Tools and Materials
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Understanding Pressure Washing
Pressure washing a driveway will require the use of a pressure washer. Sometimes confused with power washing, pressure washers use ordinary water that is pressurized through either an electric or gas-powered engine to clean dirt and grime away.
Power washers use heated water and pressure to break down grease and stains for removal. Power washing a driveway is more of a professional job than a DIY project since it requires a larger washer to heat the large amount of water necessary.
Pressure washers have a variety of nozzles for different cleaning situations, each with their own color coding for quick identification. These nozzles disperse water from the wand in a V-shaped pattern, going for a narrow V up to a wider pattern. The narrower the V, the more pressure it produces, but in a smaller cleaning area. For asphalt or cleaning concrete with a pressure washer, you should use the yellow nozzle (15° pattern) for general washing or a white nozzle (10° pattern) for a more intense wash. The black nozzle is a low-pressure tip that is used for spraying cleaning solution or degreaser on spots before pressure washing them.
It is always a good idea to wear eye protection and gloves when pressure washing to avoid spray or cleaning solution from getting into your eyes. Also, be careful when using a pressure washer around broken concrete or loose gravel as they can also be a threat for damage to you or your property.
Whether you choose an electric pressure washer or a gas pressure washer, both will have the capability to do an adequate job of removing stains and dirt from your driveway. You should use a pressure washer with at least 1500 PSI to clean concrete and asphalt. Remember, the higher the PSI the faster and stronger your cleaning will be. Most medium-duty models and up will be up to this project.
Preparing the Driveway Surface and Area
Just as you would pretreat a stain on your clothes, driveway stains need the same attention. It is best to treat stains while they are fresh if possible. For the best results, follow the manufacturer’s directions for each type of stain. Also, wear protective safety gear like gloves and eye protection when applying stain removers.
- Oil and Grease Stains: To soak up excess oil, use a spill absorber. For deep stains, use a degreaser and let it soak in for about 5 minutes. Scrub with a brush before washing.
- Dirt and Rust Stains: Apply concrete cleaner or a rust treatment. If it is a concentrate, you will have to dilute with water. Scrub with a brush to loosen and remove the stains.
Pressure Washing Your Driveway
Now that you have pretreated any difficult stains, it’s now time to start the cleaning process. You should have your 3 main nozzles ready, black to apply the concrete cleaner, a yellow nozzle (15° pattern) for general washing and the white nozzle (10° pattern) for deeper cleaning. Outfit yourself with the appropriate safety clothing including splash-resistant goggles, closed-toe shoes and cleaning gloves.
Before spraying your driveway with cleaner and then pressure washing, be sure to cover any flowers and plants that may be subject to overspray. You can use old sheets or towels for protection from chemicals and high-pressure spray.
Instructions
Post Pressure Washing Maintenance
After a thorough cleaning, repeated cleanings are usually easier if the driveway is properly maintained. Sweeping or blowing away leaves and lawn clippings promptly with a leaf blower will help avoid stains from appearing. Rinsing your drive on a regular basis will also help, especially during dry spells without any rainfall.
A helpful tool to maintain your pavement is a pressure washer surface cleaner. This add-on works with the pressure washer to boost the cleaning ability with powerful rotating nozzles to clean a wide path across your driveway. These surface cleaners are available in different models to match your pressure washer PSI and work with both electric and gas engines.
There are times when a professional cleaning is needed. If this is the first time the drive has been cleaned, is exceptionally dirty, or you have had a home landscaping project that required a lot of new soil or mulch, this is when a professional cleaning may save you time thanks to their advanced equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Do You Put On a Driveway Before Pressure Washing?
Pretreating stains like gas or oil drops can be done with concrete cleaners and degreasers before pressure washing. You can use a scrub brush to help loosen the stains. You should also apply a driveway cleaner all over your pavement and allow it to work on the dirt and grime before washing off.
Should You Use Soap When Pressure Washing a Driveway?
The simple answer is yes, you should use soap. Just as you use detergent to clean your clothes, including pretreating stains, driveways and pavement can be thought of in the same vein. Using soap will loosen up dirt, mold and grime to assist your pressure washing in removal.
What PSI Is Needed To Clean Driveway?
Using a pressure washer with a PSI of 3000 or more will help clean your driveway swiftly and effectively. Pressure washers with lesser PSIs can also do the job, but they will take longer to finish the project for the same results.
What Is the Best Solution for Pressure Washing Concrete?
There are several premixed solutions to assist you in getting your driveway ready for pressure washing. These cleaners are specifically designed to be used in pressure washer and can be very cost effective when used in concentrate form.
For a homemade solution to treat smaller stains, mixing mild dish soap and warm water and scrubbing with a brush will work too.