Power washing indoors with an outdoor unit?

[laney]

I recently purchased an outdoor Power washer from Costco...the typical kind one would use on their driveway. I am looking to use it indoors to clean a cement floor in our new retail space. The place is empty, however freshly painted.

Would anyone have a suggestion as to how I'd get this done without damaging/dirtying the new paint on the walls and ceiling? Is their something that can be draped over or around the spout/nozzle in order to keep the spray confined?

Thanks-Laney

 

[OSM-Jo]

Laney,
Sounds like you need a surface cleaner, no need for tarping and such. Just the right tools and a little control. Do Not run a Gas Engine indoors without the proper ventilation, constant air flow! Carbon Monoxide is a silent killer! You'd be better off leaving the unit outside and just running the hose in. Suck up the wash water with a shop vac if there isn't a floor drain available...

 

[Grime Busters]

Welcome to the PWN Laney.

A vacuum surface cleaner would be ideal, but would also require you to either make another sizable investment or find a qualified contractor in your area that owns a vacuum reclamation surface cleaner.

 

[New Look]

As Jim mentioned...best to have a surface cleaner with a vacuum reclaimer. Even with a surface cleaner, if there is no drains in the vicinity you will get accumulation of water real quick.

 

[laney]

Thank you! I'll look into a surface cleaner for this job.

 

[laney]

Good point Carlos-there is no drain in this very small space (250 sg ft). I wouldn't want to chance water damage. Thanx

 

[laney]

Yes-finding a contractor may be the way to go. I really just wanted to clean the concrete floor of some paint, spackle and rust stains before sealing it and possibly painting it. Thanks for the feedback.

 

[New Look]

If you are going to paint it....just spot clean the paint and spackle and mop the rest of the floor with a good old fashion mop and some hot water with a little bit of bleach. Without seeing pics it is hard to "suggest" a course of action but I would hate to see you spend money where you may not need to spend it.

 

[laney]

Gotcha. The floor is in good shape overall-just a few stubborn paint and other strange stains. Would you suggest a sealant, either before painting or after painting?
Thanks.