Cleaning Of Masonry

There are several methods that can be employed to undertake deep cleaning of masonry.

Your chosen method of cleaning bricks, concrete blocks, paths, patios, and other masonry structures will be dependent on whether the soiled masonry is exposed in addition to whether it is also structural.

For non structural areas an abrasive method of cleaning could be used. Two examples of this are sand and shot blasting.  

For structural or decorative stonework a non abrasive method should be used instead. The most popular and effective methods being use of a cleaning fluid / liquid or the use of a high pressure water jet washer.    

The most environmentally friendly method is the use of the pressure washer. In most cases just the power of water blasted against masonry can remove dirt, soiling, as well as algae and moss.

Heavy soiling or for stone surfaces contaminated with grease or oil will usually require something slightly more aggressive than water alone.

The first line of treatment should be to utilise a pressure washer with the addition of a brick or stone cleaner. One of the latest products available to buy for the general public as well as trade users is the Karcher multi purpose stone and facade cleaner.

This is a multi purpose cleaner that has been designed for cleaning oil, grease, and soot, in addition to general dirt and algae. As this product is designed for cleaning aluminium and upvc facias as well as stone, Karcher have added a corrosion inhibitor to ensure it protects surfaces as well as cleans them.

This pressure washer detergent is very gentle to stone materials being biodegradable in accordance with OECD guide lines.

As an added bonus it can be used in two ways with Karcher branded power washers. On their latest X series cold water machines a “plug and clean cannister” of this detergent can be purchased that simply pushes into the rear of the machine.

No further work is needed by the operator, the pressure washer will deliver the stone cleaning detergent automatically as the machine is used.

The second option allows all Karcher models of cold water jet washers to use their onboard siphon tube. The siphon tube is simply inserted into the bottle of concentrate where it will be drawn out and mixed with clean water under pressure.

If the application of a detergent still does not remove the soiling then a more aggressive approach is needed. It is at this time when you need to consider undertaking the necessary work yourself or commissioning a specialist company to carry this out.

Steam Cleaning

This is probably the next step up with regards to the removal of heavy soiling of oil and grease build up on stonework. With careful attention by a skilled operator a steam cleaner can cut through and remove unwanted deposits by using a combination of heat and high pressure.

This type of machine can be purchased or alternatively you can source one for a short period of time from a tool hire shop that caters for the rental of specialist cleaning equipment.

The use of a steam cleaning machine is a great way to remove gunge and grime from brick, stone, and general masonry.

Cleaning Of Patio Areas

If your patio at home is looking tired and soiled it can be restored to an almost “new” finish by the use of a Karcher T Racer.

Developed by karcher for use with their cold water jet washers the T Racer is an accessory that allows deep cleaning of driveways, block paving, patterned concrete, tarmac, stone, and decorative patios. 

Based on a hovercrafts technology this accessory comprises of a circular shroud that houses several rotating nozzles under which water is blasted out of at a very high pressure. The rotating action of the nozzles allows the T Racer to cut through years of grime and dirt restoring patio stones and slabs to their original finish.

Water splash back is virtually non-existent when using this attachment. The enclosed space allows the concentrated jets of water to do their work and in a fast time. 

Most patios consist of aggregate blocks or slabs (usually stone or concrete) which are usually porous in their construction. Over time this allows them to become vulnerable to staining and also growth by algae, moss, and lichen.

Staining by foot traffic,vehicles, and general use can alos make garden maintenance difficult.  

A Karcher or similar rotary headed spin washer is designed to cut through dirt and grime using cold water. A cleaning detergent can be added if needed but is usually not neccessary unless oil, grease, or rubber tyre marks are present.

The T Racer Patio Cleaner can be fitted to the majority of cold water jet washers in the Karcher range. Several different models are available to buy depending on your particular jet washer model.

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