Pop quiz: what solution is best to spray before pressure washing concrete?
If you blanked, that means you’re in the right place.
In this article, we’ll discuss what to spray on concrete before pressure washing and cover a few frequently asked questions to clarify any final thoughts.
Let’s get started!
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Hey there, I’m Cody.
A decade of residential and commercial pressure washing led me to start JCS Refresh. Now I can share my knowledge with folks like you.
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Here’s what to spray on concrete before pressure washing
Here’s a quick overview of various options you can spray before cleaning.
- Dish Soap or Detergent – for small amounts of grease
- Concrete cleaner or Degreaser – for large cleaning projects, can tackle oil and grease
- Bleach – for brightening and removing weeds or mold
- Vinegar or Baking soda – an eco-friendly option that helps clean surfaces
What is the best chemical to clean concrete?
There are several cleaning products you can use, depending on the issue you need to tackle.
Below are the primary types you can try.
Dish Soap or Detergent
If you’re dealing with a small amount of grease, dilute some dish soap in water and pour it on the surface.
Let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub thoroughly and rinse.
Concrete Cleaner or Degreaser
This cleaner is specific for pressure washing concrete and is made from concentrated alkaline soap.
The chemicals will help loosen up hydrocarbon-based stains like oil and grease, and it also works well for porous materials.
However, read the instructions first; some products must be diluted with water or sprayed directly on the stains.
Bleach
Bleach is recommended for brightening and eradicating weeds or molds. Dilute 1 cup of bleach in a gallon of water and apply on the surface. Let it sit for a few minutes without letting the solution dry and scrub away.
Note that you cannot directly pour the bleach on the surface; it will immediately damage the concrete, leaving horrible stains.
Vinegar and Baking Soda
Vinegar and baking soda are great alternatives to bleach; they won’t harm the surrounding plants and still get the job done.
Apply a 1:1 ratio, 1 part of water, and 1 part of white vinegar or baking soda, then spray the solution or apply it on the surface and let it sit.
After that, scrub generously and rinse.
Conclusion
There are several cleaning solutions readably available when it comes to cleaning concrete with a pressure washer.
Depending on the stain or level of grime, opting for the right one will save you quite a bit of time and energy.
We hope this article served you well and that you can be on your way to a cleaner driveway or patio.
Thanks for reading!
