How to Power Wash Concrete Patios

Power washing, also known as pressure washing, uses high-velocity water to clean flat surfaces such as concrete. Although the power washer emits a powerful stream of water, the hose nozzle normally contains different settings ranging from a forceful jet to a fan spray. Using the weaker-strength water flow provides a dynamic cleaning tool that will not harm the concrete patio.

Broom
Bucket
Liquid dish soap

Instructions

- 1
  Remove furniture, plants and the grill from your concrete patio. Place the items far enough from the patio to keep them from getting sprayed by the power washer. Sweep debris and dirt from the patio with a broom.
- 2
  Fill a bucket with warm water and 1 tbsp. liquid dish soap. Pour the soapy water on different sections of the patio and scrub with the broom. Use additional buckets of soapy water if needed to cover the entire patio.
- 3
  Turn on the power washer and direct it towards a grassy area to adjust the nozzle. Select the fan spraying action, avoiding the more powerful straight stream.
- 4
  Start at one end of the patio with the power washer. Keep the nozzle 10 inches from the patio surface and sweep the nozzle back and forth, pushing the soap and dirt from the patio and into the yard. Continue across the entire patio, removing all soapy residue. Allow the concrete to dry for two to three hours, then place items back onto the patio.

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