If you are a local business owner in the Cincinnati, Ohio area, you know how irritating and frustrating as well as challenging it is to remove chewing gum that has been tossed on your sidewalk or concrete area. What kind of sidewalk cleaning can you perform to remove the sticky, gooey mess? Cincinnati pressure washing seems to be one of the best ways to remove baked on, walked over chewing gum. In this short guide, you will be informed of the top three tips to remove chewing gum with power washing.
1. Use heat
The most critical advice when eliminating stuck-on chewing gum from a concrete surface is to use heat. Just as heat sears on roofing materials and heat repairs seams of gutters, warmth is beneficial with power washing. Most individuals think that the pressure of the water hitting the chewing gum removes the substance, but that is not true. What actually removes the black gum from your sidewalks is the heat that is applied. Cold-water pressure washing will etch the concrete causing it to be more susceptible to future damage. It is also imperative to remove the gum as soon as you see it because gum that is left for an extended period can stain the surface. Due to the acidity in the saliva of the gum as well as the chemical makeup of the chewing gum, if left on the porous concrete, it can etch the concrete surface causing it to be more fragile and susceptible to the environment.
2. Utilize the proper equipment
The next most crucial tip when removing chewing gum with Cincinnati pressure washing is to use the appropriate tools. Since power washing is the most efficient and reliable method to remove the sticky substance, you want to make sure you are going about it correctly as you do not want residue or a stain left. Just as a technician knows an HVAC system or a painter knows painting, you too must know your tools. You are going to want to observe your pressure washer for the size dictated. It should state the rating, which is something like five gallons at 5000 PSI (pounds per square inch). The PSI is the energy with which the water will hit the surface you are cleaning, and it is imperative to the proper completion of the task. Know your equipment ahead of time and if you have any difficulty, or are lacking the knowledge needed, call in the professionals to assist you with your cleaning.
3. Effective technique
The last essential tip when using pressure washing for sidewalk cleaning and chewing gum removal is to have an efficient method of performing the task. If you are not capable of performing the cleaning, make sure you hire an experienced local handyman or professional commercial power washing team to complete the work for you. If you are performing your own job, your tool of choice in completing the task at hand will be the correct nozzle. Always use a higher flow nozzle when removing chewing gum. You want to use the nozzle in a careful circular motion at a distance, as the pressure does not remove the gum, the heat does.
Successful sidewalk cleaning
As you can see, there are a few excellent tips to remove the sticky, gooey clump from your well-used sidewalk. Whether you use Cincinnati pressure washing or another form of sidewalk cleaning, if you follow our advice on the top three tips to remove chewing gum with power washing, you will have the shiniest and cleanest sidewalks on your block!
