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Concrete Cleaning? A perfect pressure washer job!
Do you love the clean and fresh feel of concrete surfaces like I do? If you have concrete walls, driveways, barriers, walkways, courts, etc., pressure washing is the perfect way to keep it bright and stain-free. Do you want to clean a horizontal OR a vertical concrete surface? Here are pro-style cleaning tips
for BOTH vertical and horizontal surfaces:
HORIZONTAL CONCRETE SURFACES: Aside from normal dust, dirt and mud, the most common cleaning problem you'll face with horizontal concrete surfaces is oil/grease or rust.
Water alone is just fine for removing dust, dirt and mud, but you'll definitely need a
degreaser
to remove
oil and grease. The fresher the stain, the more likely you'll be able to lift it! Although there's no absolute guarantee
you'll be able to lift every stain.
Rust, which can deeply invade your concrete surface, is tough to completely eliminate. Many professionals swear by detergents which contain oxalic acid. Remember to follow the manufacturer's
application directions!
Northern Tool + Equipment
Northern Tool Surface Cleaners
VERTICAL CONCRETE SURFACES: You'll need a concrete cleaner to really remove this type of growth - and hopefully keep the algae or mildew from coming back. And there are some very handy
surface cleaners
and
extension poles
which will help you
effectively and quickly clean vertical concrete. Always clean from top to bottom, in 3-4 foot widths.
MY TIP: Be forewarned that if you're cleaning colored concrete you should test it in a very inconspicuous place, first, to see if the color comes off! If so, you'll need to contact your concrete contractor or manufacturer for specific cleaning or sealing instructions! ANOTHER TIP: It sounds very obvious, but please take an extra minute to make sure all of your nearby windows are tightly closed when you're cleaning vertical concrete! Trust me, it's more than worth it to double-check this! Having a window open just a crack can allow for a huge amount of indoor water damage. When you're cleaning concrete, you'll want to wear jeans and rubber shoes to protect yourself, and don't forget to wear your safety goggles. Never power wash while standing on a ladder, make sure electrical lighting fixtures and jacks are removed or sealed from water. To find contractor-quality pressure washer attachments & accessories, at low homeowner prices, check out the selection at PressureWashersNow.com I've bought from them and recommend PressureWashersNow.com Always use your low pressure (black) nozzle to apply your detergent or degreaser and make sure you allow the fluid to rest on the dirty surface for a few minutes! Follow the manufacturer's directions. Let your detergent do the work, making it easier for you to clean. If you are using a standard pressure washer nozzle, start pressure washing your concrete by holding your white nozzle 3-4 feet away. Slowly move your nozzle closer, IF needed. Change to a more powerful nozzle only if necessary. As hard a concrete can be, it can still be damaged or gouged by pressure washing, so clean slowly and carefully. Here's a general guideline for cleaning concrete, but remember, it's only a guideline:
2,000 to 3,000 --- 12" to 18" 3,000+ --- 18" to 30"
Pressure Washer FAQ's and Troubleshooting
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