Pressure Wash Your Concrete and Paved Surfaces With a Pressure Washer

Cleaning the grime from your outdoor concrete and paved surfaces with your pressure washer is a satisfying task. Just be sure to use the right nozzle and setting.

For instance, a black tip nozzle reduces pressure and increases soaping, so you can scrub away stains on your concrete before rinsing. But be careful with painted weatherboard, as too much pressure can damage the surface.
It Removes Dirt and Grime

Whether it’s a grimy driveway or a mildewed patio, regular cleaning with a pressure washer removes unsightly stains and reveals original colors and textures. It also helps keep surfaces in good condition, preventing damage and decay.

Choose a model with a nozzle that’s right for the job. A higher PSI (pounds per square inch) delivers more power, while a greater GPM (gallons per minute) flushes the broken-up dirt away faster.

Be prepared for some messy clean-up, but be sure to follow all safety guidelines and wear proper gear. Cover plants and items that could get wet, and protect your eyes with goggles. Start at a safe distance, and use overlapping strokes for even cleaning. If you’re cleaning a home exterior, avoid spraying the windows or doors. Also, be careful around electric meters, satellites, cable boxes, and power lines. It’s usually best to hire a professional. They’ll know how much pressure to use and have the equipment and expertise to get the job done safely.
It Prevents Damage

Dirt, moss, mildew, and other substances eat away at surfaces and can actually damage them, like the paint of a home or commercial building. Pressure washing removes these substances and gets into the small crevices that make up a building to prevent them from doing more harm, which is why it is so important for both residential and commercial buildings.

Brick, concrete, and other hard, porous surfaces can usually tolerate high levels of pressure, but it’s best to choose a low-pressure spray (around 500 to 600 pounds per square inch) when working on something soft like a wood deck or shingled roof. It’s also a good idea to test the water pressure in an inconspicuous place before you start cleaning, as higher levels can ruin surfaces quickly.

Gutter clogs, another common problem for homes and businesses, are often caused by dirt and debris that builds up on the roof, preventing water from draining properly. Regular gutter cleaning and a regular pressure wash can keep these clogs from damaging your building and save you money.
It Saves You Money

A blast from a pressure washer is one of the best ways to clean surfaces and keep them looking new. It’s also an effective preventative maintenance technique. As the old saying goes, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

If you allow dirt and grime to build up on your property, it can lead to mold, mildew, moss, algae growth and other damage. Pressure washing removes these substances before they cause any major damage and saves you the cost of repair or replacement.

When people visit your business, they want to see a clean and professional-looking building. If they notice a layer of dirt and grime, it will give them a bad impression and they may decide to shop elsewhere. Maintaining a clean and well-maintained commercial building by having it regularly pressure washed will improve its curb appeal and help to increase its value. This is especially important for businesses that rely on repeat customers.
It’s Easy

When used correctly, a pressure cleaner is one of the easiest ways to give commercial or residential properties a face-lift at a low cost. It’s also an effective way to maintain surfaces on a regular basis. A good cleaning routine will keep stains, mildew, salt, mould and gum at bay.

A quick blast with a pressure washer is a great way to spruce up your front fence or clean off the gunk from your decking. However, it’s important to start with a lower setting and gradually increase the pressure, particularly on wood. It’s also best to hold the nozzle at least 12 inches away from surfaces to avoid damage.

Be sure to use an eco-friendly cleaning solution, such as Simple Green, that’s safe for all surfaces and won’t damage your landscaping or your pressure washer. EPA-approved, this cleaning solution is a safer alternative to abrasive or corrosive chemicals. Then, once you’ve got a feel for the machine and the different nozzles, you can work up a cleaning schedule to make sure your outdoor spaces are always looking their best.