What to Spray on Your Concrete Before Pressure Washing (the secret to a better clean)

Ever pressure wash your driveway only to step back and think, “That took forever… and it still looks dirty”? If you’re like most homeowners, the results from DIY pressure washing can be frustrating: leftover stains, patchy cleaning, or mold and mildew creeping back within weeks. The missing link? Pre-treatment.

After cleaning thousands of driveways around Tampa Bay, one thing is clear: the prep step matters. The right pre-treatment saves you time, improves your results, and actually helps protect your concrete.

Why Concrete Driveways in Florida Get So Dirty

Tampa Bay driveways take a beating. Between constant humidity, intense sun, and rain-heavy summers, it’s the perfect recipe for buildup. The most common troublemakers I see?

• Oil stains from vehicles
• Mold, mildew, and algae, especially in shaded areas
• Tire shine residue, which leaves a slick film on the surface
• Tire marks that bake in under the Florida sun

If you’ve got irrigation, you’re probably also dealing with rust stains or hard water spots that just won’t budge with pressure alone.

Best Pre-Treatment Solutions to Use Before Pressure Washing Concrete

Here’s where things get easier. When you pre-treat your concrete with the right solution, you’re letting chemistry do the heavy lifting before you even touch a pressure washer. Here’s a basic breakdown:

• Chlorine + Light Soap (aka SH solution): Kills mold, mildew, and algae. A light surfactant helps it cling to the surface.
• Degreasers: Cut through oil and vehicle fluids.
• Rust Removers: Target irrigation or metal stains.
• pH-Neutral Cleaners: Safe for sensitive or decorative surfaces.

Important: Always let the cleaner sit (or “dwell”) for 10–20 minutes. Just keep it moist so it doesn’t dry out. And rinse any nearby plants before and after to keep them safe.

DIY vs. Professional Pressure Washing: What’s the Real Difference?

Most homeowners use a standard pressure washer—maybe 2.5 gallons per minute, with 2,000 PSI. That’s fine for light cleaning. But for tough Florida grime, it’s like bringing a garden hose to a fire.

Professionals use equipment that pushes 5–10 gallons per minute, which means faster, deeper cleaning. They also use surface cleaners—those round machines that glide across flat surfaces. Without one, you’re likely to end up with streaks called “tiger stripes.” It’ll look fine when wet, but once it dries? You’ll see every pass.

Best DIY Cleaning Tips for Concrete Driveways

If you’re committed to doing it yourself, here’s what I recommend:

• Pump sprayer
• Dawn dish soap
• Outdoor Clorox bleach (if you can’t get chlorine)

Work in small sections (6×6 or 8×8 feet), pre-treat with your mix, and let it sit for 15 minutes. Rinse the area before it dries out. You’ll save yourself hours of effort and get a cleaner finish.

Benefits of Proper Pre-Treatment Before Pressure Washing

When concrete is properly prepped and cleaned:

• It looks noticeably better
• Mold and algae take months longer to come back (10–14 months with post-treatment vs. 6–9 without)
• It’s ready for sealing, which protects it even more

Skip These Over-the-Counter Concrete Cleaners

Some over-the-counter products (like Spray & Forget) market themselves as miracle cleaners. But most are just pricey versions of what you already have at home, watered-down bleach with good branding. Don’t fall for the gimmick.

Should You Hire a Professional Pressure Washing Service?

Pressure washing isn’t just about blasting away dirt. It’s about knowing how to treat the surface, using the right tools, and protecting your home in the process. If you’re not sure what your concrete really needs—or just don’t want to spend your weekend scrubbing—it might be time to call in a local pro.

Click here to get a free quote from All Around Tampa today.

Your driveway doesn’t have to stay stained or streaky. With a little prep—or the help of a pro—you’ll get cleaner concrete that lasts longer and looks better all year long.

FAQs: Concrete Cleaning and Pre-Treatment

Can I just use bleach? Yes, but it needs to be mixed properly and applied safely—avoid drying out or harming nearby plants.

What if I already pressure washed? You can still post-treat the surface to slow down future growth and prep for sealing.

Is it safe around plants? Yes, if you pre-wet the plants and rinse them afterward. Just don’t let the solution sit on them.