Some common chemicals used for cleaning concrete include alkaline cleaners, acid cleaners, and enzymatic cleaners. Alkaline cleaners are effective for removing general dirt and grime, while acid cleaners are used for removing rust stains or mineral deposits.
Cleaning concrete with muriatic acid can be a highly effective solution if used correctly, providing ultra-bright white concrete and removal of many types of stains. In one application, you can remove rust stains, oil stains, algae, and paint splatter with a quick chemical application followed by pressure washing.
Liquid Pool Chlorine (10% Strength) Dawn Dish Soap. Pressure Washer. Surface Cleaner (Not Required But Highly Recommended)
Pressure washing itself is safer than other forms of cleaning. Water itself, being a natural resource, is already safer than cleans that rely on chemicals. We also augment our pressure washing services with other techniques that improve the effectiveness of the clean while also helping to protect the environment.
There are several reasons not to put it in your pressure washing system: While bleach is effective in killing mold and mildew, it really is not the best solution for cleaning. Bleach can be used to prep for paint, but it will corrode hose nozzles and pump seals. It can essentially destroy your pressure washing system.
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.
Best for Driveways: Zep Driveway and Concrete Cleaner
Zep Driveway and Concrete cleaner is suitable for removing concrete stains, dirt, and oil marks. It's a budget-friendly choice coming in a four-pack of 1-gallon jugs. To use Zep Driveway and Concrete cleaner, mix the solution per the package directions.
Pressure washing a house with bleach is a good approach to get rid of mold, moss, and substantial dirt. On the other hand, Chlorine is an excellent choice for removing oil stains from concrete floors. To avoid long-term damage, chlorine is ideal if you plan to pressure wash your backyard floor or driveway on your own.
Another thing to keep in mind is that power washing with water is not as effective as power washing with a cleaner. This is because water can only remove so much dirt and grime.
The main difference is that power washing uses highly pressurized steam to do the cleaning while pressure washing just uses unheated tap water, without the help of a heating element.
In some cases, yes – it will help blast through tougher messes you'd otherwise be unable to get through. However, it may not always be necessary. The benefits of using pressure washer soap can boast magnificent results, especially when cleaning up surfaces that may need a more intense cleaning.
Best Time of Day to Power Wash
House washing can be performed at basically any time of the day, as long as you have sufficient light needed to safely complete the job. Extreme summer heat can make it difficult to properly wash your house, especially while working with certain chemicals.
Clean From the Bottom Up
Using the cleaning solution, start power washing at the bottom of the house and work your way up. Working from the top down can cause water and suds to run down the side of the house, making it more likely you'll miss a section.
Alkaline cleaners are great for lifting oil stains, grease stains, and other petroleum-based stains from concrete. It's an added benefit that you can use it with a pressure washer, making the job that much easier. For an eco-friendly cleaner, we recommend Oil Eater cleaner degreaser (US$15.74, Amazon).
Muriatic acid can work wonders on filthy concrete. However, it shouldn't be used on penetrating sealers since it can damage these finishes. It might also damage some acrylic sealers, so test a small area if you're not sure.
Both power washing chemicals should be diluted with water in order to be effective and not damage the surface. Bleach is great for killing mold and moss, ensuring it doesn't come back. Chlorine is a solid option for getting rid of grease stains on concrete.
You can use Simple Green Oxy Solve Concrete and Driveway Cleaner to clean a concrete patio with or without a pressure washer. It removes oil, grease, grime and most stains and discolorations. Its biodegradable formula is safe for lawns and pets.