Pressure Washing a Garage Floor

Every spring, homeowners set out to pressure wash their garage floors. However, a summer-long onslaught of spider webs, oil stains, and dried leaves can turn any garage into a grease-caked dirt haven. 

To restore a garage floor to its previous glory, all that is required is a good-quality pressure washer, some degreaser detergent, and a bit of technical knowledge. The following guide provides the necessary expertise and directions on where to find the appropriate equipment. 

Be Cautious of Hazards 

Pressure washers are powerful tools, and caution must be exercised when using them. Steel-toed boots should be worn if possible, or at the very least, closed-toe shoes. Since highly pressurized water is aimed at the floor near the feet, proper footwear is essential to prevent injury. 

Additionally, extreme care must be taken when using a gas-powered pressure washer in a garage. These units emit odorless and deadly carbon monoxide gas. The pressure washer unit should always be placed outside of the garage in a well-ventilated area where fumes can vent away from the operator. 

Apply Detergent 

Once items have been moved off the floor, the natural reaction may be to sweep with a broom. This step can be skipped if the process is managed correctly. The floor should be sprayed with either a heavy-duty degreaser or a concrete cleaner first. By applying the soap and water combination under low pressure, dust is prevented from flying into the air during the high-pressure rinse. 

Use a Pressure Washer Brush 

There should be no rush to rinse; the solution needs time to work. Larger particles can be swept outside by simply attaching a floor brush to the pressure washer wand. In addition to removing larger debris, the foaming bristles work the detergent into deeper stains. 

Spray It Clean 

After the detergent has set, the operator can switch to high pressure and begin spraying. Starting from the back of the garage, the dirty water should be gradually pushed toward the exit. It is not necessary to flood the garage to achieve a clean surface, as pressure washers use 80% less water than a standard garden hose. High pressure will force the majority of the water outside. 

Finishing Touches 

To keep water from splashing onto drywall, a surface cleaner may be considered. These products use spinning jets contained within a housing to provide a uniform, streak-free shine. For a squeaky-clean finish, use a squeegee to remove any remaining water.