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Pressure Washing Concrete – Good Idea Or No?

Are you thinking about attempting a concrete pressure washing at your home or business?

It really is a good idea. A concrete pressure wash increases the value of your house and protects your home or business against pollen, mold, algae, and other contaminants.

So, it makes sense that you should pressure wash your concrete driveway, correct?

Well, let’s get to the truth about why, when, and how.

Why should I pressure wash my concrete?

There are many reasons to regularly pressure wash your concrete:

To extend the life span of your concrete, reduce or eliminate dirt, sand, or salt.
Enhance the curb appeal of your home or office.
Get rid of pollen that can accumulate around your home.
Remove algae, and mold spores from your concrete.
Remove dirt and grime from your exterior to make it sparkle.
Remove tough stains such as grease and oil.

Pressure washing is the most efficient way to clean your home or business. You can do it yourself or hire a professional.

One thing is certain; you’ll be tempted to power wash more often once you see the before and after!

How often should you power wash concrete?

Your location will make all the difference when it comes to how often you should pressure wash your concrete.

Concrete can be affected more by areas with tons of rain and wind. You will definitely need to wash your concrete more frequently if your area has a higher incidence of algae and mold. Florida is an example of a state where you will need to pressure wash more often.

Despite that, everyone should pressure wash their concrete once a year minimum to maintain its value and protect it. (As a side note, concrete sealers can prevent further damage to concrete after washing.)

When is the best time to power wash concrete?

Power washing concrete is possible all year round if temperatures are above freezing.

However, most homeowners and business owners prefer to power wash concrete in spring or summer to prevent the growth and spread of algae and mold.

This also reduces the pollen that can cause allergies. (And if you live in Florida, you can relate to this!)

How to power wash concrete.

You can power wash concrete yourself, but you will need time, effort, and the proper equipment. So, what will you need to buy before you start?

Two things are essential:

Pressure Washer
Concrete cleaning chemicals: neutral pH cleaners, acidic cleaners, for stubborn stains and alkaline for oil and grease.

Here are some steps to washing concrete:

Remove all items from the concrete including cars, grills, and furniture.

Prepare the concrete by sweeping and bagging all debris and garbage.

Cover anything that may be damaged by the chemicals. This includes plants and furniture.

Cover electrical cords and outlets using a tarp, or a material that is resistant to water.

Use the right ratio of water and chemical cleaner for your specific job.

Use the pressure washer according to the instructions.

Not sure if it’s worth doing yourself? Get a free estimate and schedule a concrete cleaning appointment with Apply The Pressure Pressure Washing.

The risks of do-it-yourself concrete pressure washing

You can pressure-wash concrete yourself, but it comes with certain risks.

The wrong pressure washer can cause damage to concrete, siding or decks.
People who try to pressure wash themselves often use only water to clean their concrete. This will not work!
Many folks mix water and chemical cleaners incorrectly, resulting in a mixture that does not work well or may cause damage from the chemical cleaners.
Pressure washers can be dangerous.

You may spend more money and time after renting or purchasing a pressure washer than you would if you called a professional concrete cleaning company like Apply The Pressure Pressure Washing. Apply The Pressure provides professional pressure cleaning services to restore your house and exterior pathways in Ocala, Florida, and surrounding areas.

Can pressure washing damage concrete?

A pressure washer can damage your concrete if it is used incorrectly. A pressure washing machine is up to 80 times more powerful than a hose.

This is why you must be incredibly careful when pressure washing concrete.

Surfaces that should’t be pressure washed.

There are a few things that you must be careful to avoid with the pressure washer:

Wood furniture
Concrete that has crumbled: This can deepen or destroy more concrete.
Fabrics such as umbrellas.
Plastic furniture: This can crack or break.
Paintable surfaces: Remove the paint.

When washing concrete, these surfaces and objects should be covered or removed as they cannot handle the intensity.

Are you ready to get started pressure washing your concrete? Give Apply The Pressure Pressure Washing a call today at 352-470-8298 or email us here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is power washing safe for all types of concrete surfaces?

Yes, power washing is almost always safe for most concrete surfaces like driveways, sidewalks, and patios. However, certain precautions should be taken depending on the condition and age of the concrete. Make sure to use the appropriate pressure and nozzles.

How often should I power wash my concrete?

How often you should power wash your concrete depends on various factors like weather conditions, how much foot traffic it gets, and whether or not it is stained.. For regular maintenance, once or twice a year is the norm. However, high-traffic areas or places prone to staining might require more frequent cleaning.

Can power washing remove tough stains like oil or grease from concrete?

Absolutely, power washing can be effective for many stains, including oil and grease. For stubborn stains, pre-treating with a specialized cleaner or degreaser designed for concrete can make the process easier and increase the positive results.

Is power washing concrete bad for the environment?

Yes, it can. Power washing can cause environmental problems due to water usage and chemical runoff. To minimize impact, consider using water-saving nozzles, capturing and recycling runoff water where possible, and choosing eco-friendly, biodegradable cleaning solutions.

The Truth About Pressure Washing Concrete