METAL
RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT:
-
Pressure Washer: 4 GPM or better, 2000 PSI or better
-
Pressure Washing Wand with 40 Degree Fan Tip
AVERAGE CLEANING RATE:
1000-1500 sq ft per hour
IMPORTANT NOTES:
A hot water system is preferred for cleaning metal.
RECOMMENDED SCOPE OF WORK:
Before beginning, ensure you have completed all the steps in the Worksite Preparation Guide.
-
PRE-RINSE
Use a wide mouth, large orifice nozzle (like a black soap nozzle or M5 Twist) to rinse the entire surface. The goal is to clear any loose dirt or debris and to cool down the surface before pre-treating it with chemical.
DO NOT APPLY SOFT WASH SOLUTION TO A HOT OR WARM METAL SURFACE. THIS CAN CAUSE FLASH OXIDATION AND DISCOLOR THE SURFACE. -
APPLY PRE-TREATMENT CHEMICALS
If there are stains that need to be addressed, now is the time to do so. If degreaser is needed, apply the appropriate amount as indicated on the instructions. It's best to agitate with a soft bristle brush and allow to dwell. Rinse and repeat if necessary.
Another pretreatment option is a soft wash solution. A 1-3% mixture will begin to break down organics and clean the concrete. Apply a even coating across the entire surface and allow 15 minutes of dwell time before rinsing.
Pro Tip: Rinse the pretreatment chemicals before surface cleaning. Surface cleaners tend to fling water and chemicals around. These can get on your boots, legs, or pant legs causing minor chemical burns.
-
PRESSURE WASH
Use a 40 Degree Nozzle (White or the high pressure fan tip in the Jrod configuration) to pressure wash the surface. Move the nozzle in a slow and controlled straight line along the concrete about 4-6 inches away from the surface in a single pass. Continue this until the entire surface is complete.
-
RINSE & INSPECT
Once the entire surface has been cleaned, it's time to rinse. Use partially open ball valve or a M5 Nozzle to rinse the entire concrete clean. Inspect the concrete for any missed spots, post cleaning damage, or any other defects. Use the pressure washing want to touch up these spots or reapply the surface cleaner to larger areas.
SOFT WASH SCOPE OF WORK:
If the pavers have sand and redistribution is not an option, soft washing can be a good solution instead of pressure washing.
Before beginning, ensure you have completed all the steps in the Worksite Preparation Guide.
-
PRE-RINSE
Use a wide mouth, large orifice nozzle (like a black soap nozzle or M5 Twist) to rinse the entire surface. The goal is to clear any loose dirt or debris and to cool down the surface before pre-treating it with chemical.
DO NOT APPLY SOFT WASH SOLUTION TO A HOT OR WARM METAL SURFACE. THIS CAN CAUSE FLASH OXIDATION AND DISCOLOR THE SURFACE. -
APPLY SOFT WASH SOLUTION
After the surface has been properly cleared, you may apply a soft wash solution with a pump sprayer or a dedicated soft wash system. Use a 4-6% sodium hypochlorite dilution with a medium surfactant level.
-
ALLOW TO DWELL
Allow the soft wash solution 10-15 minutes of dwell time. In warmer weather, the soft wash solution may dry too fast and multiple applications may be needed.
DO NOT ALLOW THE SURFACE TO DRY. KEEP WET WITH A LIGHT RINSE OR REAPPLICATION OF THE SOFT WASH SOLUTION. -
RINSE & INSPECT
Once the entire surface has been cleaned, it's time to rinse. Being careful not to move the binding solution around to much, lightly rinse the surface to remove excess soft wash solution. Use partially low pressure fan tip or M5 Nozzle to rinse the entire concrete clean. Inspect the Pavers for any missed spots, post cleaning damage, or any other defects. Re-apply the soft wash solution as needed. If the stains persist after two treatments, consider going to a stronger soft wash solution. Do not exceed 6% sodium hypochlorite.