Tips For Successful Concrete Cleaning Near Me
When concrete gets dirty, many Jacksonville, FL property owners schedule professional concrete cleaning near me. However, some choose to take the road less travelled and do their own pressure washing instead. If you are considering DIY concrete pressure washing, you’ll want to prepare for your project as diligently as you can. We’ve prepared this blog of helpful tips to streamline your concrete cleaning process—that way, you can have the best experience possible!
Let’s take a look at the various ways you can make your concrete cleaning process easier. And remember, when all else fails, you can reach out to us, the experts at Ehrman’s Pressure Washing. We’re always ready to help!
Tip #1: Understand Concrete’s Limits
An important part of preparing for any pressure washing project is understanding the surface you are cleaning. For example, if you were to wash something made out of softwood, you would need to use a fairly low amount of water pressure. On the other hand, more durable materials should be cleaned with more water pressure. In the case of concrete, as much as 3,500 PSI can be used. That’s a significant amount of force!
Adjust your pressure washer’s settings accordingly, and then, you can begin cleaning your concrete. Remember, 3,500 PSI is a lot of water pressure, and while concrete can handle it, other surfaces can’t. So be mindful of where you are aiming your pressure washing hose. Don’t spray anything that isn’t concrete, and be especially careful not to spray yourself!
Tip #2: Clear Off Concrete Ahead of Time
So, you need to pressure wash your concrete because it’s covered with debris. However, you won’t be able to complete this work if your concrete is blocked by items. For example, your driveway might have several parked vehicles in the way. Alternatively, your concrete patio might have furniture, decorations, and grills resting upon it. As long as objects are in the way of your concrete, you won’t be able to thoroughly clean it. Additionally, these objects will be at risk of being damaged by pressurized water.
Before beginning concrete cleaning near me, find a safe area to temporarily relocate any objects. That way, you can focus on your pressure washing project without having to worry about your other belongings. Once you have completed the work, you can simply put everything back where you originally found it.
Tip #3: Work in Sections
So, your pressure washer is powered on, the hose is in your hands, and you are prepared to spray your concrete for the first time. However, you’ll need to figure out what sort of pattern to follow when washing the area. If you wash the concrete in a scattered, random way, you’ll be on your way to some less-than-satisfactory results. That’s because when there is no rhyme or reason to your pressure washing technique, you’re more likely to have uneven results—with several square inches of unwashed concrete left behind, too.
Our recommendation is a fairly common-sense solution. Wash your concrete surfaces row by row, improving their appearance with ease. Be sure to overlap each pass to ensure no concrete is left dirty. Don’t forget to double-check your work before you put your equipment away. That way, you can ensure quality results.
Tip #4: Use Cleaning Solutions When Needed
Sometimes, pressure washing isn’t enough to make your concrete clean. It’s very possible that you’ll find stubborn debris that doesn’t wash away during your project. When this happens, you might be at a loss regarding what you should do next. Don’t just give up on your concrete, though. Instead, use the power of cleaning solutions to break down stubborn debris—that way, you can get rid of it for good!
We suggest using sodium hypochlorite to break down grime that won’t wash away. Simply apply a thin layer of this cleaning solution to the debris that needs to be removed. Then, give it a few minutes to weaken the unwanted grime. Finally, pressure wash the area and watch as that once-stubborn filth vanishes before your eyes.
Tip #5: Consider Sealing Afterwards
After you have pressure washed your concrete, you will be impressed by its overall appearance. Because of this, it stands to reason that you’ll want to preserve its appearance for as long as possible. Otherwise, you’ll have to do the work all over again sooner rather than later. Consider sealing your concrete to keep it as clean as possible. By having a layer of sealer protecting your concrete, it won’t be able to collect dirt, moss, mold, algae, or any other kind of debris. Concrete sealer also shields your concrete from damage!
Keep in mind that concrete sealer doesn’t last forever. Over time, it will deteriorate, eventually exposing your concrete to the outside world again. We recommend having your concrete resealed every three to five years depending on how well it holds up. Your mileage may vary.
Need Professional Concrete Cleaning Near Me?
Doing your own concrete cleaning can be fairly difficult work. Of course, our tips will help make the process easier, but there are some things that our advice can’t solve. For example, if your schedule is filled with other things to do, you won’t be able to squeeze concrete pressure washing into your schedule. You’ll also need plenty of energy to dedicate to the process, so if you don’t have any to spare, consider reaching out to us for assistance. With professional concrete cleaning near me, you’ll be able to restore your concrete without lifting a finger.
What should you expect to pay for concrete cleaning near me? What you’ll pay is determined by the overall size of your concrete. There are no hidden fees, and we’ll always provide you with an upfront quote at the beginning of your appointment. It’s absolutely worth the cost if you want to avoid DIY pressure washing. So don’t be shy—contact us online today because we love to hear from you!