What is pressure washing?

Pressure washing is the use of a high-powered stream of water to clean off built-up dirt and grime from your home’s exterior. Pressure washing also known as Power Washing is also used on cement and concrete to remove difficult items like stains, mold or bubble gum.

How powerful is a pressure washer stream?

The water stream of a pressure washer is approximately 100 times more powerful than an average garden host.

Is there a difference between pressure washing and power washing?

The terms pressure washing and power washing usually refer to the same service. This can confuse some homeowners, but rest assured, the terms are simply used interchangeably.

How often should I use pressure washer services on my home?

For the best results every eighteen months to two years, it is recommended to have your home pressured washed . In that time frame, a lot of dirt, grime, and debris can build up on your home .

Why should I use a professional pressure washer instead of investing in a pressure washer of my own?

It can be dangerous to use a pressure washer for non-skilled persons. It can damage human muscles or your home’s exterior by the powerful stream of water if not used properly. The investment of a pressure washer will not carry high return on investment (ROI) for homeowners who only use the machine every two years, whereas a professional company will receive a high ROI by using their machines often. Finally, a professional pressure washer will garner better results for your home’s exterior or concrete surfaces.

Concrete Pressure Washing Services

Concrete is found all over commercial properties. It’s used on parking lots and sidewalks, with retaining walls and warehouse floors, dumpster sites, and loading docks.

While concrete is durable and long-lasting, it’s also easy to stain. Liquids and other chemicals can easily penetrate the surface of the concrete to create an ugly blemish that’s difficult to remove. If this is the problem you face, let the experts at Power Washing Genie help you.

Benefits of Concrete Surfaces Cleaning

Concrete might be a strong material, but its porosity allows it to absorb unwanted substances easily. This leads to dirt and grime build-up, as well as the growth of mold, mildew, algae, and other pollutants. As such, regular concrete cleaning is essential to any business. Here are just a few benefits of keeping your concrete surfaces clean:

Creates a Safer Environment

Concrete can become unsafe if it’s allowed to remain dirty. Grease and oil can create a slippery surface, which is dangerous for customers going in and out of your store or suppliers bringing in products. More than anything, concrete maintenance is a safety precaution and a good way to protect your business from legal issues.

Aesthetically Pleasing

Nobody wants to dine in a restaurant or visit a store with grimy concrete floors! A clean concrete surface not only draws customers in, but it also provides a more appealing work environment for employees. Your staff members aren’t going to be proud of a dirty workplace, and potential customers will turn back at the sight of an unkempt store.

Wards Off Unwanted Critters

Concrete easily absorbs pollutants like dirt, grime, mold, and mildew. Over time, these substances can increase and develop an odor. Aside from deterring customers from your store, these odors can create additional problems by attracting wild animals and insects. The presence of such critters is bad enough for any commercial property but even worse for an eating establishment.

Concrete Life

As a business owner, you naturally want to protect your investment and reduce the frequency of unnecessary expenses such as concrete replacements. There’s no better way to do this than to maintain concrete surfaces by keeping them clean and in good condition. For that, pressure washing is the answer.

Common Issues With Concrete

Concrete surfaces can experience a sundry of problems, all of which require specific cleaning methods. Here are the common issues with concrete and how to address them:

Dirt, Dust, and Debris

Brush away any loose dust, dirt, and debris from the concrete surface. Spray a laundry detergent and allow it to sit for a few minutes for maximum effectiveness. Then, using a recommended pressure level of 2,500 PSI and a 25-degree nozzle, rinse off the detergent and watch the dirt wash away.

Mold and Mildew

To remove such growths from concrete surfaces, use a brush to apply mold and mildew detergent and let it soak in for a few minutes. This will allow the detergent to kill all traces of mold and mildew. Alternatively, use a combination of household bleach and water. Then, it is recommended to rinse off the solution using a 25-degree nozzle, adjusting the pressure level accordingly for tougher growths.

Oil, Grease, and Brake Fluids

A degreaser can work wonders to get rid of grease, oil, and automotive fluids from concrete surfaces. After applying the degreaser, spray a strong detergent before rinsing it off using hot pressurized water (2,500 PSI) and a 25-degree nozzle tip.

Rust

To start removing rust from concrete surfaces, use soap and water to clean the area. For minor stains, apply lemon juice to the rusty area and allow it to sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Major stains may require a rust remover with oxalic acid or trisodium phosphate.

Power Washing Genie uses five different rust removers for maximum effectiveness. Use a brush to scrub the affected area before switching to a pressure washer with a 25-degree nozzle to rinse off the cleanser.

Tire or Skid Marks

To remove tire or skid marks from concrete surfaces, apply a degreaser and allow it to soak in for up to 30 minutes, making sure not to let it dry. Use a stiff brush to scrub the area for better results. Then, use a pressure level of 2,500 PSI and a 25-degree nozzle to rinse the solution off.

Pressure Washing Concrete the Right Way

Concrete tends to be more durable than other materials, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t need careful cleaning. To safely and effectively wash your commercial property’s concrete surfaces, follow these tips:

Inspection

Before beginning the pressure washing process, Power Washing Genie first conducts a thorough inspection of the premises to determine if there are any existing cracks or other damages. We then provide you with a property inspection report and a quote to repair.

Preparation

Remove any loose dirt or debris from the concrete surface. Make sure to cover or set aside any furniture or plants to protect them from the process. Any openings, such as doors and windows, must also be covered.

Degreasing

Concrete surfaces can accumulate grease and change the effects of pressure washing. Therefore, it’s important to spray a degreaser on the concrete and use a stiff brush to scrub it onto the surface prior to pressure washing.

Detergent

The right detergent can loosen stubborn dirt, mold, grime, and other pollutants. We use eco-friendly proprietary detergent mixtures and spray them on the concrete surface at a distance of 8 to 18 inches. Then, we allow it to stand for a few minutes to give it time to knock filth loose.

Pressure Level

Use the correct pressure level — about 2,500 to 3,000 PSI — to effectively clean your concrete surfaces without inflicting damage. For more fragile concrete surfaces, we use a soft washing technique.

Nozzle

For the right balance, it is recommended to use a 25-degree nozzle tip, maintaining a minimum of 8 inches from the surface, to clean your concrete surfaces. If more power is needed to remove particularly stubborn filth or stains, move the nozzle closer to the surface, about 3 to 4 inches.

Sealant

To complete the process, apply a waterproof sealer to keep your concrete surfaces looking clean and fresh for a longer period of time. Allow the sealant to sit for 24 hours before using or touching the concrete surface again.

Let Power Washing Genie Free You of the Burden

If you want to keep a clean commercial property or community facility, pressure washing is the ideal method to clean your concrete. It can penetrate the surface to remove stubborn stains and debris lodged in place. There are different methods of pressure cleaning based on the needs of the company and the type of dirt — and Power Washing Genie knows them all.

Choose Power Washing Genie to take care of all your concrete cleaning needs. We are a fully insured and licensed local company. Plus, we use the best equipment and eco-friendly products to deliver fast and effective results. Here at Power Washing Genie, safety is our priority. When you partner with us, you can expect the following:

A completed Job Hazard Analysis form for every job
At least two technicians for every job (possibly more depending on the size of the structure)
Technicians dressed in the necessary personal protective equipment
CDC-approved and EPA-registered products for sanitization and decontamination