Do you have some sort of concrete on your property? Chances are, yes! From sidewalks and driveways to parking lots and parking garages, there are countless surfaces and structures that are made of concrete. It’s a ubiquitous substance, and because of this, it pays off to know how to clean it. In this blog, we’ll review how to pressure wash concrete. Learn all the steps, see how the technique works, and decide—do you want to DIY or schedule a professional concrete cleaning appointment with the team at Brite Exterior Solutions?
Why Concrete Cleaning Is Important
Before we dig into how to pressure wash concrete, let’s discuss why you should bother learning to do so in the first place. Concrete (and all exterior surfaces) gather debris over time. This is unavoidable, and that’s because the outside world is a dirty place. What sorts of unwanted substances will you find on your concrete? A few examples include dirt, moss, mold, algae, and pollen. As this debris piles up, it will detract from your concrete’s beauty—and negatively affect your property’s visual appeal as a whole.
This isn’t the only downside of letting your concrete stay dirty. Did you know that dirty concrete is also more likely to become damaged? This is because debris erodes concrete, and although this process is gradual, you will notice the negative effects over time. Prevent this from happening with annual concrete pressure washing. Is your concrete already overdue for cleaning? Then take action sooner rather than later.
Considering DIY Concrete Cleaning?
Are you thinking about learning how to pressure wash concrete on your own? If so, bear in mind that there are challenges lying ahead of you. You’ll need to find enough time for the work. You’ll need to use your energy to do the physical labor. And finally, you’ll need to purchase all the necessary equipment (or borrow it from someone who already owns it).
If these potential hurdles give you some pause, maybe DIY concrete cleaning isn’t the right choice for you. However, if you’re confident you can overcome these challenges, keep reading and learn how to pressure wash concrete with our pros! We’ll teach you everything you need to know.
Necessary Equipment For Concrete Cleaning
To learn how to pressure wash concrete, you’ll have to gather the correct gear. The question is, what does this include? We have included a bulleted list of all the necessary items below.
- Pressure Washer. A pressure washer is a specialized machine that connects to a water source and highly pressurizes water so it can be used to restore exterior surfaces. Concrete is the perfect candidate for pressure washing!
- Hose and Nozzle. With a hose and nozzle, you’ll be able to aim pressurized water at concrete surfaces, allowing for precise cleaning.
- Cleaning Solutions. We highly recommend using cleaning solutions such as sodium hypochlorite to break down stubborn debris.
- Safety Equipment. Don’t forget to protect yourself with eye goggles, gloves, full-length pants, and closed-toe shoes.
Preparing Concrete Surfaces For Pressure Washing
Before you can learn how to pressure wash concrete, you’ll have to make a few preparations. First and foremost, you’ll want to move your belongings off the concrete, assuming there are any. For example, furniture and decorations need to be scooted off your concrete patio, and vehicles need to be parked away from your concrete driveway. Don’t worry—you can put them back as soon as the work is complete.
You’ll also want to sweep the concrete before you try to pressure wash it. Why? Because if you don’t, large pieces of debris (e.g., pebbles) can be launched by water jets. In the worst-case scenario, they can fly into a window or windshield and break it. Avoid the need for expensive repairs and take a few minutes to run a broom!
The Concrete Pressure Washing Process
Now that you’ve gotten this far, it’s time to learn how to pressure wash concrete—the hands-on way! First, prepare your pressure washer and choose an appropriate amount of water pressure for the project. For concrete cleaning jobs, this will be anywhere between 3,000 and 3,500 PSI. Concrete is a highly durable material and will be able to withstand this force without any issues.
We highly recommend washing your concrete in a row-by-row pattern. Start at one of the corners, and rinse an entire “strip” of the surface clean. Then, overlap it slightly as you make your next pass. This helps you ensure that no square inch of the concrete is left unwashed. Put the work in and ensure flawless results!
If you come across any stubborn debris, don’t worry because you can break it down with cleaning solutions! At Brite Exterior Solutions, we swear by sodium hypochlorite for these sorts of projects. Simply apply a thin layer of this chemical to your concrete, wait fifteen minutes, and wash all tough grime away. (And don’t let the word chemical scare you—sodium hypochlorite is safe for the environment and will break down naturally after your project.)
Consider Professional Concrete Cleaning
Learning how to pressure wash concrete is a challenging process, and not every property owner is up to the task. If you are in this position and don’t want to bother DIYing, reach out to a professional pressure washing company instead! At Brite Exterior Solutions, it would be our pleasure to serve you. That way, you can take some time to relax while a team of experts handles all the hard work on your behalf.
All we ask in return for our services is a reasonable amount of money. How much you’ll pay is based on the overall surface area you need us to clean. For instance, a small concrete patio will cost less than a large parking lot. We invite you to contact us online to request a free cost estimate. Then, if you like our asking price, choose a time and date for your appointment! We look forward to bringing beauty back to your concrete so you don’t have to.
