Legion Chemicals Heavy Concrete Remover – Dried Concrete & Cement Dissolver (Non-Corrosive, Biodegradable Acid Alternative), Safe on Equipment, 1-Quart Spray

Why I reached for this remover

Concrete splatter is a fact of life if you pour, trowel, or even just mix the stuff. I keep a short list of products that earn space in the truck for cleanup, and lately I’ve been testing Legion’s concrete remover to see if it could cut down on the scraping, chiseling, and cussing that follow a long day on the slab. I used it over a few weeks on a mix of real-world messes: dried splatter on finishing tools, a mixer paddle that missed cleanup after a rain delay, a magnesium screed with a stubborn film, a wheelbarrow with an older layer of build-up, and paint-splashed metal surfaces on a trailer and saw table. The goal was simple—see if this spray could turn set concrete into something I could rinse away without risking my gear.

What it is and how it works

This is a non-corrosive, biodegradable acid alternative designed to break down cementitious binders and turn hardened residue into a soft slurry. In practice, it behaves like a gentler, low-fume stand-in for muriatic acid: you apply it, let it dwell, and the crusty grey turns creamy and brushable. The promise is less burn risk and less damage to surrounding materials while still attacking the concrete. That pitch set the bar high, so I went in skeptical and careful.

Test setup and process

Here’s how I used it, which aligns with best practices for these types of cleaners:

• Knocked off loose chunks with a plastic scraper.
• Sprayed a liberal, even coat until the surface was glossy-wet.
• Let it dwell 10–20 minutes, reapplying lightly to keep the area from drying out.
• Agitated with a stiff nylon brush.
• Rinsed thoroughly with a hose; repeated for thicker areas.

For heavier build-up (especially on the mixer paddle and the rim of the wheelbarrow), I did two to three applications with agitation between each. I wore gloves and eye protection. The odor was very mild, closer to a citrusy/chemical cleaner than an acid—easy to work with in open air.

Performance on different surfaces

• Finishing tools (trowels and edgers): Thin films and small nodules softened within the first 10–15 minutes. After a brush and rinse, the tools were effectively clean. No edge discoloration or finish change that I could see.
• Mixer paddle: The thickest deposits took multiple cycles. By the second application, the concrete had the telltale “creamed” look and scraped off without metal-on-metal abuse. A third pass finished it. This is slower than a hot acid bath, but more forgiving and safer for the operator and surrounding materials.
• Magnesium screed: A single application knocked back the haze; a second pass got into the texture. No darkening or etching on the mag, which is often a concern with aggressive cleaners.
• Wheelbarrow: Old, sun-baked ribbons along the edges took the most effort. After two applications and a firm brushing, what remained was spotty and thin—one last light coat removed the ghosts. The painted tub and metal frame showed no dulling.
• Painted and powder-coated gear: No visible effect on finish beyond a clean surface. I specifically checked areas around fasteners and edges where coatings are thinner; nothing lifted or whitened.
• Glass: Light speckling on a window came off without any hazing.

Across the board, the remover did what it claims—converted hard crust to a workable paste that rinsed away. It won’t magically release thick, embedded aggregate in one shot, but it steadily eats the binder so you can remove deposits without metal tools.

How it compares to muriatic acid

• Speed: Slightly slower on heavy build-up. Expect to reapply on stubborn spots.
• Fumes and comfort: Night-and-day better. No harsh cloud, no throat burn, and I didn’t experience skin irritation during incidental contact (I still recommend gloves).
• Collateral damage: Much friendlier to paint, magnesium, and plated steel. With muriatic, I’ll often mask or pull parts; here, I worked more freely.

If you’re used to the bite and instant reaction of traditional acid, the more controlled pace here might feel unfamiliar. I came to prefer it because I wasn’t babysitting overspray or worrying about flash rust and etched coatings.

Application tips that made a difference

• Keep it wet during the dwell time. A light respray every few minutes keeps the chemistry alive; once it dries, reaction slows.
• Agitate with nylon, not metal. You don’t need to scratch your tools—let the chemical do the heavy lifting.
• Work in sections. On a wheelbarrow or large form, split the surface so you can monitor dwell and keep it active.
• Rinse thoroughly. A pressurized rinse speeds things along; even a garden nozzle works if you’re thorough.
• For really heavy deposits, pre-score thick ridges with a plastic scraper before the second application. It opens up the layer and accelerates the process.

A quart went further than I expected. Half the bottle handled the mixer paddle, two trowels, an edger, a 4-foot mag screed, and the interior of a well-used wheelbarrow—with enough left for touch-ups on a saw table.

Safety and surface compatibility

The formula is non-corrosive and labeled safe for painted and metal equipment. In my use, it didn’t haze glass, dull paint, or discolor magnesium. Bare aluminum can be a sensitive material with aggressive cleaners; I did not see clouding during 20-minute dwell times. Regardless, I recommend spot-testing on sensitive finishes and avoiding extended dry-down on bare soft metals. PPE still matters: gloves, eyewear, and ventilation are good practice, even with lower-risk chemistry.

Runoff matters too. While biodegradable, the slurry you rinse away contains dissolved cement fines. Keep it off vegetation and out of drains where feasible; a containment mat or a gravel area is a good rinsing spot.

Packaging and ergonomics

The liquid itself is the star. My bottle did its job, delivered a consistent spray, and didn’t clog during repeated cycles. I did notice a small weep around the cap after the first session; tightening the closure solved it. If you use this frequently, consider transferring it to a chemical-resistant sprayer with a broader fan pattern to cover large surfaces more efficiently.

Where it shines—and where it doesn’t

• Best for: Routine cleanup of tools and equipment, removing splatter from painted or coated metal, breaking down thin-to-moderate deposits, and post-pour maintenance in shops where powerful fumes are a no-go.
• Acceptable for: Older, thicker build-up with patience and multiple passes. You’ll still save time and avoid gouging your equipment.
• Not ideal for: Inches-thick mispours or embedded aggregate where mechanical removal is mandatory. Use a scraper or chisel first, then finish with the remover.

Value and who should buy it

Quart-for-quart, this is pricier than vinegar hacks or bulk muriatic. But it saves time, prevents damage to finishes, and is significantly more comfortable to work around. If you clean gear weekly—or rescue tools that occasionally miss end-of-day washing—the labor savings alone justify the cost. It’s also a smarter choice for small shops and garages where ventilation is limited.

The fact that it’s made in the USA by a veteran-owned outfit is a plus for those who prioritize domestic manufacturing and small-business support, but the core value is in how effectively it softens concrete without punishing everything around it.

Bottom line

Legion’s concrete remover earned a spot in my kit. It consistently turned hardened splatter into a brushable slurry, preserved finishes on paint and magnesium, and did it without choking fumes. It isn’t a miracle in a bottle—you still need dwell time, light agitation, and an occasional second pass—but it replaces chisels and harsh acids for most day-to-day cleanup.

Recommendation: I recommend this remover for contractors, DIYers, and shop managers who want reliable concrete removal with fewer safety trade-offs. It’s especially worthwhile if you’re cleaning coated or delicate surfaces, or if you value low odor and reduced risk without sacrificing results.