What kinds of concrete do you have on your property? It’s likely that you have a driveway, a patio, a front walk, or perhaps even a parking lot. Concrete is used to build these surfaces because it is a durable, long-lasting material. However, that doesn’t mean it’s invincible. Over time, it will become dirty; you may even find mold on your concrete. In this blog, we will teach you how to remove mold from concrete and restore its appearance. That way, your property can look its best again!
Need help removing mold from concrete? If so, reach out to Soda City Pressure Washing. We are Columbia, SC’s first choice for pressure washing, and we are prepared to assist you for a reasonable price.
Why Mold Grows on Concrete (and Why It’s a Problem)
Before we talk about how to remove mold from concrete, let’s discuss why mold is a problem in the first place. This unwanted substance spreads onto your concrete via spores. These spores drift throughout the air and land on surfaces at random; if conditions are right, these spores will germinate, and mold will begin to grow. Once mold has established itself on your concrete, it will begin releasing even more spores, and its spread across your concrete will only speed up.
What makes mold so disastrous for your concrete? This organic growth stores water and causes moisture damage to surfaces. This makes it much more likely that you’ll need to pay for costly repairs in the future. Additionally, all those mold spores negatively affect the air quality, potentially irritating your eyes, lungs, and throat.
What You’ll Need For Concrete Mold Removal
To learn how to remove mold from concrete, you must purchase the correct equipment. Otherwise, you won’t be able to do the work! The first and most important piece of equipment you’ll need is a pressure washer. This special piece of machinery connects to a water source and runs that water through a motorized pump. This increases the water pressure dramatically. Then, the water is sprayed through a connecting hose, allowing for the easy cleaning of exterior surfaces.
In addition to a pressure washer, you’ll also need:
- A basic pressure washing detergent
- Sodium hypochlorite (for killing stubborn mold)
- Stiff-bristle brush
- Protective gear (respirator, goggles, gloves, full-length pants, and closed-toe shoes)
Chemical Treatment and Brushing
Are you ready to learn how to remove mold from concrete? If so, let’s get started! The first thing you’ll want to do is chemically treat the concrete. Apply a layer of sodium hypochlorite to any patches of mold; be sure to be thorough. Then, wait fifteen minutes for this cleaning solution to break down mold. Once this time has passed, the mold should be significantly weaker, setting the stage for successful removal and cleaning.
Next, scrub the concrete with your stiff-bristle brush. This helps you disturb tough patches of mold and lift spores from your concrete’s pores. After thorough scrubbing, you can set your brush aside and prepare for the pressure washing process.
Removing Mold From Concrete With Pressure Washing
Now that mold has been weakened, it’s time to use the power of pressure washing to get rid of it. First things first, you’ll need to select an appropriate amount of water pressure for the project. Concrete is a highly durable material, so use 3,000 to 3,500 PSI to pressure wash it. Concrete will be able to easily withstand this force without becoming damaged.
Pressure wash your concrete in a series of overlapping passes, and you’ll be able to restore it with ease. As you progress through the project, you’ll be able to witness your concrete’s transformation for yourself. Pressure washing gets rid of more than mold—it also eliminates dirt, moss, algae, pollen, and other forms of surface debris. This drastically improves your concrete’s appearance, helping your property as a whole look better.
Benefits of Mold Removal For Business Owners
Are you a business owner in the Columbia, SC area? If so, you’ll definitely want to learn how to remove mold from concrete. That’s because when your business’s concrete surfaces are covered with mold, it makes a bad first impression on your customers. They will notice the mess, turn their noses up, and potentially visit one of your competitors instead. Not only that, but the presence of mold spores on your property could actually compromise your visitors’ health, which obviously isn’t a good thing.
Ensure your customers have the best possible experience with concrete pressure washing and mold removal. This will make your business more attractive, more hygienic, and more welcoming to everyone in your community. This helps you generate more revenue, giving your business more opportunities to grow.
Consider Professional Concrete Cleaning and Mold Removal
Learning how to remove mold from concrete is difficult work. If you go through this process on your own, you’ll have to purchase all the necessary equipment, learn how to use it, and spend your free time pressure washing your concrete. This may not be your idea of a day off well spent. Good news—instead of pressure washing your concrete on your own, you can always schedule an appointment with Soda City Pressure Washing.
We are your community’s first choice for concrete cleaning, and it would be our pleasure to remove all mold from your concrete for a reasonable price. Avoid the DIY pressure washing process and bring beauty back to your home or business.
Cost of Concrete Mold Removal
If you schedule concrete pressure washing services with Soda City Pressure Washing, how much can you expect to pay? Ultimately, it depends on how much surface area you need us to clean. The more concrete you need us to clean, the higher the final cost will be. There are never hidden fees or surcharges.
We encourage you to contact us online and schedule an appointment today! We look forward to hearing from you, learning more about your project, and making your concrete mold-free. That way, your home or business can be a better-looking, more hygienic place.