Your Exterior surface should be  sealed with multiple coats of a high-solids, UV-inhibiting, penetrating solvent-based sealer.  

   This sealer will repel dirt, dust and other substances that can get a foot-hold on concrete surfaces and promote the growth of mold and mildew.  Basic care is as shown below:

1. If you notice a powdery white or splotchy appearance; especially after a rain, the sealer is doing its job.  This is the dirt/dust mentioned above.  A rinse with a garden hose followed by a leaf blower to remove excess water (or a sqeegee) will normally fix this.  You may also mop the surface with a PH Neutral cleaner (available at Home Depot or Lowe’s).

2. Pressure washing is generally not needed.  A rinse and leaf blower blow dry will remove most things on the surface.  If you do feel like a pressure washing is needed, use the 45 degree tip for the washing.

3. If there was a spill of a soft drink or something you didn’t see right away, use a mild soap like Ivory liquid in some warm water to loosen the material.  Rinse & blow dry and you are back to a clean surface.

4. Felt pads should be affixed to heavy furnishings or those which will move frequently. 

5. Potted plants should have a dish placed under them to catch excess water; this is especially true if you use a lot of fertilizer on the plants.  Fertilizer leaks can cause a White power to form on the sealer.  If dish soap doesn’t work, use Oxi Clean, Kaboom or CLR.

6. The surface should be resealed from time-to-time.  The manufacturer(s) of the sealants recommend resealing every 1 to 2 years.  How often your surface needs to be resealed depends on the amount of rain, sunlight and traffic it receives.  When you start to notice that water doesn’t bead up on or seems to absorb into the surface, it is time to reseal.  Note:  Exterior surfaces are pretty High Gloss when they are first put on.  After a few weeks they tend to dull down to a matte finish.  Just because the gloss is not as high as it was at the begining is no reason to think the sealer has worn off.  Use the water bead/absorption as a true test. You may also damp mop the surface with a PH Neutral cleaner to help remove dirt/dust.