As a homeowner, you’re probably bothered about the dirt, dust, and other debris on your driveway. These elements aren’t only an eyesore to your home’s exterior, but they also damage your driveway’s surface over time. This is where pressure washing your driveway comes into play.
Primarily, a pressure washer refers to a powerful tool that uses a high-pressure water blast to remove dirt and grime off certain outdoor surfaces, including the driveway. However, operating a pressure washer can be challenging without proper knowledge and skills. When it’s mishandled, it may cause injuries and damage to your property. Hence, if you think professional help is required, you can work with professionals who offer quality pressure cleaning services.
But, if you want a DIY approach to pressure washing, continue reading this article to learn how to pressure wash your driveway properly.
- Clear The Surface And Protect The Surrounding Areas
Before pressure washing your driveway, it’s essential to clean the surface and the surrounding areas. Remove the dirt and other debris from the surface with a large broom. Once the surface is clean, you can proceed with protecting the surrounding areas of your driveway. For example, you should cover your exterior doors, windows, and walls with plastic sheets or garbage bags to avoid damage.
In some cases, your doors and windows may be damaged due to the water pressure and small rocks and debris that fly into the air and land in the different areas of your home’s exterior. Thus, make sure to protect the surrounding areas to mitigate the risk and make your pressure washing task a successful one. Seal the plastic sheets with painter’s tape to secure the cover and prevent water from entering your home.
- Prepare The Pressure Washer And Wear Safety Gear
It’s also essential to prepare and assemble the pressure washer before cleaning the driveway. Since there are different types of pressure washing equipment in the market, you need to read the manual carefully. It contains all the features and instructions you should follow to operate the machine properly. If the pressure washer is prepared correctly, you can minimize the likelihood of accidents and damage to your driveway’s surface.
Also, you shouldn’t forget to wear safety gear before starting the cleaning process. Ensure you’re dressed appropriately to avoid injuries while operating the pressure washer. The basic safety gear to use while pressure washing can include enclosed shoes, safety goggles, work gloves, ear protection, and long thick pants.
- Degrease Your Driveway’s Surface
If you have a concrete driveway, make sure to degrease the surface before the pressure washing begins. Typically, a degreaser is a solution used to eliminate stubborn stains on the surface. Check your pressure washer to see if it has an attachment tool for degreasing. But, if there’s none, you can scrub the surface with a stiff brush to clear away those stains that stick.
- Begin The Pressure Washing Process
Now that you’ve applied a degreaser to remove the stains, it’s time to start the pressure washing process. Make sure to choose the proper nozzle to achieve a more desirable cleaning result. For the actual pressure washing, using a 25-degree nozzle is highly recommended. Using a 15-degree nozzle can be an excellent idea for stubborn stains that don’t go away.
Once you choose the right nozzle, the next step is knowing how to handle the spray handle. Create an overlapping stroke and move your way back and forth from each side of the surface to ensure the removal of dirt, debris, and stains. However, if you’re looking for the perfect way to operate a pressure washer safely, you may consider the following tips:
- Since a pressure washer is considered a powerful tool, it’s best to always start with low water pressure to avoid accidents and adjust the pressure washer slowly until you can hold it more effectively.
- Avoid pointing the machine at yourself, other people, or other parts of your home.
- Make sure the power cord is far away from you or other areas where there’s water to avoid electrocution.
- Rinse And Seal The Driveway
Rinse off the leftover soap and the remaining grime and dirt. Let your driveway dry. Once it’s dried off, apply a sealant to the surface to deter future stains from sticking around. After putting in the sealant, wait for at least 24 hours before using the driveway again.
Bottom Line
While it’s normal for your driveway to accumulate dirt, dust, and stains, you still need to pressure wash it regularly to keep it in pristine condition and extend its lifespan. Pressure washing can be an effective way of clearing all the stains on the surface. Therefore, if you want to wash your driveway more effectively, keep the abovementioned information in mind. By doing so, you can clean your driveway without hassle while keeping yourself safe throughout the process.
