Project Overview
M&D Power Washing recently completed a large-scale commercial hardscape cleaning project for the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
The goal of this project was to restore heavily soiled outdoor surfaces by removing:
- surface dirt and grime
- thick moss buildup
- algae staining and slippery organic growth
The Conservatory wanted the outdoor walkways, paver areas, and concrete features cleaned thoroughly so the space would be safe, presentable, and ready for public use.
The Problem: Severe Moss, Algae, and Surface Staining
Over time, high-traffic public spaces like this develop heavy organic buildup due to:
- constant moisture and shade
- foot traffic and environmental pollutants
- moss growth between pavers
- algae buildup on concrete steps and walls
In this case, the moss and algae growth was extensive, creating both an appearance issue and a potential safety hazard.
Drone Documentation: Clear Before-and-After Proof
To properly document the scale of the buildup, we used a drone to capture detailed before-and-after images.
The aerial perspective clearly shows the dramatic difference between the stained surfaces before cleaning and the restored appearance after completion.
This type of documentation provides transparent proof of results on major commercial properties.
Professional Equipment Makes the Difference
Cleaning large paver and concrete areas requires commercial-grade systems. Small consumer pressure washers are not designed to handle:
- heavy moss intrusion
- hardened algae layers
- large square footage efficiently
- deep surface staining in porous concrete
This project required specialized professional equipment to achieve a complete restoration.
Our Paver and Concrete Cleaning Process
1. Commercial Surface Cleaner Restoration
We used a professional surface disk cleaner system, which rotates water evenly in a 360-degree motion. This method provides:
- consistent deep cleaning
- even surface results
- removal of algae and grime without striping
Surface cleaners are essential for large flatwork areas where uniform appearance matters.
2. Hot Water / Steam Cleaning for Heavy Organic Growth
One of the most important components of this project was the use of hot water and steam cleaning.
Hot steam played a crucial role in breaking down:
- hardened moss layers
- embedded algae staining
- deep-set organic buildup in porous surfaces
Cold water alone would have taken significantly longer and would not have been as effective on this level of growth.
3. Concrete Steps, Walkways, and Detail Work
In addition to pavers, we cleaned:
- concrete steps
- walkways and walls
- surface stains and gum buildup
Hot water cleaning provided the extra power needed to remove stubborn staining in high-use public areas.
4. Final High-Volume Rinse and Debris Removal
After surface cleaning, we performed a thorough rinse using high-volume water flow and wide-angle spray patterns to remove:
- loosened moss
- algae residue
- heavy debris and runoff
On projects of this size, proper rinsing is critical to fully clear the surface and leave the area clean and uniform.
The Results: Restored, Safe, and Presentable Outdoor Surfaces
Once the project was complete, the outdoor hardscapes were left:
- algae-free
- moss-free
- visibly brighter and cleaner
- restored for safe public use
The difference is especially clear in the after images, where the surfaces returned to a clean, professional appearance suitable for a major Fort Wayne institution.
The Conservatory staff was extremely pleased with the transformation and the effectiveness of professional equipment on such a large area.
Service Area
This commercial paver and concrete cleaning project was completed in Fort Wayne, Indiana at the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory.
Need Professional Paver or Concrete Cleaning in Fort Wayne?
Large outdoor areas require the right combination of:
- commercial surface cleaning equipment
- hot water capability
- professional rinsing and debris control
M&D Power Washing provides high-level concrete and paver cleaning services throughout Fort Wayne for public facilities, commercial properties, and institutional clients.
