How to Remove Mold From Concrete
Are you dealing with mold on your concrete? This is always a frustrating predicament to find yourself in, and for a variety of reasons. For one, your concrete won’t look very good when it’s covered with mold. Additionally, the presence of mold raises concerns about health risks. Because of this, you’re probably wondering how to remove mold from concrete. What is the best way to do this work? And what sorts of tools and techniques will you need for the job? In this blog, you’ll learn all the answers to these questions—and more!
We are Marin Exterior Cleaning, and we are excited to teach you more about the concrete pressure washing and mold removal process. Of course, if you ever need assistance with this work, reach out to us. It would be our pleasure to remove mold from your concrete so you don’t have to.
How Does Concrete Get Moldy?
When we think about things getting moldy, bread and cheese are the first things to come to mind. However, there’s no denying that concrete gets moldy, too. And when this happens, you can’t solve the problem by taking another trip to the grocery store. But before we talk about removing mold from concrete, it’s important to understand where exactly this mold is coming from in the first place.
Somewhere far, far away from your property, pre-existing mold released spores. These spores were then carried by the wind until they drifted to your home or business. Finally, the spores settled on your concrete and started to grow… and that’s how you wound up in your current situation. So don’t feel bad. There wasn’t much you could do to prevent moss from growing on your concrete. All you can do now is take action to stop it.
We Recommend Concrete Pressure Washing
To eliminate moss from concrete, we highly recommend pressure washing. This technique, which uses highly pressurized water to clean surfaces, is the most efficient way to remove a variety of unwanted substances from your concrete. This doesn’t just include mold. It also includes moss, algae, mud, dirt, pollen, bird droppings, and much, much more. In fact, we suggest that you have your concrete pressure washed once per year to ensure its beauty and well-being.
There are two ways to go about this. Firstly, you can schedule an appointment with a professional pressure washing business. For example, at Marin Exterior Cleaning, it would be our pleasure to remove mold from your concrete for you. Alternatively, you can do this work on your own by researching the equipment and techniques you’ll need for the job.
Getting Ready For Concrete Mold Removal
So, you want to learn how to remove mold from concrete so you can do the work on your own. First things first, you’ll need to make sure you have all the correct equipment for the project. You’ve probably already assumed you’ll need a pressure washer (the device that pressurizes water so it can be sprayed onto dirty surfaces). But what else does the work require? We’ve included a “shopping list” for you to review below.
- Sodium Hypochlorite. This is our first choice of cleaning solution for all our pressure washing projects. It will kill and weaken mold so it can be more easily removed, making it an invaluable part of your arsenal.
- Hard-Bristled Brush. With this brush, you’ll be able to break up tough mold so it can be more easily removed via pressure washing. Don’t worry—your concrete is durable enough not to be damaged.
- Safety Equipment. Spores pose a real risk to your health because they can irritate your eyes, skin, throat, and lungs. We highly recommend that you use a respirator, goggles, full-length pants, and closed-toe shoes during your project.
Removing Mold From Concrete
With all the equipment in your possession, it’s time to learn how to remove mold from concrete! The first thing you will want to do is apply sodium hypochlorite to the afflicted area. A thin, thorough layer is all that you need. Next, wait ten to fifteen minutes for the mold to be broken down. Once this time has passed, the stage has been set for successful pressure washing, and you can move along to that step of the process.
To pressure wash concrete, begin by setting the water pressure between 3,000 and 3,500 PSI. This is a high amount of water pressure, but because concrete is so durable, it will withstand pressure washing without becoming damaged. Simply pressure wash the concrete until all mold has been removed—it may surprise you how effective this process is!
Other Ways Pressure Washing Can Help
While pressure washing your concrete to get rid of mold, you may notice a striking visual difference. Areas of your concrete that have been pressure washed will be much brighter than before. This is because pressure washing removes all debris, helping you reclaim the beauty of your property’s exterior surfaces. Because of this, you may feel tempted to pressure wash other parts of your home or business. Some examples include decks, porches, outside walls, roofs, and many, many others!
Another important benefit of pressure washing is that it helps surfaces last longer. For example, by removing mold and other debris from your concrete, you’ll prevent it from eroding the surface over time. This helps you avoid unnecessary damage and save money that you otherwise would have spent on repair bills.
Need Professional Pressure Washing?
Looking to get rid of mold on your concrete but don’t want to do the work on your own? We understand where you are coming from. After all, pressure washing is a time-consuming process. The good news is that you can avoid this big responsibility by scheduling an appointment with Marin Exterior Cleaning. We are Kentfield, CA’s first choice for pressure washing services, and we would love to help you next. Simply contact us online and let us know more about your project. Then, choose a time and date for your appointment, and we’ll be there soon to serve you!
