Your driveway can be one of the first things a person sees when visiting your home. It can have a significant effect on curb appeal and could make or break the sale of your home. If your driveway looks dirty and has stains from oil, gas or other substances it may be time for a good cleaning with a pressure washer. Even if you don’t have own one, you can rent a pressure washer from your local equipment rental store and clean your driveway in seven easy steps.
- Prepare the Surface of the Driveway
Cover any walls or doors that may be close to the driveway with tarp and painter’s tape to protect them from damage. Use a large push broom to clear loose dirt and debris from the driveway, then apply a degreaser. Using the same push broom, scrub the degreaser along the driveway to loosen oil stains.
- Set Up the Pressure Washer
Select the appropriate tip for washing the driveway, attach the spray wand with a pressure hose, and your water supply can come from your water hose. Add detergent to the detergent tube or reservoir of the machine. You can check the owner’s manual for the pressure washer to get guidance on adding detergent and selecting appropriate spray wands.
- Protect Yourself
Flying debris and pressurized water can cause serious injuries if they hit you. Wear eye goggles, rubber boots and rubber gloves to protect yourself.
- Apply Detergent
Starting at the highest end of your driveway, begin spraying the surface with detergent by initially pointing the wand away from the concrete and then sweeping back and forth from right to left over the concrete. Initially pointing the wand away from the concrete, can prevent hash marks. Be sure to use the low-pressure setting. Once you have covered the entire driveway, allow the detergent to loosen the dirt for 15 – 20 minutes before rinsing but make sure it doesn’t dry on the surface of the concrete.
- Rinse the Driveway
Using the high-pressure nozzle, rinse the detergent from the driveway. More pressure may be needed on stubborn stains, so you may need to overlap your sweeping motion on these areas.
- Seal the Driveway
Allow the driveway to dry completely and then apply a concrete sealer using a paint roller with an extension. Start from the highest point of your driveway and move to the lowest point. Allow the sealant to dry on the driveway for at least 24 hours before using it. Sealing the driveway can help to protect it from stains.
A clean driveway can not only improve the appearance of your yard, but it can also reduce the amount of dirt and debris tracked inside your home. Washing and sealing your driveway on a regular basis can extend its life.
