ASTM E1857-97(2021)

Standard Guide for Selection of Cleaning Techniques for Masonry, Concrete, and Stucco Surfaces

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Cleaning of masonry, concrete, and stucco surfaces is undertaken for a variety of reasons including aesthetic improvement, removal of contaminants, maintenance, and surface preparation. This guide provides for selecting, testing, and evaluating cleaning techniques for removal of soiling and staining.  
4.2 Cleaning systems may adversely affect both building materials being cleaned as well as other materials, mechanical, electrical, and other building systems, and building exterior, interior, and site features.  
4.3 In some situations, it may be prudent to spot clean or to not clean.  
4.4 It should be noted that, in some cases, cleaning may be inconsistent with the goals of historic preservation.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide covers procedures for the selection and assessment of cleaning techniques for removing soiling and staining from masonry, concrete, and stucco surfaces. Removal of paints, coatings, and graffiti may require measures beyond the scope of this guide. New construction is excluded from the scope of this guide.  
1.2 This guide does not purport to address the causes of soiling or staining or to propose remedies for recurring soiling or staining.  
1.3 Where work on surfaces of artistic, architectural, cultural, or historic significance is being considered, guidance from specialists should be sought.  
1.4 This guide does not purport to address removal and replacement of prior repairs, repair of damaged surfaces, or other irregularities that contribute to the uneven or discolored appearance of masonry, concrete, and stucco surfaces.  
1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 14-Apr-2021
• ICS: 03.080.10 - Maintenance services. Facilities management
• Technical Committee: E06 - Performance of Buildings
• Drafting Committee: E06.24 - Building Preservation and Rehabilitation Technology

Relations

• Refers: ASTM C1232-23 - Standard Terminology for Masonry
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2023
• Refers: ASTM C119-19 - Standard Terminology Relating to Dimension Stone
• Effective Date: 01-May-2019
• Refers: ASTM D4262-05(2018) - Standard Test Method for pH of Chemically Cleaned or Etched Concrete Surfaces
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2018
• Refers: ASTM C1232-17 - Standard Terminology for Masonry
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2017
• Refers: ASTM C119-16 - Standard Terminology Relating to Dimension Stone
• Effective Date: 01-May-2016
• Refers: ASTM C1232-15a - Standard Terminology of Masonry
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2015
• Refers: ASTM C1232-15 - Standard Terminology of Masonry
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2015
• Refers: ASTM E631-15 - Standard Terminology of Building Constructions
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2015
• Refers: ASTM C119-14e1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Dimension Stone
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2014
• Refers: ASTM C119-14 - Standard Terminology Relating to Dimension Stone
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2014
• Refers: ASTM E631-14 - Standard Terminology of Building Constructions
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2014
• Refers: ASTM C1232-12 - Standard Terminology of Masonry
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2012
• Refers: ASTM D4262-05(2012) - Standard Test Method for pH of Chemically Cleaned or Etched Concrete Surfaces
• Effective Date: 01-May-2012
• Refers: ASTM C119-11 - Standard Terminology Relating to Dimension Stone
• Effective Date: 15-Jun-2011
• Refers: ASTM C1232-10c - Standard Terminology of Masonry
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2010

Overview

ASTM E1857-97(2021), Standard Guide for Selection of Cleaning Techniques for Masonry, Concrete, and Stucco Surfaces provides a framework for selecting, testing, and evaluating appropriate cleaning methods for masonry, concrete, and stucco surfaces. Cleaning these surfaces may be necessary for aesthetic improvement, removal of contaminants, routine maintenance, or preparation for other treatments. The guide highlights the importance of assessing not just the effectiveness of cleaning, but also its potential impact on substrates and related building systems. While offering comprehensive evaluation and selection criteria, the standard specifically excludes removal of paints, coatings, graffiti, and new construction.

