The quick answer is yes, power washing can degrade a concrete surface.
Selecting the appropriate nozzle and properly holding the wand can prevent damage to your driveway. Use a wide nozzle for cleaning concrete that covers more surface area. The narrow nozzles are designed for removing tough stains in cramped spaces, but the stream can etch into the concrete if used on a driveway.
Dish soap and water: Dish soap is a degreaser, and it works well to clean oily and grimy concrete. Create a cleaning solution of warm water and few drops of dish soap and apply it to the surface. Let it sit for a while, then mop the patio and rinse it with fresh water. Repeat the process as many times as needed.
Generally, you'll want your concrete driveway pressure washed at least once a year. This lets you treat sunbaked dirt, grime buildup, and stubborn oil stains, making regular cleaning in between professional washes much more manageable. Of course, you can always schedule extra pressure washing services as needed.
An effective pressure wash cleans the pores of your concrete. Make sure to apply concrete sealer after pressure washing.
Oil leaks, blood, and sticky residues can absorb and result in stubborn stains. However, using a driveway sealant after pressure washing can help prevent these stains from becoming permanent features in your driveway.
Use a detergent such as Dawn or Ajax dishwashing liquid mixed with water to brighten a concrete patio that hasn't been cleaned in a while. Use a detergent such as Dawn or Ajax dishwashing liquid mixed with water to brighten a concrete patio that hasn't been cleaned in a while.
A regular power wash will get rid of annoying weeds, as well as the dirt they need to grow in. Extend the lifespan of your patio or driveway—Algae and oil will erode your concrete over time. With regular power washing, you can prevent cracks and untimely aging, so your concrete surface lasts for much longer.
Once the pressure washing is complete, it is important to wait until the surface is completely dry before applying any sealant. Depending on temperature and humidity levels, this process can take anywhere from 24-48 hours.
Our recommendation ranges from as low as 3,000 PSI to as high as 4,000 PSI. But, there are quite a few factors at play influencing your ideal PSI rating.
After the concrete has dried for at least 24 hours, you can effectively apply a concrete sealer. A sealer helps prevent future stains and potential damage from products like ice salts.
You can power wash concrete all year as long as the temperature is about 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Most homeowners and businesses prefer to do it in the spring or summer to reduce the spread and growth of algae and mold. It also reduces pollen, which can affect allergies.
Concrete cleaning calls for powerful pressure washers featuring high pressure levels of 3000 PSI. However, if you will be using the power cleaner to maintain a range of surfaces in addition to concrete, choose one with adjustable pressure levels and set it to about 3000 PSI when you need to clean concrete.
To maintain the lighter color of a concrete driveway, many homeowners turn to cleaning with bleach, but you should not power wash with bleach because it can damage your pressure washer.
In fact, vinegar removes mold from concrete better than bleach. Bleach will only remove the top layer of mold, causing the mold to return.
Dark Spots on Concrete After Power Washing
If you notice dark spots on concrete after pressure washing, it's likely that the surface is damaged and that the top layer is washed off. This type of damage is prevalent in slabs that are topped with a screed with a different color from the base concrete.
Sealing concrete increases its longevity.
Typically, a concrete driveway can last anywhere from 25-30 years unless it becomes damaged. In that case, it will likely need to be replaced sooner. Sealing your concrete not only ensures your concrete surface is protected, but that it is long lasting.
An unsealed concrete floor is going to be more reactive and sensitive to changes in temperature. It will freeze in cold climates and expand in warm ones. This can cause crumbling, chipping, and cracking.