602-689-9049 Arizona - Statewide 602-689-9049
East Valley 480-515-9652
Northern Arizona 928-226-0423
How to Pressure Wash a Driveway

How to Pressure Wash a Driveway

Back to blog
5 Thu 2023 Brent Orm Comments: 0

After some time, a driveway will become dirty and worn when it comes to extending the life of their drive pressure washing method to the method of pressure washing. It is a cost-effective solution that can help restore your driveway and increase the attractiveness of the outside of your home. If you’ve never used this cleaning method before but are thinking about giving it a shot, the following will walk you through the process of pressure washing a driveway.

What Are the Necessary Components for a Pressure Washing of a Driveway?

You will need to collect all of the required supplies before we can discuss how to pressure wash a brick driveway or how to pressure wash concrete for your driveway. If you want to properly clean a driveway with a pressure washer, having the tools and supplies is absolutely necessary. What you require is as follows:

1. High-Pressure Washing Machine

You need to invest in a high-quality pressure washer that can deliver approximately 3,000 pounds per square inch (PSI). The higher the PSI, the quicker and more thoroughly you will be able to clean the driveway.

2. Products Used for Cleaning

Even though pressurized water might be sufficient to clean your driveway, cleaning agents like soap or detergent are necessary to help loosen dirt, grime, and grease that has accumulated there. They are also very effective at removing stains that refuse a cleaning solution formulated especially for use with the pressure washer you have installed in your driveway.

3. Hose for a Pressure Washer

You can make do with a garden hose in place latter’s cost hose if the cost of the latter is at least fifty feet long so that you have plenty of room to move around.

4. A Broom or a Brush With a Firm Bristle

You will need a broom and a meeting with a long handle to clean the grime and dirt off your driveway. Use one with firm bristles to ensure that there are no splash-backs and that your surface is thoroughly cleaned.

5. Protective Apparel

It’s not a good idea to power wash driveways at high pressure. Your eyes, hands, and feet are particularly vulnerable to damage from the high-pressure water. Protect your eyes, ears, and writings by donning safety goggles, gloves, long pants, and rubber-soled shoes. Also, remember to wear a long-sleeved shirt.

6. Plastic Sheets or Waste Collection Bags

While using a pressure washer to clean the driveway, you should use plastic sheets or garbage bags to protect other areas of your home.

7. Tape for painting surfaces

Painter’s tape will help you secure your plastic sheets and prevent water from leaking into other parts of your home.

Commercial Pressure Wash

How to Pressure Wash a Driveway in 7 Straightforward Steps

Follow these seven simple steps to learn how to pressure wash a driveway:

1. Make Sure the Surface Is Clear

The first step you need to do to prepare for the pressure washing is to prepare your driveway and the areas around it. Remove any rubbish and items, and sweep away any dirt that may have accumulated on the surface.

2. Ensure that the Doors and Windows are Secured

When you pressure wash a driveway, there is a risk of causing damage to areas such as doors, windows, and other delicate components. Because of the water’s force, rock, debris, and other contaminants may be propelled into the air and distributed to various locations on your property.

You can prevent this by covering windows, doors, and other vulnerable areas with garbage bags or plastic sheets. Many novices fail to take this essential safety measure when starting out, but doing so is the most effective way to reduce the likelihood of suffering injury or property damage while pressure washing your driveway. Putting painter’s tape on the edges of the sheets will keep water from getting under them and into your home.

3. Put together the high-pressure washer

Because there is not a single industry standard for pressure washers, you must read the manual that came with your machine. It is essential to have a sound understanding of the different power settings and the other functions of your pressure washer. Incorrect assembly or use of the pressure washer could cause irreparable damage to the asphalt surface of your driveway.

4. Always Observe Proper Safety Procedures

Ensure you are properly attired and have the necessary protective equipment before beginning the cleaning process. In the case of pressure washing a driveway, this includes having eye protection and a face shield.

5. Make Use Of A Degreasing Agent

On the driveway, apply the cleaning solution that you have chosen. The dirt, grime, and stains on the surface will become easier to remove as a result. Scrubbing the surface with a broom is a good option if the pressure washer you have does not come with a brush attachment.