Key Topics

• Surface Assessment: Emphasizes the need to identify and characterize the substrate (masonry, concrete, or stucco) before choosing a cleaning method, including considerations like mineral composition, surface condition, and previous treatments.
• Soiling and Staining Identification: Guides users to determine the types and causes of contaminants or staining to inform proper technique selection.
• Cleaning Technique Selection: Outlines criteria for choosing a system, including desired cleanliness, effectiveness, adverse effects, environmental factors, and practical considerations such as time and cost.
• Cleaning Methods:
  • Water Cleaning: Includes techniques such as nebulized water spray and pressure washing, with guidance on proper equipment selection and use.
  • Chemical Cleaning: Covers the use of detergents, organic solvents, acids, and alkalis, with recommendations for testing, residue removal, and compatibility with building materials.
  • Abrasive Cleaning: Discusses mechanical, wet, and dry abrasive techniques, highlighting limitations and the potential for substrate damage.
• Testing and Evaluation: Recommends using test areas to evaluate cleaning effectiveness and adverse effects prior to full-scale application.
• Historic and Cultural Considerations: Notes that in some contexts, cleaning may conflict with historic preservation goals, and specialist advice should be sought.
• Safety and Environmental Compliance: Stresses the importance of complying with safety, health, and environmental regulations, especially for cleaning effluents and chemical handling.

Applications

ASTM E1857-97(2021) is widely applicable in the maintenance, preservation, and rehabilitation of buildings with masonry, concrete, or stucco surfaces. Practical uses include:

• Building Facade Maintenance: Guiding professionals and facilities managers in selecting cleaning techniques that maintain building appearance while minimizing risk to substrates and adjacent systems.
• Historic Preservation: Assisting conservators in evaluating appropriate cleaning approaches compatible with preservation standards for historically or culturally significant structures.
• Facility Upgrades and Renovation: Supporting contractors in preparing surfaces for coatings or repairs by recommending suitable cleaning and evaluation methods.
• Environmental Compliance: Helping property owners and professionals manage cleaning operations in a manner consistent with environmental and safety regulations.

Related Standards

For comprehensive building care and effective application, refer to these relevant standards and guides:

• ASTM C119 - Terminology Relating to Dimension Stone
• ASTM C1232 - Terminology for Masonry
• ASTM D4262 - Test Method for pH of Chemically Cleaned or Etched Concrete Surfaces
• ASTM E631 - Terminology of Building Constructions
• BS 6270 - Code of Practice for Cleaning and Surface Repair of Buildings
• The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation and Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings

Keywords: masonry cleaning, concrete cleaning, stucco cleaning, cleaning techniques, water cleaning, chemical cleaning, abrasive cleaning, surface assessment, building maintenance, historic preservation, ASTM E1857

