The surface on which a tile floor is installed must be free of dust, wax, grease and other contaminants. Suitable surface preparation will help ensure the tiles bond well with the surface and will make your flooring easier to maintain. In most cases, you only need to pressure wash concrete floors, but some situations may call for the use of surface conditioning machines. Get the Job Done Right: How to Choose the Best Floor Scraper for Your Project.

Contaminants on the surface can cause adhesion problems, so proper cleaning and surface preparation is essential. The surface must be completely clean and free of dust, wax, grease and other contaminants. Epoxy flooring requires a minimum thickness of 1/8" to achieve maximum performance.

Pressure washers can be used to clean concrete floors, but if the surface is in poor condition and has contaminants, you may need surface conditioning machines like floor scrubbers. Use surface conditioning machines like floor sanders and floor grinders to remove any existing coating on the concrete surface, such as paint, varnish or previous patching material. You can also use pressure washers or power wash surfaces with sandblasters that produce a fine sanding effect without noise or dust pollution. Get expert tips on choosing the right surface prep equipment.