When it comes to maintaining the cleanliness and allure of your property, a well-kept driveway plays a crucial role. Well, hiring a professional driveway cleaning service might be the best option if you don’t have the time or resources to pressure wash your driveway yourself. 

However, if you want to clean the driveway on your own, then in this detailed guide, we’ll show you how to pressure wash your driveway the right way, from start to finish, so that it looks as good as new. These tips and ideas, compiled by the experts at SouthernPowerWashTN, will teach you how to clean your driveway like a pro.

Before You Start

Safety First

It is crucial to put safety first before beginning any pressure washing project. Protect yourself from debris and cleaning solutions by using safety goggles, gloves, and closed-toe shoes. Always refer to the manual that came with your pressure washer to ensure proper use.

Clear the Area

Remove any obstacles from your driveway, such as vehicles, toys and plants, to create a clear and unobstructed workspace. Doing so will prevent any harm that could occur and provide for easier cleanup.

Preparatory Steps

To get rid of leaves, mud and twigs that have fallen onto the driveway, you can either sweep them up or use a leaf blower. This means that the pressure washing procedure will go more smoothly and provide better results.

Driveway Pressure Washing Process

Choose the Right Nozzle and Pressure

To get the best results from your pressure washer without damaging the surface, you must use the right nozzle and pressure setting. A nozzle with a large spray pattern (25 or 40 degrees) is ideal for use on driveways. However, be careful not to etch or gouge the surface by starting at a lower pressure setting and increasing it if required.

Apply Detergent (If Required)

Pre-treating the area with a detergent or degreaser might be required for extremely tenacious stains or oil spills. Mix the detergent as directed on the detergent’s label and then spread it over the soiled parts of your driveway. Wait for the prescribed time for the detergent to work to loosen the dirt.

Begin Pressure Washing

Maintain a safe distance of 12–18 inches from the driveway and hold the pressure washer wand at a slight incline to the surface. Move from one end to the other, keeping a steady distance and overlapping your passes by a little amount. This prevents streaks and promotes uniform cleanliness. But, it’s important to check your progress at regular intervals and make any required adjustments to your pace or approach.

Address Stubborn Stains

When ordinary pressure washing fails to remove a stain, you might have to turn to other methods. Consider using a surface cleaner attachment or a rotating brush to agitate the stain and remove it effectively. The alternative is to use a concentrated detergent on problem areas and let it sit for a few minutes before continuing with the pressure washing.

Rinse Thoroughly

After you’re done pressure washing the driveway, be sure to give it a good rinse. It’s best to begin at the top and work your way down to remove any traces of detergent and dirt. If you don’t rinse thoroughly, you risk getting streaks or stains.

Allow for Drying Time

After you’ve rinsed your driveway, let it air dry completely before using it again. Depending on the weather, this might take anything from a few hours to a day. Importantly, in order to preserve the new look of your pressure-washed driveway, you should wait at least 24 hours before reintroducing any dirt or debris.

Conclusion

A clean and well-kept driveway not only improves curb appeal, but also protects the integrity of your home over time. If you carefully follow the guide’s instructions, you should be able to pressure wash your driveway with great success. 

If, however, you don’t want to deal with it, there are reputable driveway cleaning services like SouthernPowerWashTN that have the know-how and tools to do a fantastic job. All in all, no matter if you choose the DIY route or seek professional assistance, regular maintenance and cleaning of your driveway will ensure that it remains a source of pride and adds value to your property for years to come.