Using a pressure washer is one of the fastest and most efficient methods of cleaning any outdoor surface. A hose pipe or bucket of water can’t match the cleaning power of power washers, as they lack the water pressure to blast away the toughest dirt and grime.
In this guide, we will take you through the best techniques for driveway cleaning, and show you how to efficiently pressure wash your driveway. If you are looking for your first power washer or want to upgrade, check out our extensive range you can buy online.
What You Will Need
The equipment you will need to pressure wash your driveway includes:
- Pressure washer
- Bottle of detergent
- Broom or leaf blower
- Strong-grip footwear
Step 1: Clear The Area
First things first, make sure your driveway is clear, with no obstacles in your way while cleaning. This includes moving any cars off your driveway and removing any debris, such as leaves.
You should now have a clear space to use your pressure washer.
Step 2: Cover Your Plants
If you have plants that are located close to your driveway, cover them with a sheet or tarpaulin. You will be using detergent when washing your driveway, which can be harmful to plants if it reaches the soil.
Step 3: Use Safety Gear
Because you will be working on a slippery surface, wear shoes with a strong grip to reduce the risk of falling. It is also advisable to put on hearing protection, as pressure washers are very loud when in use.
Step 4: Select A Nozzle
The nozzle you equip on your pressure washer will determine the strength of the water stream. The lower the number in degrees, the narrower and stronger the stream will be. When starting to clean your driveway, select a smaller number e.g. 25-30 degrees to ensure you are blasting away the toughest dirt.
Step 5: Apply The Detergent
Before using your pressure washer, you need to apply the cleaning detergent across your driveway. This will aid in removing tough stains, such as paint and oil. Some detergents come with a spray accessory to help apply it onto your driveway; if your detergent doesn’t have this addition, carefully pour the detergent along your driveway by hand.
Step 6: Washing The Driveway
Now it is time to begin washing. As mentioned earlier, check you have a small nozzle equipped e.g. 25-30 degrees and start using your pressure washer from the highest point of your driveway. As you clean, the dirty water will run down to the lowest point, rather than across the areas you have already cleaned.
It is advisable to use your pressure washer at a distance of 10-15 inches from the driveway surface and move across in straight horizontal lines. Try to maintain this movement and spray each area 2 times, to ensure maximum coverage.
If you encounter a stain that won’t immediately wash away, move your nozzle closer to the surface. Be careful not to aim too close to the driveway, as this can potentially damage it.
Step 7: Rinse It Away
Once your driveway has been completely washed, use a lower-pressure nozzle or broom to rinse away the dirty water. You can then remove any covers over your plants.
The benefit of using a pressure washer is how versatile they are. Whilst being ideal for driveways, they are also great at cleaning outdoor decking areas. our guide on how to clean your decking with or without a pressure washer.