Pressure washers equipped with surface cleaners are highly effective for maintaining and restoring the pristine appearance of sidewalks, driveways, and other large, flat areas.

This guide provides professional advice to optimize your surface cleaning process, including pre-treatment, post-treatment, no-treatment, equipment maintenance, and tips to maximize efficiency.

Understanding Surface Cleaners

Surface cleaners are attached to a pressure washer and use high-pressure water from rotating spray bars to clean surfaces evenly.

Chemicals do not actually run through the surface cleaners themselves. Instead, chemicals are applied either pre or post cleaning (or both). Only water runs through the surface cleaner.

They prevent streaking, reduce cleaning time, and provide a professional finish. Popular brands like Whisper Wash and BE offer a variety of models suitable for different applications.

Pre-Treating for Optimal Results

Pre-treating surfaces ensures dirt, mold, mildew, and grease are loosened before cleaning, enhancing results. 

This is a very opinionated topic in the pressure washing space, with varying techniques being utilized. Nonetheless, here is some general guidance to get you started:

• Chemicals for Pre-Treatment: For heavily soiled surfaces, you may need a degreaser or a specialized detergent. If so, follow the instructions on the chemical label for proper mixture ratios. For typical organic growth, using a bleach/water solution mixed at 1-1.5% will suffice. For stubborn organic staining, such as leaf and eggcorn stains, some people go up to a 4% mix. Apply the solution using a pump sprayer or downstream injector.
• Dwell Time: Allow the chemical to sit for 5–10 minutes to break down contaminants but avoid letting it dry.
• Target Problem Areas: Focus on oil stains, algae, and heavy grime for better penetration during cleaning.

Post-Treatment for a Bright and Streak Free Finish

Post-treatment adds a professional touch and prevents future stains by killing any leftover organics. For low-growth climates, such as northern states with colder winters, post-treatment is not as necessary because organic growth has trouble surviving in these conditions.

Other benefits of a post treatment strategy is that it will eliminate issues such as streaks or blotchy results, leaving a nice and even finish:

• Chlorine Application: Use a mix of sodium hypochlorite (household bleach) and water, typically in a 5–6% solution, to whiten sidewalks and driveways. Apply after cleaning using a pump sprayer or soft-wash system.
• Rinsing: Many professionals who post-treat do not rinse. If you prefer to rinse, wait 5-10 minutes and ensure that you will not negatively affect any plant growth or drainage systems first.
• Sealants: For commercial properties, consider offering sealant application as an upsell for long-term protection.

For very dirty surfaces, many professionals will utilize both pre and post treatment to achieve desired results.

No-Treatment For Light Jobs in Cold Weather Climates

When doing a light job in colder climate areas where organic growth isn’t much of a problem, some professionals opt to use no treatment at all.

Typically, this still involves a pre-rinse, where you’ll want to soak the area and let it sit for 5-10 minutes with water only in order to soften stains and debris.

After cleaning the area, one last rinse for good measure is always a good idea!

Avoiding Streaking When Surface Cleaning

Surface cleaner streaking occurs when water flow or pressure is uneven. Prevent it with these tips:

• Check the Tips: Ensure that your spray bar tips are functioning properly by turning over the surface cleaner and checking for uneven or restricted flow.
• Correct Pressure: Match the pressure rating to the surface cleaner and the surface material. Concrete can withstand higher PSI, while wood requires lower pressure.
• Consistent Movement: Keep the surface cleaner moving to avoid over-concentrating pressure in one area.
• Spray Bar Rotation: A high-quality swivel ensures smooth rotation. Brands like Whisper Wash use stainless steel swivels for durability. Ensure your swivel is spinning correctly.
• Spray Bar Balance: Ensure the spray bar inside the cleaner is balanced. This can be thrown to a bad angle by incorrect wheel installation on the surface cleaner or a damaged swivel.

Choosing the Right Surface Cleaner Size

Surface cleaner sizes vary, and selecting the right one depends on the job:

• Small Areas: For residential sidewalks and patios, a 12–16-inch cleaner is ideal.
• Large Jobs: For commercial or large residential areas, opt for 19–24-inch cleaners like the Whisper Wash Classic or the 31-inch Whisper Wash Mini Mondo.
• Popular Options:
  • Whisper Wash Ultra Clean (16–24 inches)
  • BE Whirl-A-Way (14–20 inches)

Spray Bars and Swivels

The spray bar and swivel are crucial components of a surface cleaner:

• Spray Bars: These rotate to direct water evenly. Ensure the nozzles are clean and free from clogs.
• Swivels: A high-quality swivel ensures smooth rotation. Brands like Whisper Wash use ball-bearing stainless steel swivels for durability.

Maintenance for Longevity

When it comes to commercial equipment, proper maintenance extends the life of your gear. Surface cleaners are no exception:

• Check Seals: Inspect and replace worn seals regularly, especially on swivels.
• Greasing: Lubricate the swivel as recommended by the manufacturer.
• Storage: Securely mount your surface cleaner on your trailer or truck to prevent damage.