DIRECTIONS FOR USE:

Pre-wet The Surface:
Pre-wetting the surface to be cleaned is important because it fills the pores of the masonry with water.  This keeps the cleaner on the surface where the stains are, and prevents the cleaner from being absorbed deep into the masonry.  This process allows you to use less Restore-It and still make the most effective use of the product.  Pre-wetting also helps prevent streaking and the re-absorption of stain deposits.

 

Protect The Surrounding Surface:
It is important to protect surrounding surfaces that may come in contact with the cleaner, such as; painted wood, painted metal, glass, asphalt roofing, aluminum and vinyl siding, etc.  Restore-It will not harm these surfaces, but its cleaning action will produce clean spots on any soiled surface.  Faint, white, (removable) stains may result if the contacted surface is allowed to dry.  To avoid this problem, simply rinse the surface after spillage occurs.  If the product is spilled on concrete or asphalt driveways, rinse thoroughly using a hose with a concentrated stream of water.  An accidental spill of the concentrate on grass or surrounding foliage may result in damage.  To prevent damage, rinse off the affected area and thoroughly dilute by spraying water into the surrounding soil for about five minutes.  

Chimney Tips:

The following procedures are recommended for cleaning rust, smoke, and creosote stains from masonry chimneys:

 

1. Thoroughly pre-wet the chimney and surrounding roof.  This also applies to grass, sidewalks, or driveways that are close enough to be affected by spillage or runoff.
2. Place SaverSystems’ Sorbent Pads or a drop cloth on the roof and areas surrounding the chimney.
3. Mixing Instructions: Use full strength on severely stained areas; for general brightening, dilute Restore-It concentrate 1:1 (one part concentrate to one part water).  The use of chemical splash goggles and rubber gloves is recommended.  Generously apply Restore-It to a masonry surface using the ChimneySaver Applicator or any low-pressure sprayer with an adjustable nozzle tip.  For the best results and to eliminate overspray, direct a low pressure, straight stream of cleaner onto the surface.  A thick nap roller or a soft fibered masonry washing brush may also be used, but care should be taken to avoid spills from open containers.  Clean entire area since partial cleaning will contrast with uncleaned areas.  Allow the solution to remain on the surface for three to five minutes.  Reapply the cleaning solution in the same manner just before scrubbing.  Pre-wet the scrub brush and scrub the entire chimney using a stiff-fibered, non-metal scrub brush.  An acid washing  brush with a four foot removable handle works well and saves some ladder work.  A plastic handled scrub brush with a pointed end and stiff polypropelene bristles is also useful for scrubbing severely stained areas and mortar joints.  (These brushes can be found at most hardware stores or painting supply outlets.)
4. For stubborn stains, keep Restore-It in contact with the stain.  Apply product, let it stand for a few minutes, reapply and scrub.  Repeat until stain has been satisfactorily removed before rinsing thoroughly with water.
5. When the chimney is clean, remove Sorbent Pads or drop cloths and rinse the entire chimney thoroughly using a garden hose with an adjustable water nozzle (or pressure washing/rinsing equipment using 400-600 p.s.i.).  Rinse the chimney from the bottom up to avoid streaking.  However, the final rinse should begin from the top as a concentrated stream of water is directed at each section until the sudsing stops.  Thoroughly rinse the run-off from the roof in the same manner until sudsing is eliminated.  This also protects grass and foliage by further diluting any cleaner that exits through the gutters and downspouts.  Clean application equipment with water.
6. Replace stain causing sources like rusted flashings or chimney caps with aluminum, stainless steel or other non-ferrous metal materials.

Note: A ChimneySaver water repellent treatment will protect masonry from water damage and reduce absorption of stain causing agents.

 

 

Restore-It     Q & A:  

An average chimney cleaning will require about ˝ gallon of concentrate and take less than one hour to complete.  Time and material is dependent on surface area to be cleaned and severity of stains.  

Q.      Can Restore-It be applied when the temperature is below 32 degrees?

A.       This is not recommended because the necessary water used during a cleaning could freeze and create slick and hazardous working conditions.

Q.       Can painted masonry surfaces be cleaned with Restore-It?

A.       Yes, many stains on painted masonry can be removed with Restore-It. Because of the variety of masonry materials and paints encountered, we recommend testing on a small inconspicuous area. See label for dilution recommendations on non-porous masonry. (Re-painting may be necessary.)

Q.       Can masonry treated with ChimneySaver be cleaned with Restore-It?

A.       Yes, and in most cases, re-treatment with ChimneySaver is unnecessary. Keep in mind that ChimneySaver should only be applied to a clean masonry surface; if stained masonry is treated it will be difficult to remove stains.  A ChimneySaver treatment will reduce absorption of stains into masonry, which will make it easier to clean.

Q.       Will Restore-It remove efflorescence?

A.       Yes, Restore-It will remove many water soluble salts. However, some efflorescence may simply be removed by dry brushing or with clear water and a stiff brush. According to the Brick Institute of America (BIA), heavier accumulations of white efflorescence may be removed by scrubbing the surface with a solution of muriatic acid (one part acid to twelve parts water). Test for effectiveness in an inconspicuous area.

 

If you have any questions, please give us a call at 1-800-860-6327.