Hey guys, Coty from Southeast Softwash here! Today, I want to share a real-life example from my own neighborhood that highlights the importance of pre and post-treating concrete surfaces during soft washing. Plus, I’ll show you how offering annual maintenance plans can be a game-changer for your business.
The Before and After of Pre/Post-Treating Concrete
Two years ago, I cleaned my next-door neighbor’s driveway and sidewalk. I pre-treated, surface cleaned, and post-treated the concrete, and it looked amazing when I finished. But here’s where it gets interesting: I deliberately did not pre or post-treat a section of the sidewalk in front of the house for demo purposes.
Now, after a year and a half, you can see the difference. The untreated sidewalk is starting to accumulate dirt and organic growth again, while the pre and post-treated areas still look great!
Take a close look at the clover pattern on the sidewalk—the cleaner areas show where the surface cleaner overlapped. This is why pre-treating and post-treating make such a big difference. They prevent the organic material from growing back, keeping the surface cleaner for a longer period.
Offering Annual Maintenance to Your Clients
After completing a concrete cleaning job, I always recommend homeowners sign up for an annual maintenance plan. It’s a simple way to keep their driveways and sidewalks looking clean without having to do a full surface clean each time. With just a soft wash, you can refresh the concrete and prevent heavy organic buildup.
Here’s the pitch I usually give:
"Hey, if I come out every spring (or whenever works for you) and soft wash the driveway, we can maintain that fresh, clean look all year round. It’ll only cost you around $100 since it won’t take much time at all."
If your clients let it go for too long and the surface gets bad again, it will require a more intensive treatment. And of course, you’ll need to charge more for that. But a quick annual soft wash keeps everything in check!
What We’re Doing Today
Today, we’re going to soft wash the section of the sidewalk I left untreated two years ago to match the rest of the driveway. It’s a quick fix, but it shows the power of pre and post-treatment. Whether you’re cleaning sidewalks, driveways, or pool decks, getting your clients on a regular maintenance schedule is a smart way to ensure repeat business while keeping surfaces looking new.
Final Thoughts
You’ll often see people in Facebook groups post pictures of dirty sidewalks and driveways, blaming it on amateur cleaners. But the truth is, even a decent washer can leave a job unfinished if they don’t pre and post-treat. Don’t make that mistake! Make sure to educate your clients and offer them ongoing maintenance to keep their property looking its best.
If you found this helpful, get out there and sell those recurring driveway and sidewalk cleaning services!
Want to Learn More?
Interested in mastering soft washing techniques? Check out our Softwash 101 Class at Southeast Softwash to get hands-on training and start offering professional services like a pro!
