Preparing Tools and Materials
To make a completely new version of a driveway, you need to be sure to have the necessary supplies to complete it perfectly. The items that need to be prepared are extremely simple, you can buy them easily, and indispensable is a pressure washer, in addition to some other tools below:
Protective Equipment
Safety gloves
Goggles
Safety boots and shoes
Step-by-Step Guide to Pressure Washing Your Driveway
Resurrect your neglected driveway and restore it to a like-new condition in just a handful of easy steps using a pressure washer. A pressure washer can blast away years' worth of ingrained dirt, oil stains, and faded sealant, leaving your driveway looking freshly paved once more.
1. Sweep And Pre-Rinse The Driveway
Use the brush to remove objects from the surface then collapse them into a corner.
2. Cover Exterior Walls and Doors
Before you start pressure washing, protect any nearby doors, exterior walls, and other surfaces that you do not wish to clean. Cover them with plastic sheeting and seal the edges with painter's tape. This will shield them from flying debris kicked up by the pressure washer, as well as from accidental spray that may damage paint or remove stains. Plastic sheeting and tape will prevent damage and save you from having to re-paint or re-stain those other surfaces later.
3. Start Pressure Washer
This process is quite time-consuming, so we decided to leave it on top to help everyone be more proactive in preparing the driveway washing.
If you have used it then repeat the steps in order, if not, we have an article on how to start a pressure washer, you can read it and refer to 2 ways to start gas and electric pressure washers.
4. Pre-rinse The Driveway
Before use, make sure you wear the necessary protective equipment to ensure your body's safety. Washing through the passage will help the detergent work better.
5. Mix And Spray Detergent On Surface
Follow the directions on the detergent bottle and mix it with water in a separate container. You will need about 1 – 2 ounces of detergent per gallon of water. For cement driveways, there are a number of cleaners specifically designed for this material, which help to remove moss and remove oil from the surface.
6. Pressure-Wash Concrete
For the best results cleaning concrete surfaces like driveways, opt for 25-degree spray nozzles. They produce the optimal pressure for the thorough removal of dirt, stains, and sealant. Start by holding the nozzle handle and moving it from side to side in 6 – 8 inches overlapping passes. For tougher stains like paint, hold the nozzle 3 – 4 inches from the surface and move more slowly in small sections. The focused, high-pressure stream at close range will break down and remove even the most stubborn marks.
Conclusion
Pressure washing your driveway is an effective way to restore it to like-new condition. With the right equipment and technique, you can blast away years of built-up dirt, oil stains, and fading sealant. Following the steps outlined in this article, from protecting nearby surfaces to mixing the proper detergent to using the correct nozzle angle and washing technique will result in a driveway that looks freshly paved.
