Pressure washing is probably one of the best ways of cleaning the exterior of your home, especially concrete compounds such as the driveway, patio, or walkway.
Still, many homeowners find themselves asking, “ What should I spray on concrete before pressure washing? ”
The answer is clearly that preparation matters and can significantly impact the process and outcome of cleaning concrete.
In this blog post, we will be helping you prepare the concrete before pressure washing, what kind of cleaners are recommendable, why pre-treatment is crucial, and how to get the most out of it.
Here is the pressure washing guide that will be useful for every beginner or those who want to increase their level.
Quick Overview: What You’ll Learn
- Why pre-treating concrete is important?
- Types of cleaners and solutions to spray on concrete before pressure washing
- Step-by-step guide on how to pre-treat concrete
- Common mistakes to avoid during the process
- Tips for achieving the best results
By the end of this post, you’ll know precisely what to spray on concrete before pressure washing and how to get your surfaces sparkling clean.
Why Pre-Treating Concrete is Important Before Pressure Washing?
Now, let us look at what to spray on the concrete before pressure washing and, first, why pre-treatment is vital in the process.
1. Loosens Dirt and Grime
This is true because concrete surfaces are bound to get dirty over time and are susceptible to developing grease, oil stains, and mold.
Applying a pre-treatment solution to the surface before the pressure washing aids in the removal of these substances since the pre-treatment solution softens them.
2. Saves Time and Effort
It’s very beneficial to pre-treat your concrete so that the pressure washer doesn’t have to spend much effort, and you won’t have to repeatedly go over the same area.
A good pre-treatment prepares your fabrics for cleaning; hence, less time will be taken, and your equipment will not be under pressure.
3. Improves Cleaning Results
Pre-treatment spray is definitely crucial if you want to get the clean and bright concrete surface that you desire.
It makes sure that the hard-to-remove things such as oil, algae or rust are well softened before pressure washing is done.
4. Prevents Damages to Your Surface
Some forms of dirt are very difficult to remove, and high water pressure may be needed to destroy the concrete.
It also assists in minimizing the necessity of such high pressure to be applied on your surface, enhancing protection while deep cleaning.
Types of Cleaners to Spray on Concrete Before Pressure Washing
As you have learned the importance of pre-treatment, we will discuss the solutions that you spray on concrete before pressure washing.
Depending on the kind of dirt or buildup that needs to be cleaned, the various cleaners are suitable for different scenarios.
1: Organic Solvent for Removal of Oil and Grease Stains
Garage floors, especially concrete ones, are always at risk of oil spills and grease stains. For such areas, a degreaser can be used to clean the surface thoroughly.
- Why use a degreaser? : Detergents dissolve oil and grease, the substance will be separated from the concrete surface.
- How to use?: Pour a degreaser on the stains, let it work for 10-15 minutes and then gently scrub the area before using the high-pressure water.
2: Mold and Mildew Cleaners
So if your concrete has green or black patches of mold or mildew, they should be treated with a cleaner that kills these organisms on concrete.
- Why use mold and mildew cleaner? It withholds the spores from regrowing by eradicating them from the source, hence keeping your concrete cleaner for a longer time.
- How to use?: Apply the cleaner liberally to the area that needs to be cleaned, allow it to sit for 10-20 minutes, and then wash the area with high pressure.
3: Concrete Cleaner or Detergent
If the concrete floor needs to be cleaned generally, one can use any general-purpose cleaner or detergent specifically formulated for cleaning concrete surfaces. These cleaners are intended to help dissolve dirt, grime, and other light stains on surfaces.
- Why to use a concrete cleaner? It’s suitable for general cleaning of large surfaces that are not very dirty but which require washing.
- How to use?: Fill the cleaner with the mixture according to its usage ratio, spread the mixture on your concrete surface, and let it sit for 10 minutes prior to pressure washing.
4: Rust Remover for Removing Rust Stains
It is not easy to remove rust stains from concrete surfaces, but with the help of rust remover, the job can be done easily.
- Why a rust remover? It is used to dissolve rust which is hard to wash with water pressure alone although the latter is very effective in removing it.
- How to use?: Since the rust remover works chemically on the rust, put the rust remover on the affected area and wait for some time before scrubbing and pressure washing.
5: Vinegar or Baking Soda for Green Cleaning
For those who like to go green, pre-treatment with vinegar or baking soda on the lighter shades will help a great deal.
