Concrete surfaces might be resilient, but they take a beating over time. Dirt, oil stains, and even mildew can wreck the once-pristine finish of your driveway, patio, sidewalk, or walkway. That’s why many homeowners are turning to pressure washing to make their concrete appear new again!
If you’re one of those homeowners, this guide will walk you through four steps to bring your concrete back to life—so you can achieve professional-looking results without needing to hire out.
4 Steps to Cleaner Concrete
Step 1: Prep Your Concrete for Pressure Washing
Before you fire up your pressure washer, it's important to set the area up for a sparkling finish.
- Assess the Concrete: Is it old, cracked, stamped, or stained? Different types of concrete may require more delicate handling. For example, stamped or decorative surfaces may not handle high pressure well.
- Pick the Right Nozzle: A surface cleaner or turbo nozzle is your best bet. These provide a wider spray, which is generally safer and more effective on concrete.
- Clear the Area: Move furniture, toys, or planters out of the way. Cover nearby plants or landscaping to protect them from overspray or cleaners.
- Gear Up: Long pants, closed-toe shoes, and safety glasses are a must. Pressure washers pack a punch, so protect yourself from spray-back and debris.
GREENWORKS TIP: Want to get the best results? Concrete pressure washer attachments can help! We recommend a heavy-duty Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner. This disc-shaped tool connects to your pressure washer wand and provides a better, more consistent clean than using the wand by itself.
Step 2: Apply Concrete Cleaner
Cleaning solution isn’t always required, but if your concrete has oil stains or heavy grime, then it's worth the extra step.
- Choose the Right Cleaner: Select a cleaner specifically designed for concrete and follow the label for mixing ratios.
- Wet the Surface: Use a garden hose to dampen the concrete before applying cleaner. This helps the solution spread more evenly.
- Apply the Cleaner: Use a pump sprayer or your pressure washer’s detergent nozzle to coat the concrete surface (the detergent nozzle for pressure washers is typically the black nozzle: you can find one in the Greenworks 4-pack of Pressure Washer Universal Spray Tip Nozzles). Make sure the layer of concrete cleaner you apply is even.
- Let It Sit: Follow the recommended dwell time for the concrete cleaning product or solution you’re using (typical dwell times range from 5 to 30 minutes). Don’t let the cleaning solution totally dry out—this can reduce its effectiveness when pressure washing.
GREENWORKS TIP: If you’re using a concrete cleaning solution, don’t skimp on dwell time! “Dwell time” refers to the amount of time the cleaner needs to sit so it can break down dirt, grime, and stains. This dwell time is crucial for the cleaning solution to penetrate the concrete pores and work its magic.
How to Clean Concrete without a Pressure Washer
Not everyone has the budget to rent or own a pressure washer. To hand-wash your concrete, start by sweeping away loose dirt and debris. Next, apply a specialized concrete cleaner or a cleaning solution (a mixture of powdered detergent and warm water works well). For tougher stains, you may want to use a degreaser or vinegar solution. Use a stiff-bristled brush to scrub the surface of the concrete, paying special attention to oil or grease spots.
Step 3: Pressure Wash the Concrete
Technique matters when you’re washing away years of grime!
- Set Your Pressure Washer: Use a machine with at least 3,000 PSI for concrete surfaces. Adjust pressure as needed, especially for delicate or older areas.
- Start from the Top: Begin at the highest point of your surface and work downward. This prevents dirty water from running over cleaned areas.
- Use a Sweeping Motion: Move in slow, overlapping strokes—about a few inches of overlap per pass. This ensures an even clean and avoids streaking.
- Rinse Thoroughly: After washing, flush your pressure washer with clean water and go over the surface one more time to remove any lingering soap or debris.
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Step 4: Dry and Seal (If Desired)
Once your concrete is clean, help it stay that way!
- Let It Dry Completely: Drying may take a full day or two depending on weather and humidity. Don’t rush it—moisture trapped under concrete sealant can cause issues.
- Apply a Sealant (optional but recommended): Sealing your concrete helps guard against future stains, weathering, and UV damage. Choose a concrete-specific sealant and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application.
The Best Pressure Washing Tips
- Put it to the Test. Always test your pressure washer and cleaning method on a small, inconspicuous section (like a corner by the garage).
- Mind Your Distance. Stay about 12 inches away from the surface to avoid gouging the concrete.
- Be Patient. Tough stains might need multiple passes or a stronger concrete cleaner solution.
- Overlap Your Strokes. Overlapping strokes or taking multiple passes with your pressure washer can prevent visible lines or missed spots.
- Stay Safe. Stay alert to cords, puddles, and your surroundings. Pressure washers are powerful tools and should be treated with care!
Congratulate Yourself on a Job Well Done!
Pressure washing concrete might seem intimidating, but with the right prep and tools, it’s a manageable and transformative DIY project. A few hours of work can seriously improve the look of your home and extend the life of your driveway, patio, sidewalk, and walkway. Remember: Clean concrete is the perfect blank slate—whether you're sealing it, sprucing up for a sale, or just admiring the fresh look!
Trying to decide between a gas or electric pressure washer? Read everything you need to know in our comprehensive Pressure Washer Buying Guide.
Plus, if you want to pressure wash more than concrete, we have three blogs you might find interesting:
Written by The Green Team, a creative arm within Greenworks Tools.
Our team of writers, designers and content creators bring a breadth of experience and a touch of fun to all things tools. With an assist from the Greenworks product teams and technology experts, we’re here to provide helpful and engaging content to make your yard (and life!) beautiful.
