How to Pressure Wash Concrete: Tips and Tricks
It’s practically a guarantee that there is some sort of concrete on your property. Whether it’s your driveway, your front walk, or a back patio, this concrete is at your service each and every day. So make sure you pay it back by keeping your concrete clean! This will improve your concrete’s appearance and even help it last longer. The question is how to pressure wash concrete in the first place. How does this process work, and how can you simplify the process?
Read below to learn tips and tricks about the concrete pressure washing process! At Spotless Abode, we clean concrete each and every week. We know the best way to do this work, and we’re ready to teach you more.
General Overview of Concrete Cleaning
Learning how to pressure wash concrete requires an understanding of pressure washing itself. So, what exactly is it? Pressure washing is a specialized cleaning technique that allows for the easy restoration of concrete. Necessary equipment for concrete cleaning includes a pressure washer, an attaching hose, cleaning solutions (such as sodium hypochlorite) and safety equipment (e.g., gloves, goggles, full-length pants, and closed-toe shoes). When pressure washing concrete, use 3,000 to 3,500 PSI. Concrete is a durable material, so it is able to withstand this force without becoming damaged.
Concrete pressure washing has two key benefits. Firstly, it improves the appearance of concrete, resulting in better-looking homes and businesses. Additionally, by removing debris from concrete, you’ll prevent it from becoming damaged over time. Avoid expensive repairs in the long run with concrete pressure washing!
Tip #1: Clear the Area Before Pressure Washing
When gearing up for a concrete washing project, it’s important that you clear all items off the surface first. For example, if cleaning a driveway, relocate your vehicles. Or, if cleaning a patio, move your furniture, grills, and decorations. That way, these items don’t get in the way of your work, allowing you to completely restore the concrete.
Another reason you’ll need to move these items is for their own safety. In many cases, these objects will be damaged by pressurized water. By moving them to a discrete location, they will be out of harm’s way.
Tip #2: Sweep Concrete First
Are you preparing to pressure wash your concrete? Have you moved all objects out of the way? Great! Now, it’s time to sweep your concrete. By doing this, you’ll remove loose debris, such as dirt and small rocks, off the surface. This means you will have less to rinse away during the pressure washing process.
Pressure washing can also turn debris into projectiles. For instance, by pressure washing a surface covered with pieces of gravel, you could send them flying… and potentially wind up with a cracked window or windshield. Prevent this by sweeping before pressure washing.
Tip #3: Apply Cleaning Solutions Correctly
When preparing to clean your concrete, you’ll need to apply cleaning solutions correctly. These substances break down stubborn debris so it can be more easily removed. We recommend sodium hypochlorite. Simply spray a thin layer of it onto the concrete. Then, wait ten to fifteen minutes. After this time has passed, any debris should be significantly weaker and easier to remove via pressure washing.
Sodium hypochlorite is a safe choice for pressure washing. Not only does it not damage concrete, but it is also environmentally friendly. It will decompose without causing any pollution, giving you one less thing to worry about.
Tip #4: Thoroughly Wash Concrete
The main objective of pressure washing is to remove unwanted debris and restore the concrete’s beauty. Because of this, there’s no good reason to rush through the project. It’s a much better idea to work meticulously, ensuring that every square inch of the concrete is completely revitalized. Be sure to remove all dirt, moss, mold, algae, pollen, etc. If necessary, you can even use a second round of cleaning solutions.
We recommend pressure washing your concrete in a series of rows. Be sure to overlap each pass as if you were mowing your lawn. That way, you don’t leave any grime behind!
Tip #5: Seal Your Concrete Afterwards
After you have finished pressure washing your concrete, there are additional precautions you can take to maintain its beauty and durability. For example, we highly recommend sealing your concrete. Sealing helps prevent future staining and algae growth, making future pressure washing much easier. This helps your concrete look its best as long as possible!
Concrete sealing also heavily reduces the chance of concrete damage. This is because sealer shields your concrete from harm. Save money in the long run by avoiding expensive concrete repairs. Your wallet will appreciate it!
Tip #6: Decide if DIY Cleaning Is Right For You
Before you clean your concrete, you should consider whether you’re prepared for the DIY process. Pressure washing your own concrete is hard work. It requires sophisticated equipment, as well as the knowledge to use it correctly. It demands a big chunk of your free time, tearing you away from your other responsibilities. Finally, you’ll have to do manual labor, which can very well leave you exhausted at the end of your project.
If you would like to use your time and energy in other ways, consider professional pressure washing. By scheduling an appointment with Southwest Pressure Washing, a locally owned business in Windsor, ON, you won’t have to learn how to pressure wash concrete. Instead, you can take some time to relax while our experts do the work for you. Best of all, we’ll clean your concrete for a fair price. Contact us online to get a free estimate today! We look forward to hearing from you.