- Why use vinegar or baking soda? These are household cleaning products and they are non-toxic and eco-friendly and can be used on minor cleaning activities.
- How to use?: Dip a cloth in vinegar and wash the affected area or pour diluted vinegar on the stain or spread a layer of baking soda on the stained area. It is advisable to allow it to stand for about 15-20 minutes before washing it and finally pressure washing it.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Pre-Treat Concrete Before Pressure Washing
Now that you know what to spray on concrete before pressure washing , let’s go through a step-by-step guide to ensure you’re doing it the right way.
Step 1: Clear the Surface
Before using any cleaner, remove dirt, such as leaves, rocks, and large clumps of dirt, from the surface. This allows the cleaner to reach the concrete surface without any hindrance.
Step 2: Selecting the Right Cleaner
Choose the correct pre-treatment spray depending on the type of stains on your concrete; it may be oil, rust, mold, and many more. For instance, use a degreaser on an oil stain or mold cleaner for a mold stain.
Step 3: Apply the Cleaner
Apply the selected cleaner liberally to the stained region of the carpet. It is very important to adhere to the manufacturers’ recommendations on dilution and application.
Step 4: Allow It to Rest
If the stain is deep-rooted, allow the cleaner to remain on the surface for about 10-20 minutes. This allows the solution to dissolve the grime, making it easier to clean it up later.
Step 5: Scrub Stubborn Stains (Optional)
However, where the stains are deep and hard to remove, you may have to apply the cleaner with a stiff bristle brush. This will help soften the deep-seated stains that have been noted above.
Step 6: Pressure Wash the Surface
After some time, use your pressure washer to rinse away the cleaner and the loosened dirt. Begin at one corner and spread out in a linear manner to ensure that all the treated surfaces have been covered.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Pre-Treating Concrete
Even though the pre-treatment process is simple, some common mistakes can hinder the cleaning results. Avoid these errors for a better outcome:
- Using too much cleaner: Using this on surfaces more than required will not help clean faster and at the same time, it will cause the cleaner to become foamy, and difficult to rinse off.
- Not letting the cleaner sit long enough: I mean, please don’t rush it! Give the cleaner the required amount of time to dissolve the dirt. This is a step that should not be rushed because it is possible to miss some areas and, therefore, not fully clean.
- Skipping the scrubbing: However, for heavy stains, it is advisable not to scrub, as this will leave some marks behind on the surface. It only takes a simple washing to change the look of something.
Tips for Achieving the Best Results
To get the best results from your pressure washing job, consider these helpful tips:
- Test the cleaner first: Before applying a cleaner to the entire area of your concrete, it is wise to test it on a small section. This helps to avoid any possible discoloration or damage which may be caused by it.
- Work in sections: When cleaning a broad area, it is advisable to clean it in segments so that the cleaner does not dry before you wash it off.
- Use proper pressure settings: Ensure that you apply the right pressure in relation to the concrete that you are working on. High pressure is dangerous for the surface of the car, while low pressure will not clean it sufficiently.
FAQs About What to Spray on Concrete Before Pressure Washing
Is it possible to apply bleach on concrete before pressure washing?
Yes, bleach can work wonders in the process of eliminating mold and mildew on the concrete floors. Nevertheless, it has to be mixed with water and should not be applied in large amounts because it can harm plants and different surfaces.
Does stamped or colored concrete require a particular cleaner?
A concrete cleaner that is not acidic should be used on decorative concrete since it does not harm the surface. One should always look at the label of the product before applying it on colored or stamped concrete.
When should I pre-treat my concrete before pressure washing?
This depends on the traffic of the area and the degree of staining. While for heavily used driveways and patios, it is advisable to pre-wash at least once a year, pressure washing should be enough.
Final Thoughts: Prepping Your Concrete for Pressure Washing
After learning what to use in concrete before pressure washing, you are now confident in handling any cleaning tasks. Selecting the appropriate cleaner for pre-treatment of the surface is very important to get the best outcomes, save time and effort, and keep your concrete safe from any harm.
To achieve the best cleaning results, it is advisable to select the right cleaner, apply it as recommended, and avoid common mistakes. With these few recommendations, you can make your concrete surfaces look brand new!
CA Pressure Washing is here to help you if you require a professional for pressure washing services. Call us today to book a cleaning and let the professionals do the job for you!
