Choosing the Right Pressure Washer PSI for Concrete
To clean concrete surfaces properly, you must first choose the correct pressure washer PSI. A small gas-powered pressure washer is suitable for most cleaning jobs around the house. Larger washers can clean concrete more thoroughly, but are too powerful for most other applications. Some homeowners purchase the highest-quality home pressure washer, while others rent a larger model. When purchasing a power washer, be sure to purchase the appropriate nozzles. You’ll need a high-pressure nozzle and a low-pressure nozzle.
The pressure washer nozzle used to clean concrete should be 25 degrees. Some users prefer a 40-inch nozzle. You may need to experiment to find which nozzle suits your needs. For the best results, you should begin the cleaning process by wetting the floor scrubbing machines thoroughly. Then, use a brush or push broom to scrub into the concrete. Regardless of the pressure washer nozzle, make sure to follow the directions on the instruction manual.
The right pressure washer for concrete cleaning needs to be able to clean the surface quickly and efficiently. It should have a psi of at least 3,000. You can also consider a high-pressure pressure washer that has a flow rate of around 5 GPM. Concrete surfaces are notoriously tough and need a high pressure to remove dirt and grime. A pressure washer that is rated at 10,000 PSI will not suffice, but a high-quality gas-powered pressure washer with a high flow rate can work well.
In addition to pressure, you should consider the nozzles available for your power washer. Choose the nozzles based on the type of concrete you’re cleaning. Choose the wide-angle nozzle to clean vertical surfaces. Using a 0-degree nozzle will result in an etched groove in the concrete. A 25-degree nozzle disperses the flow over a wider area. A 25-degree nozzle can easily remove parking stripes in one pass.
Pressure washers are noisy, slick with soapy water, and can cause serious injuries. Always wear proper safety gear, including safety glasses and hearing protection. Wear close-toed shoes when using the pressure washer. A powerful pressure washer can cause serious injury or even death, so use caution. Keep pressure washers away from children. If you can’t control your pressure washer, it is best to hire a professional to do the job for you.
While some homeowners don’t notice an etched concrete surface, others aren’t as lucky. These homeowners simply noticed that a power washer did a poor job. It’s easier to fix the marks that were left by a pressure washer than to repair the concrete itself. A good way to avoid damaging your concrete is to seal it. It will protect your new surface and prevent dirt and sand from penetrating the joints of the concrete.
When purchasing a pressure washer, make sure it’s powerful enough for the job you’re going to do. Start with a low-pressure model with 700 to 1,000 PSI. This will help you clean smaller projects. You can always dial it up later if you need more pressure. Eventually, you’ll want to use the high-pressure model for different jobs. If you need to use it for a concrete surface, you’ll want to buy a pressure washer with at least 2,000 PSI.
