Comprehensive Guide to Pressure Washing Concrete

Concrete is a sturdy and long-lasting material, but with time it can become stained and dirty. Pressure washing can be an effective way to clean concrete, but it’s important to use the right techniques to avoid damaging the surface.

This comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know about pressure washing concrete, from choosing the right equipment to avoiding common mistakes.

Needed Attachment and Accessories

To pressure wash your concrete, you will need:

• Pressure washer
• Surface Cleaner
• Detergent injector (if not built-in to pressure washer)
• High-pressure tip
• Low-pressure tip
• Stiff bristle brush
• Garden hose
• Safety glasses
• Ear protection
• Work gloves

Step 1: Set up your pressure washer. If you’re using an electric pressure washer, connect it to a power source and turn it on. If you’re using a gas pressure washer, fill it with gasoline and oil according to the manufacturer’s instructions, then pull the starter cord to start the engine.

Step 2: Connect the garden hose to your pressure washer. If your pressure washer has a detergent injector, connect it to a bottle of pressure washing detergent.

Step 3: Put on your safety glasses and ear protection.

Step 4: Wet the concrete surface with your pressure washer, using the low-pressure tip. Hold the tip about 6 inches from the surface and move it back and forth as you work.

Step 5: Attach the surface cleaner to the pressure washer. The surface cleaner is a round attachment with rotating nozzles that help clean large areas more quickly and evenly.

Step 6: Move the surface cleaner over the wet concrete, overlapping each pass slightly. Let the machine do the work – you should only need to guide it back and forth.

Step 7: When you’re finished, turn off the pressure washer and detach the surface cleaner. Rinse off any remaining detergent with the pressure washer, using the low-pressure tip.

Step 8: If any stubborn stains are remaining, scrub them with a stiff bristle brush before rinsing.

Step 9: Allow the concrete to air dry completely before walking on it or allowing vehicles to drive over it.

Tips for Pressure Washing Concrete

1. To avoid damaging your concrete, use the low-pressure tip and surface cleaner whenever possible.
2. Only use the high-pressure tip if necessary, and be careful not to hold it in one spot for too long.
3. If you’re using a gas pressure washer, be extra careful not to tip it over, as this can cause gasoline to spill out and ignite.
4. Wear safety glasses and ear protection at all times to protect yourself from debris.
5. If you’re using a detergent, choose one that is specifically designed for pressure washers and always test the detergent on a small area of the concrete before using it on the entire surface.

In conclusion, pressure washing is an effective way to clean concrete, but it’s important to use the right techniques to avoid damaging the surface. By following these tips, you can ensure that your pressure washing project is a success.