With April coming to a close and the ground finally thawing after a seemingly endless winter, it’s hard to not want to spend every spare second outside. The warmer temperatures make for perfect opportunities to work on the garden, get the lawn trimmed back into shape, and haul out the patio furniture. One of the most enjoyable parts of being outside as the seasons change is being able to throw aside socks and shoes and feel the grass coming back to life under your feet, but no one wants that feeling from walking on mossy, grimy concrete.
The simplest solution to making concrete patios, pool decks, sidewalks, and pathways look like new again is pressure washing. Dirt, mildew, stains, moss, and winter grime can easily be washed away, completing your landscaping and making for a pleasant place to spend time—barefooted or not.
The first step to prepare any area for pressure washing is to clear it of any loose debris or obstacles. It is most beneficial to sweep and use a leaf blower to remove as much dust and dirt from the area as possible before using the pressure washer. If your concrete surfaces are near any landscaping, planter boxes, or flower beds that could potentially be harmed by the errant spray of the pressure washer, it is best to dampen them slightly and then cover them in some sort of plastic or sheet. If there are any nearby electrical cords or outlets, those must be moved or covered securely as well.
When pressure washing, it is important to remember that it takes time to cover the entire surface. If you are working with larger areas, it is best to section them off so as to not make the mistake of washing an area twice while missing another. It is also important to make sure to use gravity to your advantage and wash in the direction that the run-off will trail, so as to not get the previously washed areas dirty again. Using hot water will require heavier equipment, but will clean the area more thoroughly than cold water in a shorter amount of time, working especially well on grease or oil stains. Adding cleaners is an option for stains like this that are more likely to plague driveways or sidewalks, but just water will do a fine job of blasting away mildew, mold, and dirt on most surfaces. Always check with the pressure washer supplier for specific instructions on temperature and pressure settings, and if you have any doubts about the process or the equipment, it is always best to consult with a pressure washing professional.
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For more information about our pressure washing services in the Metro Detroit area give us a call today 248-852-7141.