Garage floors take a beating from anything like oil leaks, mold, and humidity. Regular sweeping and scrubbing can help clean it. But if you want to remove all that grime, knowing how to pressure wash garage floors can make things a lot easier.
Why Pressure Wash Garage Floors
Garage floors don’t get the attention they deserve, especially regarding upkeep. But cleaning garage floors regularly has real benefits. Here are some of them.
- Gets rid of tough stains like grease, oil, and salt
- Helps reduce slick spots and improve safety
- Extends the life of surface coatings like epoxy or paint
- Makes the entire space feel cleaner and more usable
Pressure washing garage floors is one of the most efficient ways to deal with built-up grime, especially in parking garages or larger multi-unit HOA communities. A basic broom just isn’t going to cut it when months of dirt are caked into the concrete.
.
Prep Work: What to Do Before You Start Spraying
Before pulling out the pressure washer, take a few steps to prep the space. A little groundwork makes a big difference in results, and it helps prevent accidental damage.
1. Clear out the Area
Move cars, bikes, tools, and any stored items out of the way. If you can’t move something heavy, cover it with a tarp.
2. Sweep First
Dust, loose debris, and leaves should be swept up before any pressure hits the floor. Otherwise, you’re just blowing dirt around or clogging the washer.
3. Check the Floor Coating
Here’s where it gets tricky. If you’re working on an epoxy-coated garage floor, pressure washing can damage the surface incorrectly. Epoxy is tough, but it’s not invincible. Too much pressure, the wrong nozzle, or standing too close can cause chipping or peeling.
4. Pre-treat stains
A degreaser is beneficial for oil spots and heavy grease. Spray the degreaser on and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. After that, scrub lightly with a brush. This makes pressure washing far more effective.
Choosing the Right Equipment and Settings
Having the right setup matters if you’re going to pressure wash concrete garage floors or epoxy-coated ones.
PSI and GPM Guidelines
If you have bare, concrete garage floors, pressure wash using 3000 PSI and 2.5 GPM to get the best results. Cleaning an epoxy-coated floor would be different, however. Dial things down to 1200 to 1900 PSI to avoid damaging the coating.
Nozzles
The best nozzles for garage floors are 25-degree or 40-degree ones. These provide enough pressure without being too harsh to damage anything. On the other hand, you should avoid 0-degree nozzles, as they can easily lift epoxy coatings or even damage concrete flooring.
Electric vs Gas
Electric washers are usually gentler and perfect for residential or coated surfaces. Gas models are more powerful, but you’ll need to be extra careful on painted or epoxy-coated floors.
Optional attachments
Surface cleaners attach to pressure washers and clean in circular motions. These are great for large garage floors and help prevent streaks.
Step-by-Step: How to Pressure Wash Garage Floors
Here’s how to clean a garage floor with a pressure washer the right way:
- Wet the surface: Start by lightly wetting the entire floor. This helps lift loose dirt and keeps the detergent from absorbing too fast.
- Apply detergent: Depending on your surface, use a concrete-safe or epoxy-safe pressure washer detergent. Apply with a low-pressure nozzle or with a foam cannon attachment if you have one. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes.
- Scrub if needed: Tough areas may need a little help. Use a broom or brush to agitate stubborn stains before rinsing.
- Rinse with pressure: Switch to a higher-pressure setting and rinse off the detergent. Keep the nozzle at least 12 inches away from the floor, especially if it’s epoxy. Work in overlapping passes, moving slowly and evenly to avoid streaks.
- Let it dry: Open the garage doors and use fans if needed. A dry floor gives you the clearest picture of whether you missed any spots.
Tips for Power Washing Parking Garage Floors
Power washing parking garage floors is a bigger task if you’re managing a community or multi-unit building. These tips will help:
- Work in sections. Don’t try to tackle the entire garage at once. Divide it into zones so you can do a thorough job.
- Watch drainage. Make sure your garage has proper drainage or a way to redirect runoff. Don’t let oily water run into the street or sewer.
- Use commercial equipment. Large parking garages benefit from walk-behind or trailer-mounted pressure washers, often with water reclaim systems.
- Coordinate schedules. If residents use the garage, notify them ahead of time and post temporary no-parking signs.
Pressure Washing Epoxy-Coated Floors
More homeowners are opting for epoxy garage floors thanks to their clean, polished appearance and durability. But cleaning epoxy with a pressure washer takes a light touch.
- Avoid harsh chemicals. Stick to pH-neutral cleaners. Strong solvents can dull the finish.
- Lower the pressure. Keep it under 2000 PSI, and don’t get too close to the surface.
- Do a patch test. If you’re not sure whether the epoxy can handle pressure, test a small, out-of-the-way spot first.
When done properly, you can pressure wash epoxy floors without causing damage. Just keep it gentle and resist the urge to blast away stains with maximum force.
Aftercare and Maintenance
Once your garage floor is clean, keeping it that way is easier. Here are some follow-up tips:
- Seal uncoated concrete. Sealing the floor after cleaning can help prevent future stains and reduce cleaning time.
- Reapply epoxy as needed. If the pressure wash revealed signs of wear, consider patching or recoating the surface.
- Clean spills quickly. The sooner you wipe up oil or paint, the less likely it is to stain.
- Schedule cleanings. For shared garages, like in HOA communities, plan to pressure wash every 6–12 months, depending on usage.
Cleaning the Grime Off the Floor
Pressure washing garage floors can improve curb appeal, safety, and maintenance, but only when done with care. Remember: the goal is to clean the floor, not destroy it. If you clean the surface with the utmost care, you’ll get that like-new look without peeling, pitting, or regret.
Need help cleaning your garage floors? Washh offers expert pressure washing services to residential and commercial properties. Call us today at 704.321.8000 or contact us online to get a free estimate!
Related Articles: