Tag: concrete

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How To Clean a Concrete Patio

Entertaining guests does not have to be always done inside the house. In fact, there are various tips for this. Having a backyard or pool for barbecues will surely be an experience for them. With this, it would be beneficial for you to have a patio. You can also have dinner or lunch parties with it. You can also have your meals in it from time to time for some change. 

A patio can be built with different materials, but it also has different costs and durability. Concrete is one of the most popular choices because of its versatility and adaptability. Add to that, it also costs less than the others but durable enough.

1. Clear the Patio

But of course, like anything in your house, you have to maintain it and clean it regularly. Surely, clean concrete is definitely good for the eyes. With these simple steps, you can definitely do the cleaning on your own:

The first thing you need to do is clear your patio. Put the furniture and plants out of the way. If there are appliances such as a grill and toys of your kids or pets, put them in a safe place. After that, you can sweep or use a leaf blower in removing dirt and leaves. Then wash your concrete with a hose.

2. Mix the Cleaning Solutions

Then it is time to mix the solutions you will use. There are three solutions you can use. First is the baking soda and bleach paste that is good for stains. If you want more environmentally friendly, vinegar and baking soda paste will be good for that. For the smaller areas, have vinegar, salt, and water in a spray bottle to apply it on your targeted zones.

3. Clean

Before you do your clean, protect the nearby plants by hosing them with water or covering them. Then, apply the solution and let it sit for a while. Then scrub it with a brush. Use one that has a long handle, so it will be easier and comfortable. For deeper stains and mildews, be sure to use the right solution for it. This may also require to let the solution sit in longer. Another alternative would be using a pressure washer to be more convenient especially for tougher stains and molds. Just be sure you know how to use it because it might affect or even damage your concrete. Also, be aware of the solutions you will use with it because some of them are damaging to the washer. Another thing to watch out for is the nearby plants. The high pressure might destroy them.

4. Rinse

After all of that, rinse away the solutions from the concrete. If the nearby plant is not covered, have them sprayed with more water. Then let the concrete dry. If you want, you can apply a sealer to provide more protection from future stains. Once it is all dry, you can rearrange your patio and is ready for use again.

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Pressure Washing Tips For Cleaning Concrete Driveway

They say that you will see what kind of person others are in the way they dress and clean up themselves. That is because, with your style, you can express who and what you are. This concept does not only apply to your clothing but also to your home. People will easily judge once they see other people’s home if it is either dirty or clean. They do not even need to go inside your home but one look at your backyard or driveway, they will tend to judge. That is why maintenance is essential.

When it comes to maintaining your driveway, it is advisable to have it cleaned every six months. Sure, you can hire someone to do it, but it would be less expensive for you to do it by yourself. It is not that hard. To get started, all you need is to invest in a pressure washer, and you are good to go. Here are some tips that will help you:

1. Clear the Area

If you have kids and some of their toys are scattered around, put them away. Make sure to put your items away as well, including your car or bike or anything you put in your driveway that will get in the way of your cleaning.

2. Sweep the Area and Look for Stains

After clearing the area, you will also need to sweep it to be free from excess dust as you possibly can. Also, look for stains. Like clothes which stains the cannot be removed by simply putting it in a washer, stains in the concrete cannot be removed by pressurized water alone. You would need to scrub them first.

3. Ready Your Device

After you have done all of the above, you would need to prepare your device by attaching the spray wand and hose. Test it out first before doing anything else to be sure.

4. Apply Detergent

It is time to apply detergent. The procedure might vary somewhat depending on your device, so it is essential to have the users’ manual on hand. The user’s manual will not only inform you in regards to the appropriate detergent loading procedure, but it will also tell you what kinds of chemicals to use. Nozzles are also attached for cleaning, so be sure to have them ready.

5. Wash Concrete

Now, it is time to wash the concrete. It is said before to have your device tested, now it would be advisable to start slow, so you could get used to it for pressure washers tend to be powerful. You can control it by adjusting according to your preferred power and also set your distance. You would need to let the detergent work with the dirt and stains first and clean one section at a time to ensure no uneven streaks.

6. Rinse Concrete

After soaping it, rinse it with water. For it to be faster and more effective, it is recommended to have surface cleaner attachment if you want to. But you can adjust it or attach another nozzle. For additional protection, you can seal the concrete. All you need is a waterproof sealer and put it all over the concrete.