Maybe you’ve seen a house being power washed and thought, “I could do that!” You’re right – you can! Concrete driveways, sidewalks, and patios can become stained and dingy over time. Pressure washing is a great way to clean and revitalize your patios, driveways, etc. It is surprisingly easy to do. Plus, it’s relatively affordable if you know how to do it properly.
The Rated Voltage of the pressure washer has to match the thickness of the concrete. Also, the pressure washer needs to have a tip that can reach the surface of the concrete, especially for those deeper stains.
How to Pressure Wash Concrete Patios:
Most people would not think of pressure washing as a way to clean their concrete patio, but it is a great way to get the job done!
· First of all, you need to prepare the patio. Remove furniture and any plants before starting. Also, cover walls with plastic sheeting. Then, plug in your pressure washer and allow it to warm up for about ten minutes.
· Once ready, spray water onto your concrete surface, keeping about 12 inches away from the surface. You should use the jet setting on your washer to get the best results.
· Next, apply TSP (Trisodium phosphate) onto your patio to remove any grime or mold present. Allow TSP to sit for 15 minutes before rinsing off with a hose.
· After rinsing, use a concrete patio cleaner. We recommend using an acid-based cleaner such as CLR (Calcium Lime Rust). Apply the solution with a brush and allow it to sit for 5 minutes before rinsing off with a hose. Also, you can clean grout lines using TSP and a brush. Use brushes to clean grout lines.
· Finally, rinse one last time with a hose to remove all cleaner residue. Do not use the patio for at least 24hours to let it dry. Your concrete patio should now be clean and ready for future use!
How to Pressure Wash Driveways?
Yes, it is possible to pressure wash driveways and more! This is a great way to clean surfaces and remove built-up dirt, grime, and stains. But how do you go about pressure washing safely and effectively? Keep reading for tips on how to get the job done right.
First things first, safety is always a top priority for pressure washing. Before you even think about turning on your machine, make sure everyone is clear of the area, and nothing can be accidentally knocked over or damaged. And make sure you have a garden hose handy if the pressure washing doesn’t get the job done.
Please read the label on your pressure washer and make sure it is rated for use on concrete. Be aware of the PSI, in particular. If you have a gas pressure washer with an engine larger than 3500 psi, you will be able to clean driveways and surfaces with heavy stains.
When prepping the surface, use an extension wand to clean stubborn areas with heavy stains or built-up dirt. If you need to use a detergent, make sure that you use one rated for concrete and surfaces.
Once you get your driveway looking like new, protect it with a concrete sealer to ensure it stays clean, and stains do not set in.
Summing Up:
A pressure washer isn’t just for the exterior of your home. Wash away the dirt and gunk with it to give your patio, driveway, sidewalk, or driveway a facelift to restore their original look. The best pressure washer for concrete is the one that offers you the highest amount of cleaning power and the most versatility.
Be aware that you have to use a different psi depending on the surface you are pressure washing. For example, if you are trying to clean brick or concrete, you should set your psi between 1500 and 2000. If you’re trying to clean wood, though, you’ll need to be gentler. Set your psi between 800 and 1100 to get the job done right.
