How to Pressure Wash Your Driveway the Right Way

Let's Get That Driveway Clean

If your driveway is looking a little rough after the winter - well, after our version of winter - a pressure wash will make it look like new concrete again. I've seen driveways go from "maybe we should replace this" to "oh wait it just needed a bath." Seriously.

What You Need

• A pressure washer - 3000 PSI is ideal for concrete. You can rent one from Home Depot or Sunbelt for about $75-100 a day.
• A surface cleaner attachment - this is the round spinning thing that gives you even coverage. Worth every penny, don't skip it.
• A 25-degree nozzle for edges and detail work. DO NOT use the red zero-degree nozzle on concrete. You'll etch lines into it that you can't undo.
• Concrete degreaser or detergent if you've got oil stains.
• A garden hose for pre-wetting.

Step by Step

1. Clear the driveway - move cars, pots, bikes, whatever. Sweep off loose debris.
2. Pre-treat stains - oil spots, rust stains, heavy mold. Hit them with degreaser or a sodium hypochlorite solution (pool shock diluted about 1:10) and let it sit 10-15 minutes.
3. Pre-wet the concrete - garden hose is fine. Gets the surface ready and helps the detergent spread.
4. Apply detergent - most pressure washers have a soap tank. Use the wide nozzle and lay down detergent across the whole driveway. Let it sit 5-10 minutes but DON'T let it dry.
5. Pressure wash - use the surface cleaner for the main area. Work in overlapping passes like mowing a lawn. Start at the top of the driveway and work toward the street so dirty water flows away.
6. Detail the edges - switch to the 25-degree nozzle for edges, along the garage, expansion joints, etc.
7. Rinse everything - including the sidewalk and any plants you might have splashed.

When to Call a Pro

If your driveway is over 1000 square feet, if you've got serious mold issues, or if you just don't feel like dealing with it - that's what we're here for. We do pressure washing too, not just new pours.

One more thing - after pressure washing is the PERFECT time to reseal. The concrete is clean and the pores are open. Give us a call if you want it sealed up right. (941) 374-8674.