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: E1857 − 97 (Reapproved 2021)
Standard Guide for
Selection of Cleaning Techniques for Masonry, Concrete,
and Stucco Surfaces
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1857; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.1 This guide covers procedures for the selection and
C119 Terminology Relating to Dimension Stone
assessment of cleaning techniques for removing soiling and
C1232 Terminology for Masonry
staining from masonry, concrete, and stucco surfaces. Removal
D4262 TestMethodforpHofChemicallyCleanedorEtched
of paints, coatings, and graffiti may require measures beyond
Concrete Surfaces
the scope of this guide. New construction is excluded from the
E631 Terminology of Building Constructions
scope of this guide.
3. Terminology
1.2 This guide does not purport to address the causes of
soiling or staining or to propose remedies for recurring soiling
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this guide,
or staining.
see Terminology C119, C1232,or E631.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
1.3 Where work on surfaces of artistic, architectural,
3.2.1 coating—clear or pigmented surface treatment applied
cultural, or historic significance is being considered, guidance
for aesthetic improvement, enhanced durability, or other pur-
from specialists should be sought.
pose.
1.4 This guide does not purport to address removal and
3.2.2 contaminant—a foreign substance not intentionally
replacement of prior repairs, repair of damaged surfaces, or
introduced to a surface.
other irregularities that contribute to the uneven or discolored
3.2.3 muriatic acid—commercial grades of hydrochloric
appearance of masonry, concrete, and stucco surfaces.
acid that often contain iron impurities.
1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
3.2.4 nebulized water spray—cleaning with a mist of water
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
from fine nozzles.
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
3.2.5 poultice—cleaning systems composed of one or more
and are not considered standard.
liquids mixed with powder to form a paste.
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.2.6 soiling—a deposit of finely divided particulate matter
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
or other contaminants adhered to the surface.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3.2.7 soiling crust—accumulation of soiling into a hardened
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
layer at the surface. Partial or complete detachment of the crust
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
may damage the substrate.
1.7 This international standard was developed in accor-
3.2.8 staining—a contaminant that has penetrated the sur-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
face.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
3.2.9 surface—the exposed face of masonry, concrete, or
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
stucco.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 Cleaning of masonry, concrete, and stucco surfaces is
undertaken for a variety of reasons including aesthetic
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E06 on Performance
of Buildings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E06.24 on Building
Preservation and Rehabilitation Technology. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved April 15, 2021. Published April 2021. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
ɛ1
approved in 1997. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as E1857 – 97 (2013) . Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
DOI: 10.1520/E1857-97R21. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E1857 − 97 (2021)
procedures as they relate to the surfaces being cleaned. Whenever
improvement, removal of contaminants, maintenance, and
possible, contact the masonry, concrete, or stucco manufacturers and
surface preparation. This guide provides for selecting, testing,
suppliers,thecleaningproductmanufacturers,andthecleaningequipment
and evaluating cleaning techniques for removal of soiling and
manufacturers to determine compatibility. Specialists may also be con-
staining.
sulted.
4.2 Cleaning systems may adversely affect both building
8.1 Water Cleaning, relies on the ability of water to
materials being cleaned as well as other materials, mechanical,
dissolve, swell, and loosen soiling and staining, enabling their
electrical, and other building systems, and building exterior,
removal from the surface. Mechanical scrubbing may enhance
interior, and site features.
removal when staining is deeply deposited.
4.3 In some situations, it may be prudent to spot clean or to 8.1.1 The effectiveness of water cleaning is influenced by
the following factors:
not clean.
8.1.1.1 Pressure Rating, refers to the gauge pressure mea-
4.4 It should be noted that, in some cases, cleaning may be
sured at the nozzle of the cleaning equipment. Equipment
inconsistent with the goals of historic preservation.
capable of generating a pressure of 100 psi to 3000 psi
5. Identification and Characterization of Substrate (0.7 MPa to 20 MPa) is commonly used. Surfaces and sub-
NOTE 1—The substrate should be identified and characterized before a
strates can be damaged by abrasion. Testing should determine
cleaning method is selected. Building records and any other relevant
the minimum effective pressure.The location of the pump with
historic sources should be reviewed for information about the substrate
