Pre-treating Concrete for Pressure Washing
Here’s a quick overview of options you can spray before cleaning:
- Dish Soap or Detergent – for small amounts of grease
- Concrete cleaner or Degreaser – for large cleaning projects, can tackle oil and grease.
Keep a distance of 6 inches from the surface while spraying concrete with a bottle of degreaser. Scrub the degreaser into concrete using a stiff brush or pressure-washer attachment. Prepare the area by clearing loose material off the driveway before applying a degreaser to loosen stains in the concrete.
Choosing the Right Cleaner for Concrete Pressure Washing
Pre-treating your concrete before pressure washing ensures a more efficient cleaning process by breaking down stains and grime. Properly pre-treating your concrete surfaces with the right cleaner will pave the way for a successful pressure-washing endeavor. Common cleaners for concrete include degreasers, all-purpose cleaners, acid-based cleaners, and enzymatic cleaners. It’s important to choose a cleaner based on the stains or dirt present.
Pressure Washing Concrete Surfaces
Spray down the concrete with a hose before using the pressure washer to remove any loose debris or dirt. Avoid using an acid-based solution on a concrete surface as this can cause damage. Opt for an alkaline-based cleaner specifically designed for concrete surfaces before pressure washing.
Recommendations for Pressure Washing Concrete
- Use Simple Green’s Oxy Solve Total Outdoor pressure washer concentrate for efficient cleaning using the power of peroxide.
- Bleach is best for cleaning and brightening concrete. Mix a cup of bleach into a 5-gallon bucket of warm water, then spray or pour over concrete. Rinse thoroughly with water.
- Ensure durability when choosing the best chemicals for pressure washing concrete, especially for colored or stamped concrete.
Tips for Effective Pressure Washing
Use a fan nozzle when cleaning concrete for a wider spray pattern that covers a larger area at once, distributing water pressure evenly and reducing the risk of surface damage.
Additional Resources
For more information on concrete cleaning and pressure washing, refer to guides and resources from reputable sources.