Using a pressure washer to clean concrete may seem like a pretty simple thing to do. You just stand there, aim the nozzle and go. Right? Well, not exactly. In fact, there is a correct method and an improper alternative towards completing the task. Sure, you can get “good enough” results but in order to really get the job done, you need to know you’re doing it in the best possible manner.
But in order to do that, you need to know what you’re doing. Many homeowners have never used a pressure washer or performed deck power washing in Londonberry. As a result, there are a lot of poorly washed and even damaged surfaces out there. We’re aiming to help you avoid those kinds of results.
To that end, we’re going to examine the best ways for cleaning your concrete with a pressure washer. So, pay attention to what we have to tell you here, it could very well make the difference between a dirty concrete, damaged concrete, and a completely clean concrete surface.
Pressure
You don’t always need to apply the greatest levels of pressure to the concrete surface you are trying to clean. It’s true you might want to increase your water pressure to clear out those caked-on contaminants, but unless you have a particularly stubborn layer of grime or dirt to clear out you won’t really need anything too overwhelming to get the job done.
Cleaning Speed
After you’ve set your water pressure, the flow rate of your water will play an essential part in your cleaning speed. You will be able to rate this through how quickly your surface is being cleaned of whatever you’re aiming to eliminate from it. You can set your flow rate and the cleaning speed through choosing the proper nozzle.
Rotary nozzles are far more effective at improving your cleaning speed than other alternatives. The more velocity in the flow of water, the greater the speed with which you’ll clear your concrete clean.
Temperature
Despite the intensity of the water being ejected from your nozzle, the temperature of that water still plays a role in how well you can clean your concrete with it. Cold water is effective for smaller jobs where you need to clear away a lot of surface material, while hot water is best for really eradicating those harder to eliminate contaminants. Hot water can also get the job done quicker in most instances.
Hot water is ideal for use on things like oil and grease, paint, and years of caked-on grime that you can’t remove through more gentler means. But keep in mind that hot water pressure washer units can be more costly to rent or own and operate. The hot water units are also significantly heavier which makes them tougher to use in some environments.
Proper Maintenance
Be sure to keep your unit functioning properly at all times by performing routine maintenance on it. You should also be careful when operating it, never run one of these units without water inside or you could damage the seals. Be sure you have enough water by volume as well, if air gets in the pump you run the risk of damaging the pump.
