Driveways can last a long time, a really long time. This duration is so long that the original color and shine of the driveway is forgotten. It all comes rushing back when the neighbors get a new driveway installed.
It is not necessary to get a new driveway installed, getting a professional power washer to clean it will do the trick. A pressure washing session can make it as new as it was back in its glory day.
The better option is to get a professional to wash, but if you are a DIY guru and like to do things with your own hand then come aboard.
First things first, in order to get started you need tools… a lot of tools.
Materials Needed
Here is a list of things you need to prepare before you start the cleaning session.
- A Broom
- A Stiff Brush
- Pressure Washer
- Detergent
- Painter’s Tape
- Garden Hose
- Paint Tray
- Sealer
- Extender Pole
- Roller Cover
- Roller Handle
- Spray Degreaser
- Plastic Sheeting
- And Safety Gloves
This might look like a lot of stuff and it might seem a little overwhelming to gather all of these, but pressure washing can be a dangerous task thus proper preparation is necessary.
Now, let’s move on to the actual cleaning steps.
Step #1
Sweeping The Surface:
You might be tempted to just start with the washing without sweeping the surface first. Don’t let your temptation take the better of you.
Pressure washing without sweeping can be dangerous in so many ways. If there are some small broken glass pieces, or something or the same effect, littered on the driveway then with the pressure of the water they can fly off hurting someone.
Step #2
Protect Exterior Walls And Doors:
The plastic is used for this purpose. Cover all that is in the exterior or alongside the driveway with plastic sheeting. This also includes the plants. There is some bleach in the detergent of the pressure washer. Bleach is sure to damage the plants nearby.
Another way to protect your plants is to soak them with water before you start cleaning.
If there is a lot more to protect then you can handle, then give a call to the recommended power washer. They have the means to protect your items and clean without causing any damage.
Step #3
Degrease Surface:
Time for the degreaser to come in handy. Scrub degrease into the surface of your driveway with the help of a brush. If scrubbing looks like too much work you can use a pressure washer attachment but be careful it can be a little tricky to handle.
Step #4
Attach Appropriate Spray Wand Tip:
Normally the spray wand has a label attached to it. The label reads Soap, it shouldn’t be hard to find. Snap the appropriate wand in place.
Step #5
Attach The Hose:
Make sure to get a long enough hose that can enable the pressure washer to go all the way to the end of the driveway. After attaching the hose it is now finally time to turn on the water.
Step #6
Prepare For Detergent:
A separate tube is used to add detergent to the washer. As soon as the pressure washer is started it bring in the detergent from the siphon tube. Prepare the tube and detergent carefully. Make sure there is no blockage in the tube. This tube is responsible for adding the detergent to the hot stream of water that is coming out of the spray wand.
Step #7
Pressure Washing Concrete:
In order to clean the driveway, the tip you need is the one labeled “25 degrees” Keep the tip a little above the concrete. Move the tip from one side to another with regular speed. Make sure to overlap each stroke by 6 to 8 inches.
To remove those tougher stains like that of paint, hold the top 4 inches above the concrete surface and move in a nearly still speed to ensure the removal of the stain.
Step #8
Seal The Concrete:
This is the last step in the pressure cleaning process. If all these step and processes are a little too much for you to handle then don’t hesitate to give a call to affordable pressure washers. They will take care of everything without any hassle.
This was the whole process and all the steps involved in cleaning a driveway using a pressure washer. Now you know how to clean your own driveway like a professional.
