How to Clean Concrete Without a Pressure Washer

Clean your concrete without a pressure washer using simple tools you already have on hand.

Concrete is tough, but cleaning it doesn’t have to be! No pressure washer? No problem.

You can still get fresh and clean concrete surfaces without the noise or the cost.

Let’s dig into how to get your concrete looking clean the “old-fashioned” way – no pressure washer required.

Tools for Cleaning Concrete Without a Pressure Washer

Before you dive into cleaning, you’ll want to assemble your concrete cleaning toolkit:

• A bucket of warm water
• Dish soap or concrete-safe detergent
• Stiff-bristled brush: Use a long-handled version for large areas and a handheld brush for smaller or detailed spots like corners or sills.
• Pretreatment solutions for stains:
  • Oil stains: Degreaser, dish soap, or baking soda work wonders.
  • Organic stains: Use an enzymatic cleaner made for concrete.
  • Mold and mildew: A mix of mold-killing detergent, vinegar + water, or a diluted bleach solution will do the trick. Note: Never mix vinegar and bleach.
    
• Garden hose

Step 1: Clear Debris and Weeds

Before you scrub, give your concrete a quick once-over to clear away loose dirt, leaves, and other debris. Use a sturdy broom to sweep away dirt, leaves, and surface-level grime.

Don’t forget to pay special attention to cracks. Pull out any weeds that may be sprouting and clear out the buildup inside.

Pro Tip: Skipping this step means you’ll end up pushing dirt around instead of actually cleaning the surface, so take your time here.

Step 2: Pretreat Stains

Now that the surface is free of debris, it’s time to go after the stubborn stains. Pretreating stains gives your cleaning solution a leg up and helps break down set-in grime before you start scrubbing.

Apply your stain-specific cleaner to the affected areas and let it sit. The time that the pretreatment takes will depend on the kind of stain and the severity. Always defer to the manufacturer's directions printed on the product packaging. 

Step 3: Mix the Cleaning Solution

Next, it’s time to mix your cleaning solution. For general dirt and grime, just add a few drops of dish soap per gallon of warm water.

If you’re using a specialized concrete detergent, follow the manufacturer’s directions closely to get the proper ratio of cleaner to water.

Step 4: Scrub the Concrete

Start by wetting the slab with the hose, then pour a bit of the soapy solution onto the surface and scrub in small sections using your brush. If you're working on a larger slab like a driveway or patio, break it up into quadrants so you don’t miss a section.

After scrubbing each section, do a quick rinse with clean water to see your progress and decide if a second round is needed.

Step 5: Rinse and Repeat

Once the entire area has been scrubbed, give it a good rinse. Attaching a spray nozzle to your garden hose can be helpful here.

Repeat the scrubbing and rinsing process as necessary to get the clean final finish you’re looking for.

When Should You Pressure Wash Instead?

If your concrete is heavily stained, mold or mildew-covered, or you’re prepping to apply a sealer, you might need something more powerful than hand scrubbing.

Pressure washing offers a deep clean that’s hard to achieve with manual scrubbing alone. And if sealing your concrete is on the to-do list, you’ll want the surface to be professionally cleaned to allow for proper absorption and long-term protection.

Pro Tip: Get your concrete deep-cleaned and protected all in one go with A-1 Concrete Leveling’s professional concrete cleaning and sealing services!

Clean Your Concrete Without a Pressure Washer

Just because you don’t have a pressure washer doesn’t mean you have to live with dirty concrete. With a few simple tools, a little time, and some solid scrubbing, you can give your slabs a fresh start.

Want to take your concrete care even further? Check out our library of guides in Concrete Academy for tips on sealing, caulking, and more. If you're looking to maintain and repair your clean surface, request a free estimate from an A-1 Concrete Leveling location near you!