Sidewalks may not come first in your mind when planning house or office cleaning. But it’s also important to clean them. They contribute to maintaining a healthy outdoor environment. Over time, you will notice a significant amount of stubborn stains on your once shiny sidewalk. It includes oil, grease, rust, mould and mildew, paint, graffiti, tree sap and tyre marks. Pressure cleaning can help you get rid of these stains. It’s a comparatively easy, time-saving, and more effective method.
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How to Clean Sidewalks with a Pressure Washer?
If you notice oil stains, dirt or algae removal on your sidewalks, pressure cleaning can be a good solution. Follow these simple steps to carry on the process.
Arrange Everything You Will Need for Sidewalk Cleaning
You should start preparing a few hours early. Make a list and manage all the equipment necessary for the cleaning. This saves time and helps with cleaning. There will be fewer interruptions or hassle of looking for items. You will enjoy a smooth experience when cleaning. Common tools needed for sidewalk cleaning are:
- Broom or vacuum cleaner
- A pressure washer in good working condition
- Appropriate low-pressure nozzle
- Detergent or cleaner. Eco-friendly cleaning products are preferable.
- Gloves and goggles for personal safety
- Access to water and a power source for the washer
- Squeeze and clean cloth or towel.
Prepare the Sidewalk for Deep Cleaning
Before starting the wash, you need to prepare some things. First, wear gloves and eye gear. It will protect you from dust, dirt, and germs. Then, you need to clean the surface area first. Make sure there are no toys, furniture, or other obstacles. You can also use a broom or vacuum cleaner to remove loose dirt and debris. This ensures better cleaning results. Besides, stones or broken concrete chunks can damage the washer.
Nonetheless, you cannot expect sweepers to give you the finest results during outdoor maintenance. They can clean up to nearly 80% of particles greater than 2 millimetres, according to eWater. For smaller particles, you need pressure washing.
Also, try inspecting the area for large stains or spills. Consider pre-treating them with a suitable cleaner. It will help you get the best result with pressure cleaning. Finally, keep children and pets away from the cleaning area. They can get hurt during the cleaning process.
Prepare Your Power Washing Machine
Before starting, ensure your power washing machine is ready for use. Check the fuel levels or ensure it’s connected to a power source for electric models. Inspect the hose for any leaks or damage as well.
- Select the suitable nozzle for your sidewalk. A 25-degree nozzle is most commonly used.
- Fill the detergent tank with a safe solution. Make sure it is safe for pressure washers. Opt for plant-based, biodegradable, and non-toxic solutions made for concrete cleaning.
- Test the machine and spray on a small area first. This helps you select the right pressure.
You may need multiple nozzles during the washing process. It gives you a better cleaning result. Different nozzles help you with different water patterns.
- A 0-degree nozzle provides a concentrated, high-pressure and concentrated stream. You can use it for tough stains or very dirty spots. But be careful as it can damage surfaces.
- 15-degree nozzles provide a narrow and powerful spray. You can remove dirt, grime, and debris.
- A 40-degree nozzle is good for a wide spray of water. It’s better for rising and light cleaning.
- Use low-pressure soap nozzles for applying soap or detergent with water.
Start Washing the Sidewalk
You can begin the main process. Start from one end of the sidewalk and work systematically to the other. Maintain a consistent distance of about six to twelve inches from the surface for optimal dirt removal. Maintain an even pressure for thorough surface cleaning. Move the wand in an overlapping stroke to cover the entire surface methodically. For concrete stains like oil or paint, adjust the nozzle for more power.
Graffiti removal and tough mould and mildew spots require special attention. You may need to spray water on them for a little longer. Applying graffiti removal for concrete can make the work easy. You should keep your eye open for accidental intrusions from children and pets. They can get injured if exposed to the water pressure.
Rinse the Areas Thoroughly After High-Pressure Cleaning
After high-pressure cleaning, switch to a wider nozzle for rinsing. This helps ensure thorough detergent removal and prevents residue buildup. The remaining detergent after cleaning can have a negative impact on the environment. Using biodegradable products is much safer. 80% of their residue gets degraded in 21 days, according to the EPA.
Still, you should focus on rinsing the area properly. Start from the highest point of the sidewalk and work downward. It helps to avoid streaking. Rinse each section methodically and overlap the strokes for complete coverage. Take care to rinse away all traces of detergent to prevent slippery surfaces.
Let the Sidewalk Dry Completely Before Using
Once the cleaning is done, let the sidewalk dry first. Natural air drying is perfect. You can also use squeezes or a towel to soak off excess water remaining. Ensure no one walks on it until it is completely dry to avoid tracking dirt. Drying time varies depending on weather conditions. In sunny, dry weather, it may not take more than a couple of hours.
It’s safe to run another round of inspection. Find out if you missed any space or if any surface restoration is needed.
Hire the Right Professional Company
DIY cleaning may not often give you the best result. The sidewalk is an important part of your outdoor and home environment. Power washing benefits you in keeping it clean and hygienic. However, you need to have certain expertise for safe and proper cleaning results. Besides, you may often not have enough time for all this cleaning. Professional cleaners are of great help in such conditions. They have the right tools, know which nozzles to use, and excel in following different stain-removal techniques.
How Often to Pressure Wash Your Sidewalk
Thankfully, you don’t have to go through the sidewalk cleaning so often. An effective pressure cleaning can help you keep the sidewalk clean for a long time. The frequency of cleaning depends on a number of factors, such as:
- The weather condition of your locality. Rain and humid weather cause more dirt and mould to build up.
- Consider foot traffic in your place. High traffic areas need more frequent cleaning.
- Sidewalks under trees gather more leaves, sap, and debris.
- Urban areas with pollution may need more frequent cleaning.
- Porous materials like brick or stone may accumulate more dirt. They need more frequent cleaning than sealed concrete.
In general, pressure cleaning your sidewalk once a year is recommended. However, if you notice mould buildup or stubborn dirt and stains, you should take steps to clean them.
Tips to Keep Your Sidewalk free of Stubborn Stains
You can reduce the frequency of sidewalk cleaning by taking some preventive measures.
- Sweep or use a leaf blower to remove debris and prevent buildup
- Clean up spills and stains immediately. It prevents them from sitting in
- Applying a concrete sealer can protect the surface and make cleaning easier
- Place mats at entrances to reduce tracking of dirt and mud onto the sidewalk
- Keep plants and trees trimmed to minimise leaf and sap accumulation.
Final Words
Sidewalk cleaning is a part of your home maintenance. Power washing can increase your property resale value, too. It offers a cleaner, safer, and hygienic outdoor environment. Eco Cleaning Brisbane has been providing pressure cleaning services for over 20 years. Our expert cleaners remove all stubborn stains and ensure a fresh sidewalk. You will feel better to look and walk on them. We offer flexible booking, are fully insured, and offer both residential and commercial cleaning. Get a free quote today for your sidewalk service.
