Chances are, you have concrete somewhere on your property. Over time, this concrete will accumulate surface debris, and this will eventually cause trouble. When this happens, you’ll need to pressure wash your concrete to make it look its best again—but do you even know how to pressure wash concrete? In this blog, we’ll teach you how. That way, your concrete can be the best it can possibly be again!
We are Marin Exterior Cleaning, and it would be our pleasure to teach you more about concrete cleaning. Learn how to pressure wash concrete with our blog, or reach out to us for professional cleaning services in Kentfield, CA. It would be our privilege to serve you!
Why Concrete Needs Cleaning
Why should you learn how to pressure wash concrete in the first place? If your concrete isn’t cleaned, it will gather debris endlessly. This has a number of negative consequences that you won’t enjoy. First and foremost, the dirtier your concrete is, the less visually appealing it will be. If you don’t wash your concrete, you’re on your way to dark and ugly driveways, back patios, sidewalks, and other surfaces/structures.
Debris doesn’t just make your concrete look worse. It also decreases its lifespan. That’s because particles of debris grind against concrete, slowly deteriorating it. Additionally, organic growths such as moss, mold, and algae store water and cause moisture damage to concrete. To prevent this damage—as well as the need for expensive repairs—we highly recommend that you pressure wash your concrete once per year.
Should You Try DIY Concrete Cleaning?
Are you thinking about learning how to pressure wash concrete for yourself? Before you do, bear in mind that there are many challenges you’ll need to overcome along the way. You’ll need to dedicate your free time to the concrete cleaning process. You’ll need to perform manual labor, potentially leaving yourself physically fatigued. And, of course, you’ll have to purchase all the necessary equipment for the pressure washing process.
If this sounds like too much for you to handle, then perhaps you’re better off scheduling professional services. However, if you’re confident you can complete this work, why not give it an honest shot?
What Will I Need For Concrete Pressure Washing?
What tools will you need to learn how to pressure wash concrete? Of course, you’ll need a pressure washer. This piece of machinery generates jets of pressurized water which can be used to thoroughly clean concrete. Pressurized water is so powerful that it removes debris, including dirt, moss, mold, algae, pollen, and other unwanted substances with ease!
In addition to a pressure washer, you will also need:
- Hose and Nozzle. So you can aim water with precision and spray concrete clean.
- Cleaning Solutions. Detergent and sodium hypochlorite are a must for stubborn debris.
- Safety Gear. Protect your skin with goggles, gloves, pants, and closed-toe shoes.
Clearing Off Concrete Before Cleaning
Before pressure washing concrete, you’ll want to make sure that you remove all items from its surface first. If you don’t, those objects will block the concrete and make it more difficult for you to complete your work. Additionally, the items themselves will be at risk of becoming damaged by pressurized water. Simply relocate your belongings to a safe, temporary location. This includes furniture, decorations, and even automobiles parked on your concrete driveway.
You’ll also want to sweep your concrete before pressure washing it. If you don’t, it’s possible that you will launch pebbles and other debris everywhere. This can be a minor annoyance at best and the cause of a broken window or windshield at worst.
Preparing Your Pressure Washer
Now that your concrete is free of obstacles, let’s prepare your pressure washer for the work ahead. First, you’ll want to add your detergent of choice to the soap tank. This detergent helps break down grime, so you’re already setting yourself back if you choose not to use it.
You’ll also want to select an appropriate amount of water pressure for the project. Concrete is a highly durable material, and because of this, it can withstand anywhere from 3,000 to 3,500 PSI. Set your pressure washer’s pressure dial accordingly.
The Concrete Pressure Washing Process
At long last, it’s time to actually pressure wash concrete. Begin by choosing a logical starting point. Generally speaking, you’ll want to pick one of the surface’s corners. Then, pressure wash from one corner to another, restoring a “row” of the area. By working in a row-by-row formation, you’ll be able to easily keep track of what you’ve already cleaned and what still needs your attention. Watch the stunning transformation unfold before your very eyes!
What should you do if you come across stubborn debris that doesn’t wash away at first? When this happens, use sodium hypochlorite to put a swift end to this problem. Simply apply a thin layer of this specialized cleaning solution to the dirty area. Then, wait fifteen minutes for debris to be broken down. Finally, pressure washing the area, and you should find that grime that once put up a fight washes away with ease.
Need Professional Concrete Cleaning?
Learning how to pressure wash concrete is hard work, and because of this, you might not want to bother. This is especially likely if you already have a busy schedule filled with responsibilities. To avoid the DIY pressure washing process, consider reaching out to Marin Exterior Cleaning. We are the home of your local concrete pressure washers, and it would be our pleasure to lend you a helping hand!
If you are interested in what we have to offer, contact us online and let us know how we can help you. We will provide you with a free cost estimate based on the size of your concrete cleaning project. (There are never hidden fees at Marin Exterior Cleaning.) If you like our asking price, choose a time and date for your appointment, and we will be there in the near future to serve you. We look forward to making your concrete spotless again!
