A pressure-washer jet can penetrate skin and damage concrete, wood, paint, and joints. Never aim it at people, pets, wiring, or your own feet to clean footwear.
Prepare the area before starting
Remove objects, sweep loose gravel, and protect or avoid delicate surfaces. Plan where runoff will go and keep dirt or chemicals out of storm drains.
Start with lower pressure and more distance
Use an appropriate fan nozzle rather than a concentrated jet and test an inconspicuous area. Move closer gradually only when needed.
Keep the spray moving evenly
Work in overlapping passes and do not hold the jet on one spot, which can carve lines or etch the slab.
Respect cracks, joints, and weak edges
Do not force high-pressure water at close range into expansion joints, cracks, or crumbling edges. Damaged concrete may need repair before aggressive cleaning.
Use detergent only when compatible
Follow the pressure-washer and product labels, and control runoff. Never mix chemicals in the machine unless the manufacturer specifically permits it.
For painted, sealed, or decorative concrete, always test first because pressure that is harmless on bare concrete may strip a coating.
Sources
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission — Pressure Washer Safety — Pressure-washer injection hazards, electrical risks, and safe operating practices.