diluted with water in a ratio of 1:20, after which the mixture is poured into a working concrete mixer for 10-15 minutes.

Hydrochloric acid is a less dangerous but equally effective method. In order to accomplish this, make a "cocktail" of 5–10% solution and pour it into the device. After that, you must literally turn on the concrete mixer for a few turns to ensure that the acid completely washes the drum’s walls. The last step is to give the device a thorough water rinse.

Crucial! Wearing personal protective equipment is important because you run the risk of getting a chemical burn if hydrochloric acid gets on your skin.

How to prevent concrete sticking

Some people believe that it’s easiest to follow procedures that just won’t let the concrete stick, so you won’t have to spend hours figuring out how to remove the cement mixture. But it’s important to remember that if:

  • Before mixing, apply a little diesel fuel to the inner walls of the concrete mixer, then the concrete will certainly not stick, but this will also affect the properties of the finished solution.
  • Use specialized chemicals in their pure form, then this will also have a detrimental effect on the surface of the unit. Therefore, it is better to dilute the products with cold water and be sure to rinse the drum after using them.

The same holds true for treating gears and other concrete mixer components with oil. The truth is that this kind of coating not only doesn’t shield the "essential" areas, but it also encourages even more tiny particles to stick to it. As a result, the friction force rises and the gears break down more quickly.

Step Details
1 Rinse with water
2 Use a pressure washer
3 Chisel off stubborn spots
4 Apply a concrete dissolver
5 Rinse thoroughly

Sustaining a clean concrete mixer is essential to guaranteeing the durability and effectiveness of your apparatus. The accumulation of hardened cement can require expensive repairs or replacements, so you can avoid it by cleaning your mixer after every use. The techniques covered, including the use of water, sand, and chemical cleaners, work well for getting rid of cement residue and maintaining the best possible condition for your mixer.

It’s crucial to adhere to safety precautions when cleaning your mixer, particularly if chemicals are involved. Always work in an area with adequate ventilation and wear the proper safety gear. Using a hammer and chisel or specialized tools like a pneumatic chisel can help break up hardened cement, but caution must be taken not to damage the mixer.

Regular maintenance and cleaning not only extend the life of your mixer but also ensure the quality of your concrete. A clean mixer provides better mixing efficiency, resulting in more consistent concrete mixtures. Remember, a little effort spent on cleaning can save time and money in the long run by preventing major issues.

In conclusion, cleaning your concrete mixer is an easy but crucial chore that you shouldn’t neglect. You can preserve the functionality of your equipment and guarantee the caliber of your concrete projects by incorporating these cleaning techniques into your daily schedule. By following these instructions, you can lessen the trouble and cost of handling hardened cement buildup.

Maintaining the functionality of your equipment requires you to perform a difficult but essential task of cleaning a concrete mixer from hardened cement. To break down and dissolve the stubborn cement residue, a combination of physical tools like hammers and chisels and chemical solutions like vinegar or specialized cement removers are used. The mixer’s lifespan is extended and buildup is prevented with routine cleaning after each use, as well as more thorough methods when necessary, guaranteeing optimal performance on all jobs.

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Dmitry Sokolov

Chief engineer in a large construction company. I have extensive experience in managing construction projects and implementing modern technologies.

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