6. Wash your driveway with a pressure washer.

The next step, to pressure wash your driveway, can be started now that everything has been set up. Keep your hands on the sprayer’s handle as you move it across the surface of your driveway from side to side. Make an effort to overlap each movement by approximately a half foot. Remember that the correct techniques will change depending on your pressure washer. When removing stubborn stains, you might need to bring the spray nozzle of the pressure washer closer to the surface.

7. Clean the Top of the Surface

Rinse the driveway to remove leftover soap or detergent and any dirt and grime that may be left behind. After that, give the surface some time to dry. To stop stains from forming in the future on your driveway, you can apply a sealant.

Tips to Keep in Mind When Pressure Washing a Driveway

What Is Power Washing

It may appear simple to pressure wash driveways on your own but to do it correctly, you need to have experience and some expertise. If you are starting, you are likely not familiar with all the nuances involved in power washing a driveway. In addition to causing damage to the driveway, you risk seriously injuring yourself or someone else. Consider the following advice before attempting to clean your driveway with a pressure washer:

1. Begin with a relatively low PSI.

When it comes to spraying water, pressure washers can generate a serious amount of force, which may come as a surprise to you. If you begin using the pressure washer with a high PSI, it will be much easier to lose control of it. The spray is powerful enough to irritate the skin and cause property damage. Even though a lower PSI will result in a less thorough cleaning of your driveway, it will give you sufficient time to become accustomed to using the pressure washer.

2. Under no circumstances should you point the pressure washer in your direction or the direction of any other person.

Always direct the wand of the pressure washer in a downward direction. If you are not going to be using the pressure washer, you have to make sure the rod is locked in place. Even a minor slip or accident could turn on the machine, which would then cause significant damage.

3. When cleaning inside enclosed areas, never use a pressure washer powered by gasoline.

Carbon monoxide is released using gasoline-powered pressure washers; therefore, you should only use these machines in areas with adequate ventilation. Poisoning caused by carbon monoxide can result in death in minutes.

4. Keep the extension cord and power cord at a safe distance from any body of water.

If you have no option but to use a power cord or extension cord, position it so it is as far away from the driveway as possible. It would be best if you do not place it in areas that are accessible to water runoff. It would be best if you use an extension cord that is heavy-duty and adequately grounded.

5. If you are still trying to figure out what to do, feel free to contact a professional pressure washing service.

Even though pressure washing a driveway on your own might seem like the more cost-effective option at first glance, there are quite a few dangers involved in the process. It is highly advised that you hire a professional pressure washing service if you need clarification on your ability to complete this task successfully on your own.

Why You Should Consider Hiring a Professional Pressure Washing Service

Professional pressure washing is beneficial for many reasons, including the following:

1. Years of Industry Service and Expertise

If you employ a professional pressure washing company, they will know how to clean your driveway and other parts of your home in the most efficient way possible.

Commercial Pressure Washing

2. Professional-Grade Equipment

They have pressure washers of the highest quality, cleaning products that are kind to the environment, and any other tools necessary to clean your driveway. You will need to invest a significant amount of money in acquiring anything that even comes close to matching what the experts are utilizing.

3. There was neither damage nor injury

When cleaning your driveway with a pressure washer, a professional pressure washing service won’t harm anyone or cause any damage to your property in the process. Even if they make mistakes, they have complete insurance coverage and will make up for any damage they cause to you.

4. Helps save both time and effort

Cleaning a driveway with a pressure washer takes a significant amount of time. If you are starting, it’s possible that the first time you try something, you won’t get the results you were hoping for. As a result, you will need to complete the entire process. Put your hard-earned weekend to good use by delegating the maintenance of your driveway to a trained team of professionals.

5. Economically Viable Over the Decades to Come

In light of all the dangers linked with do-it-yourself pressure washing, it’s possible that hiring professional pressure washers will be more cost-effective in the long run. If you end up scratching your driveway or breaking any of your doors or windows, you will have to pay more to fix the damage.

You Can Clean Driveways Under Pressure Without Creating Any Anxiety

It is common for there to be some signs of wear and tear on your driveway. On the other hand, routine maintenance is essential if you wish to lengthen its lifespan. The use of pressure washing makes it possible to remove all of the dirt, grime, and stains that have accumulated on the surface. You feel safe if you are a beginner who wants to pressure wash a driveway. If you give this beginner’s guide a try and follow its instructions, you will be okay with clearing off your driveway. Feel free to contact us, even if you have second thoughts. We can restore your driveway to appear almost as good as new.

5 Thu 2023 Brent Orm