What to Spray on Concrete Before Pressure Washing
As the owner of a property, you naturally wish that your concrete surfaces will be bright and dirt-free. Whether it’s your walkway, patio, or driveway, just a few stains may end up spoiling the ambiance that you have created to make your property look visually appealing to all visitors. If you are upset with how unkempt the exterior of your property appears, wondering how to restore its appearance without digging a hole in your pocket? Pressure washing is a cost-effective way to enliven concrete surfaces by removing contaminants and blemishes. However, pressure washing won’t give you the desired result if you do not apply a degreaser or cleaner before you turn on the washer. But what cleaners for pressure washing concrete should you use?
When it comes to pressure washing, you must choose the right cleaners for the washing job to be successful. Intrigued to learn more about pre-treating your home/ commercial building’s exterior? In this blog, we will answer all your questions regarding pressure washing chemicals for concrete and their usage.
Advantages of using Cleaners for Pressure Washing Concrete
Other than eliminating dirt and debris, power washer concrete cleaner offers several benefits.
- The pre-cleaning solution will protect the surface from getting damaged due to the high pressure of the water. There will be no pitting or etching on the surface.
- Applying cleaners for pressure washing concrete will help you save time as well as labor. You will have to clean just once, and all stains and grime will be gone.
How to Prep Surfaces Before Using Cleaners for Pressure Washing Concrete?
Pressure washing is a serious task and only trained technicians should be doing it. Before working with a concrete pressure washer, it is essential to remove debris and dirt from the surface. The workers generally use a stiff brush and scrub specific areas.
Common Pre-cleaning Solutions
Many types of cleaners for pressure washing concrete are available in the market. These are the ones that professional pressure washing companies mostly use:
Acidic Cleaners
Some stubborn stains require heavy-duty mixtures. In such situations, acidic cleaners come to the rescue of pressure washing agencies. An acidic cleaner is the best concrete cleaner for a pressure washer that can tackle powerful stains and dirt. You will be amazed to see how effective it is against efflorescence.
In most cases, you just have to apply the formula to the area that requires cleaning and then wash it. In other cases, some scrubbing might be necessary. Another thing that you should keep in mind is that you should neutralize the acidic cleaner to prevent it from corroding the concrete.
pH-Neutral Cleaners
Some people also spray pH-neutral cleaners for pressure washing concrete. This concrete cleaner is not acidic or alkaline in nature. So, it is mild and is meant for delicate surfaces. You can apply it to unsealed concrete for addressing basic stains and it won’t damage the material.
So, pH cleaners can also be used to clear the floor in indoor spaces. Just read the instructions on the packaging and don’t forget to dilute the pH cleaner in water.
Alkaline Cleaners
Alkaline cleaners act as concrete degreasers and are highly recommended for removing hydrocarbon-based marks like grease and oil. Because of their high alkalinity, they can break down greasy substances and make the concrete surface stain-free again. Alkaline cleaners for pressure washing concrete can also be used to neutralize surfaces after applying acidic cleaners.
Bacterial Cleaners
Oxidation cleaner, also known as bacterial cleaner, is another type of power washer concrete cleaner that has started gaining popularity. This cleaner can treat protein-, hydrocarbon-, and starch-based stains such as pet urine. You can activate oxidation cleaners even without water.
Tips to Increase the Effectiveness of the Cleaning Solution
You can take certain steps when using pressure-washing chemicals for concrete. Remember these tips to get the most out of the cleaning solution:
First, you should always buy good cleaners for pressure washing concrete after going through the list of active ingredients. Additionally, measuring and mixing the cleaning solution as per instructions is crucial. Finally, apply the cleaning solution thoroughly and evenly so that the whole surface is prepared.
The Bottom Line
So, now you know that pressure washing with the latest equipment won’t help you get the best result. Besides using advanced machinery, it is also important to select the right power washer concrete cleaner for your property. We have already explained in detail how and what to spray to get rid of stains and have a great shine on concrete surfaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What kind of cleaning solution should I use on concrete before pressure washing?
The power washer concrete cleaner you should use depends on the concrete surface and the stains you want to erase. It is better to consult a professional pressure washing service to choose the most appropriate cleaner.
Q. Is it necessary to apply a cleaner before pressure washing concrete?
For effective cleaning, applying a power washer concrete cleaner is a mandatory step. If you wash only with water, you cannot make the stains disappear.
Q. How long should I let the cleaning solution sit on the concrete before pressure washing?
Be it residential or commercial concrete cleaning, you should always allow the cleaning formula to sit on the concrete for a minimum of five minutes. You will notice that all the stains will be gone when you wash with the pressure washer.
Q. What safety precautions should I take when using chemical cleaners on concrete?
When using a concrete pressure cleaner, you should wear protective gear like gloves, dust masks, and goggles so that the cleaner does not harm your skin. You should also make sure that pets and kids don’t touch the cleaner as it can have dangerous consequences.
Q. Can pressure washing damage concrete, and how does pre-treatment help?
The driveway cleaner pressure washer can damage concrete if it is too acidic. So, you are always supposed to neutralize it instead of applying it directly.