When it comes to cleaning driveways and concrete surfaces, one technique can make all the difference: pre-treatment. At Southeast Softwash, we recently revisited a client in Carrollton, Georgia, where we cleaned the roof on his home over three and a half years ago. The roof? Still spotless, showing no signs of stains returning—a testament to the effectiveness of proper soft washing. This time, we were called back to tackle the client’s driveway, and pre-treating was the key to success.
Why Pre-Treating Concrete Makes All the Difference
One of the main factors that contribute to superior results in pressure washing is the use of pre-treatment. This involves applying a special mix to the surface before using the surface cleaner. In this case, we used a 5% roof mix to pre-treat the concrete and let it sit for about 20 minutes. The difference was staggering. You can clearly see areas that were pre-treated compared to those that weren’t.
For those unfamiliar with pre-treating, the benefits include:
-
Reduced Cleaning Time: By breaking down the grime beforehand, pre-treatment allows the surface cleaner to work faster and more efficiently. This means you can cover larger areas in less time.
-
Improved Results: Pre-treating softens tough stains and grime, leading to a cleaner surface with fewer streaks and fewer chances of leaving behind tiger stripes or overlapping lines.
-
Less Wear on Equipment: When surfaces are pre-treated, the pressure washer doesn’t have to work as hard, reducing the strain on your equipment and prolonging its life.
Pre-Treatment vs. No Pre-Treatment: The Visual Proof
During this job, we purposefully left sections of the driveway untreated to show the drastic contrast between pre-treated and non-pre-treated areas. Where we pre-treated, the concrete looked almost clean before we even used the surface cleaner. Meanwhile, untreated areas remained dark and grimy. By taking the time to pre-treat your concrete, you’re almost guaranteeing a better finish with less effort.
The Right Equipment for the Job
We used a 20-inch Whirl-A-Way surface cleaner paired with a 4-gallon-per-minute machine, which stretched the machine’s limits. However, because we pre-treated, we were able to run the surface cleaner faster while still achieving a thorough clean. Without pre-treatment, the job would have taken longer and the results wouldn’t have been as impressive.
SESW Softwash 101: Perfect Your Skills
If you're in the pressure washing business and want to level up your cleaning game, learning techniques like pre-treatment is essential. We highly recommend checking out the SESW Softwash 101 class. This course is packed with practical, industry-proven methods that will help you:
-
Master Soft Washing Techniques: Whether you’re cleaning roofs, driveways, or siding, the right techniques can make all the difference.
-
Improve Your Results: Learn how to get the cleanest possible surfaces with less time and effort.
-
Optimize Your Equipment: Discover the best ways to use and maintain your pressure washing tools to keep them running smoothly for longer.
Conclusion
Pre-treating concrete surfaces is a game-changer for any pressure washing business. It speeds up the cleaning process, enhances the final result, and reduces wear on your equipment. For those looking to fine-tune their soft washing techniques and grow their business, the SESW Softwash 101 class is the perfect resource to help you get there.
Take your soft washing skills to the next level—enroll in SESW Softwash 101 today!
