Concrete sidewalks are something that is often neglected and not properly maintained. When sidewalks are not properly maintained, they can quickly accumulate with dirt and grime and the result is a property that has less curb appeal. Because concrete is a porous surface, dirt and grime can easily get trapped in the pores of the concrete and build up over time can make the concrete surface appear many more years older than it actually is.
Commercial property can also be subject to high traffic, further accelerating the aging process. However, if the property owner does not choose to neglect the concrete around their property, it can greatly enhance the property’s curb appeal.
If you are looking to clean the concrete sidewalks around your home or business and want some tips on how to do it yourself, the following is a list of things to consider.
- What kinds of stains are present on concrete sidewalks? – Generally, concrete sidewalks will accumulate with general dirt, grime, and moss or mold. Sodium hydrochloride, also known as liquid chlorine, has a great effect in fighting general dirt and grime caused by air pollutants. For these types of stains, spray or apply liquid bleach at a concentration that depends on the severity of the stains. For heavy stains, you may need to apply the bleach directly and for light stains, apply a diluted solution, maybe 1: 1 or a little stronger. A good idea is to pre-wet or even press or pressure wash the concrete beforehand and not allow the chemical to dry on the surface, as this can leave a chemical residue. For other stains, such as food / drink stains or oil and grease stains, general purpose degreasers can be very effective. For heavy oil stains, caustic soda can be used, however, be very careful when using harsh chemicals like caustic soda.
- Get a suitable pressure washer – For large areas of concrete sidewalks, you will need a pressure or industrial type pressure washer. If you’re not going to do this regularly, you’d better hire a machine or lend one to you. If maintaining your concrete sidewalks is something you would like to do on a regular basis, then buying one will save you money in the long run. You will have to decide between hot or cold water. Hot water is best for greasy sidewalks, otherwise you can get by with cold water. If it’s just a small area of concrete, maybe a little home-style machine will do the trick. Look for a unit with good PSI (pressure per square inch) and also GPM (gallons per minute).
- Environmental problems and runoff – When performing a pressure washing task, you must be mindful of water runoff. You must not allow sewage to enter storm drains. It must contain all wastewater and dispose of it in accordance with your state regulations.