Sidewalks and walkways are the first thing people step on when they visit a home or business. In North Texas they pick up red clay, algae in shaded spots, sprinkler rust, and, at businesses, gum and grime from foot traffic. Here is how to clean them.
The Short Answer
For sidewalk cleaning, sweep first, pre-treat stains and algae, then wash with a pressure washer and a rotary surface cleaner for an even, stripe-free finish. Rinse the edges and clean up runoff.
What You Need
- A broom or leaf blower
- A concrete cleaner or degreaser, plus an algae cleaner for green areas
- A pressure washer with a surface cleaner attachment
- A stiff nylon brush for spots
How to Clean a Sidewalk Step by Step
1. Sweep and clear
Remove leaves, dirt, and anything loose.
2. Pre-treat problem areas
Treat algae, oil, and rust separately. See algae on concrete, oil stains, and rust stains.
3. Wash with a surface cleaner
A surface cleaner avoids the stripes a wand leaves on concrete. Work in overlapping passes.
4. Detail the edges and rinse
Clean along the edges and expansion joints, then rinse everything off the walkway.
Sidewalk Cleaning for Businesses
Storefronts, apartment complexes, and HOA common areas see heavy foot traffic, which grinds in dirt and leaves gum and spills. Regular cleaning keeps entrances looking cared for and reduces slippery algae in shaded areas. See our commercial and HOA pressure washing and apartment pressure washing.
How Often to Clean Sidewalks
Once or twice a year works for most homes. Busy commercial walkways may need more frequent cleaning.
Can Pressure Washing Damage a Sidewalk?
Not when it is done correctly. Damage usually comes from narrow nozzles held too close. See does pressure washing damage concrete.
Leave It to a Pro
We clean sidewalks, walkways, and driveways across DFW with surface cleaners and pre-treatments. For homes, see driveway and concrete cleaning, where most driveways cost $150 to $300.
Ready for a quote? Call 817-580-9881 or request a free estimate online. We serve Arlington, Fort Worth, Dallas, Grand Prairie, Mansfield, and the rest of our DFW service areas.
FAQs
What is the best way to clean a sidewalk?
Sweep, pre-treat stains and algae, then wash with a pressure washer and a rotary surface cleaner for an even finish, and rinse.
Can you pressure wash a sidewalk?
Yes. Concrete sidewalks are a good fit for pressure washing when a surface cleaner and the right nozzle are used.
How do you get algae off a sidewalk?
Apply a cleaner made to kill algae, let it work, and then wash and rinse. Pressure alone often leaves the roots behind.
How often should sidewalks be cleaned?
Once or twice a year for most homes. High-traffic commercial walkways may need more frequent cleaning.
