Is your sidewalk looking a little grimy? Maybe it is covered in green and black algae, or perhaps dirt has simply built up on it over the years. Power washing is a great way to get rid of the gunk. Here are some guidelines to follow for a successful sidewalk power washing experience.
1. Sweep first.
Before you start power washing, give your sidewalk a good sweep. This will reduce the amount of dirt that gets pushed off to the side of your sidewalk during the cleaning process. It will also ensure any large debris does not get in the way as you try to power wash smaller debris away.
2. Start by soaking with a cleaner.
The first step in power washing is to wet the whole sidewalk. This is best done with the washer on a low-pressure setting. Your goal at this stage is not to remove any gunk; it is to loosen the gunk so it comes away more easily. Add a specialized cleaner to your power washing tank before you soak the sidewalk. This should be a cleaner that is designed for use on concrete. Spray down the concrete. Remember, your only goal here is to get the whole surface wet. Then, let it sit for 10 minutes.
3. Pressure wash with a 25-degree tip.
Once the cleaner has had time to sit on the concrete, switch your power washer over to the 25-degree tip. This angle is best for powering away tough grime without damaging the concrete surface. Then, start power washing at the far end of the sidewalk. You want to be walking backward onto the uncleaned driveway as you go.
The easiest way to power wash is to work on one small strip at a time. Go back and forth across that strip until it is clean, and then move on to a new strip. Hold the pressure washing tip about 6 inches from the sidewalk surface as you do this.
4. Finish with a spray on a low setting.
After you have power washed the whole surface of your sidewalk, switch back to the soaking tip. But don't use detergent this time. Use this tip to gently spray off the sidewalk, removing any debris that has been loosened but is still sitting on the surface.
A good power washing session will leave your sidewalk looking nice and clean. Do this about once a year, and your space will stay fresh. If you're not sure you can do it yourself, consider hiring a power washing service.
Share7 August 2020
Hello, my name is Kirk. Welcome to my website about cleaning. When I developed asthma, I had to figure out the best way to manage my health. Since my asthma worsened with exposure to allergens, I had to dedicate myself to deep cleaning my home on a regular basis. I learned a lot about keeping my home clean using natural products and methods. I also utilize cleaning services when I cannot perform the work myself. I would like to help others learn how to keep their home clean and tidy on their own and with professional help. I hope you will follow along to learn all you can about cleaning your home. Thanks for visiting.