What Pressure Washer Do I Need for Cleaning Concrete?

When it comes to cleaning surfaces at home or at work, it’s unlikely that concrete is the first surface that comes to mind.

It can’t be cleaned with a simple combination of anti-bacterial spray and a mop; you’ll need the right pressure washer to clean your concrete surface, and this article will tell you exactly which one this should be.

What are the benefits of using a pressure washer?

The main benefit of a pressure washer is the force at which the water is expelled from the nozzle – over 60x more powerful than a standard garden hose. While the power of a pressure washer is enough to remove stains from concrete, it’s important that the right pressure washer is chosen and it is used correctly to get the best results.

Before we compare the two types of pressure washers, there’s an important caveat: pressure washers are often available in two main formats – electric powered and engine powered. The majority of small to medium pressure washers are electric, whereas heavy duty pressure washers are more commonly engine powered.

Even if you are not sure how to use a pressure washer, our team provide training for all our hire equipment.

Cleaning concrete with pressure washers

Using an electric pressure washer

Using an electric pressure washer has a number of benefits. Firstly, electric pressure washers are better for the environment, which is always a plus, especially when any and all cuts to our carbon footprint are welcome.

• The Karcher HDS 6/12 C is one of our most popular pressure washers, and is simple to use.

From a user-friendliness point of view, electric pressure washers are lighter and therefore easier to handle, and they don’t generate as much noise as petrol-powered pressure washers.

Electric pressure washers may not have the requisite power to remove the toughest of stains – if you have some serious heavy-duty work to carry out, an engine powered pressure washer is probably more suitable.

Using an engine powered pressure washer

Petrol-powered pressure washers are more mobile than electric pressure washers as they don’t need to be plugged in to the mains sockets. This makes them ideal for large-scale jobs, like cleaning industrial premises.

Petrol pressure washers are also more powerful than electric washers, but they are probably too powerful for domestic jobs like cleaning patios or driveways. An electric pressure washer is better suited to smaller tasks, whereas petrol-powered washers are ideal for the toughest dirt and grime, as well as covering large surface areas.

• The Karcher HDS 801 B (Petrol) is a powerful pressure washer with a Honda petrol engine.

The type of pressure washer you need for cleaning concrete depends, ultimately, on the type of work that you need to carry out. Use an electric pressure washer to clean your patio, providing the stains aren’t too stubborn – just make sure you have an extension cable handy to allow your washer to reach the patio.

For larger surface areas, like car parks or commercial spaces, and for tougher dirt and grime, opt for the stronger petrol pressure washer.

Take a look at our range of equipment for hire on our website.

Whichever pressure washer is right for you, make sure you get yours from Alpha Power Cleaners. We’re trusted, experienced suppliers of stationary and mobile pressure washers alike, providing petrol-powered and electrical equipment for customers throughout the Midlands, the South East and South Yorkshire.

For more information, please get in touch with us today and we’ll be happy to help.