Of all the outdoor spaces around your home, the driveway is the spot that sees the most abuse. It’s constantly exposed to the elements, which means that layers of grime accumulate throughout the year. In humid climates and in shady areas, you may find moss and mildew growing. Then, of course, there’s the traffic! Foot traffic plus cars driving over it every day leave everything from dust and mud to salt buildup leaving dark streaks from rubber on the driveway.
If you have a concrete driveway instead of asphalt, then all of these layers of grime can be even more obvious. That’s why power washing concrete driveways is so important — because it’s the easiest and most effective way to get the concrete looking new and bright once more. Here are some guidelines to get you started.
Pressure Washing Driveway Tips
Power washing a concrete driveway is easy! The first step is to make sure the driveway is completely clear. This means removing kids’ toys and parking the car elsewhere so that nothing gets damaged as you clean the driveway. When that’s done, set up the power washer with a 25-degree fan nozzle. Use this to go over the driveway and remove the bulk of the mess — including layers of mud, loose stones, etc.
After giving the driveway a good preliminary cleaning, it’s time to apply a cleaner. Use a product designed for power washing concrete driveways. Fill your power washer’s bucket or reservoir with the cleanser, and then use a soaping nozzle to apply it to the driveway’s entire surface. Let this sit for five minutes or for however long the instructions indicate.
When the cleanser has done its work, go back through and use a 25-degrees nozzle to power wash the last of the grime. This is the pass that will get you results. You’ll see the driveway looking bright and fresh as you blast debris. After thoroughly cleaning the surface, go back with the 25-degree or 40-degree nozzle to give the driveway a final rinse, and you’ll be finished.
Driveway Maintenance Tips
Now that you know how to clean your driveway, it is important to keep it clean. This is all part of good maintenance tactics to use throughout the year.
After finishing power washing the driveway, you may what to use a concrete sealer to help prevent cracking and to protect the driveway’s surface from damage throughout the year. With the driveway freshly cleaned, this is also a good time to patch cracks, holes and other damage.
Another key maintenance tip has to do with winter snow removal. It’s tempting to use salt and other chemical snow and ice removal products in the winter. However, be aware that these products can damage concrete. Plus, they can lead to salt and scale buildups, which you’ll need to power wash in the spring.
Power washing is the easiest way to get a driveway clean, and clean driveways are the best way to add curb appeal to your home. This is a task that should be done yearly, so it’s best to use a reliable, powerful pressure washer to get the job done right. Check out SIMPSON’S line of pressure washers to find the perfect model for this task and all the rest of your outdoor cleaning needs!