Summary
How to guide for cleaning algae with a pressure washer.
Pressure washers are incredibly useful tools for keeping your home and property clean. In addition to removing dirt, dust, and stains from surfaces, they can also be used to remove algae from walkways, driveways, and other areas. By using a pressure washer to clean off algae, you can: .
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Last update on 2023-05-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Instructions On How to Clean Algae
If you've ever seen algae on a sidewalk or driveway, you know how unsightly it can be. Algae can also be slippery, making it dangerous to walk on. Fortunately, pressure washers make quick work of removing algae. Here's how to do it:
1. Safety Equipment
Before pressure washing any surface you should first make sure to wear closed toe shoes and eye protection. You may also want ot wear old clothes as you're likely to get wet during this process.
2. Water the Plants
Before pressure washing, particularly if you are going ot use any chemical cleaning solutions, it;s a good idea to water the surrounding plants well.
This will negate the effect of any chemicals coating them during the cleaning process. Make sure to wash off any plants once you're finished.
3. Soak the Area
Take a few mins and using just the hose or using a light pressure soak the entire area that you are about to clean. Pay particular attention to areas with thick algae. This will help any stubborn parts to soften and be easier to remove.
4. Pressure Wash The Area
Using a sweeping motion from laf tot right, gradually work your way round the are to be cleaned.
Make sure not to hold the pressure washer too close to the surace you are cleaning as you risk damage. If the surface has a directional grain (like a wooden deck) work in the same direction as the grain and not against it. It will look better.
5. Apply Cleaning Product to the Area
This is mostly to minimize grow-back. If you take the step to add a chemical cleaner to the process it could be 3 or 4 years before you need to repeat the process instead of once a season.
A good tip for cleaning product is to apply from the bottom up as this lessons the chance of it leaving steaks - this is particularly relevent for cleaning products that contain bleach.
Never put a cleaning product in an internal tank in a pressure washer if it contains bleach. Instead use a foam cannon or simply a hose with cleaning solution attached. Product that contains bleach with quickly damage the internals of your pressure washer.
6. Rinse
Rinse off the chemicals with your power washer lightly spraying the area and then focus on repeating a thorough clean to make sure you don't leave any marks.
Now rinse off the surrounding grass and plants to make sure any debris and chemicals are washed away.
Final Thoughts
Algae can be a pesky problem to deal with, but using a pressure washer is an easy and effective way to get the job done. Make sure you wear safety gear while cleaning algae off of your property and take care not to damage any surfaces in the process. With these tips, you should be able to clean up your algae mess in no time!
Check our article on How to Clean Vinyl Siding with a Pressure Washer: A Step-by-Step Guide.