respect to the nozzle can affect the pressure rating.
and any previous treatments that might affect the proposed cleaning
8.1.1.2 Water Flow Rate—Water supplied by the pump to
process.
the rinsing apparatus measured in gallons per minute (gpm) or
5.1 Substrate samples should be analyzed to describe the
litres per minute (L/min). Pumps delivering 1.5 gpm (3.8
following characteristics:
L/min) may be used effectively in cleaning operations that
5.1.1 Mineralogical composition of major constituents,
require containment or control of effluent. More efficient
5.1.2 Microtexture,
cleaningisgenerallyachievedwithequipmentprovidingaflow
5.1.3 Water solubility,
rate of 4 gpm to 8 gpm (15 L⁄min to 30 L/min).
5.1.4 Acid solubility,
8.1.1.3 Spray Tip, determines the size and configuration of
5.1.5 Water absorption, and
the water spray delivered to the substrate. Fan-type spray tips
5.1.6 Soluble salt content.
producing 15° to 40° fan spray patterns have proven most
NOTE 2—ASTM describes specific test methods for each masonry type.
effective for cleaning masonry, concrete, and stucco surfaces.
Judgment should be used to select the current test method appropriate to
Laser tips, 0° tips, or fan spray tips with less than 15° spray
the proposed cleaning project.Tests may be modified to accommodate the
patterns produce a concentrated stream of water that may
number and size of available samples.
damage surfaces. Rotating spray heads that produce a scouring
6. Identification of Soiling and Staining
action may also damage surfaces. Care must be taken to keep
the spray tip as far from the surface as possible to provide
6.1 Identification of the composition of soiling or staining
effectivecleaning.Waterfromaspraytipheld3ft(0.9m)from
present on surfaces to be cleaned will assist in determining
thesubstratemayhavenoadverseeffectonthesurfacebutmay
appropriate cleaning techniques for testing. This may be
remove the surface of the substrate when held 6 in. (150 mm)
accomplished through laboratory testing. Cleaning techniques
from the wall.
should always be further evaluated in test areas.
8.1.2 Water Cleaning Methods:
7. Selection Criteria
8.1.2.1 Nebulized Water Spray—Effective for removal of
soiling or other deposits from surfaces that could not withstand
7.1 Performance goals for cleaning masonry, concrete, or
stucco surfaces should be established prior to selection of the high pressure water or abrasive cleaning techniques.
cleaning technique.
8.1.2.2 Pressure Water Spray—Effective for removal of
loosely adhered soiling.
7.2 Selection of cleaning techniques shall be based on the
8.1.3 Limitations—Problems associated with water cleaning
following factors:
include intrusion of water into interior spaces, brown staining
7.2.1 The level of cleanness desired;
when iron-containing minerals are present, and the encourage-
7.2.2 The effectiveness of the cleaning system;
ment of biological growth. When water pressures are
7.2.3 Adverse effects to the surfaces, substrates and related
excessive, the surface can be abraded. Metal tools should not
components, and adjacent surfaces;
be used as scrubbing implements.
7.2.4 Environmental concerns, such as human exposure and
the collection, neutralization, and disposal of cleaning residue
8.2 Chemical Cleaning, relies on chemical reaction to
and run-off; and
dissolve, capture, or mobilize soiling or staining. Chemical
7.2.5 Other practical considerations such as time and cost
cleaning utilizies detergents, organic solvents, acids, and alka-
factors.
lis. Cleaning compounds, which are often proprietary products,
are available as water-thin liquids and as thickened gels.
8. Cleaning Techniques
Poultices can be used for removal of stains. Use of a chemical
NOTE3—Thefollowingcleaningtechniquesarenotnecessarilylistedin
in conjunction with water washing reduces both the chemical
order of aggressiveness. It is the responsibility of the user of this guide to
determine the advantages and disadvantages of the various cleaning concentrations and the water volume required. In most cases,
E1857 − 97 (2021)
chemical cleaning should be preceded and followed by thor- 8.2.2.5 Chemical reaction with adjacent surfaces may result
ough water rinsing. Poultices enhance removal when staining from direct contact of the acidic cleaning solution or by vapors
is deeply deposited. from the cleaning solution.
8.2.2.6 Acids containing chlorides may contribute to corro-
NOTE 4—Application frequently involves use of proprietary chemical
sion of ferrous materials that are within or adjacent to the
cleaning compounds. Products should be used in accordance with the
substrate. Alkalis may damage aluminum and other metallic
manufacturer’s recommendations for suitability, protection, dilution,
application, surface contact times, and rinsing procedures. materials.
8.2.2.7 In most instances, a chemical cleaner should not be
8.2.1 Chemical Types:
applied with pressurized equipment. Such an application may
8.2.1.1 Detergents—Suitable for removal of dust, dirt, water
forcechemicalsdeepwithinthesurfaceofthemasonrythatare
soluble surface contaminants, oil, grease, and other emulsifi-
difficult to remove and may adversely affect the surface. Such
able staining materials. Water-detergent solutions can be
an application may result in an unintended dispersion of
acidic, alkaline, or pH neutral. Neutral pH detergents are
chemicals.
sometimes referred to as nonionic.
8.2.2.8 Metal tools should not be used as scrubbing imple-
8.2.1.2 Organic Solvents—Suitable for removal of caulking
ments.
compound residues, oils, grease, bituminous materi
...