If you’re looking at your driveway and wondering if it’s time to clean it, you likely can’t put it off for much longer. The idea of cleaning your driveway with a pressure washer may sound like an excellent idea. But is it? In this article, we explore how you can clean your driveway with a pressure washer.
Is It Safe to Clean Your Driveway With a Pressure Washer?
The short answer is yes, but it’s best to consider what kind of surface you’re cleaning before driveway pressure washing. The most common surfaces used to create residential driveways are concrete white and asphalt. Both of these can be cleaned using a pressure washer, but there are differences between them that you’ll want to keep in mind:
Concrete
Concrete is a porous material and therefore more likely to absorb chemicals from the water used during washing. This means that the cleaner you use may remain on the surface after rinsing until it evaporates or is washed away by rain/snowfall. Find out more about pressure washing concrete here.
Asphalt
Asphalt: Asphalt contains gravel and small stones that can be removed with a high-pressure stream of water, however, many people prefer not to wash asphalt this way because it can damage its surface.
Tips for Pressure Washing Your Driveway
Check the Power of Your Pressure Washer
Make sure the power washer has enough power to clean your driveway, but not so much that it will damage the surface of your driveway or cause cracks in the concrete or asphalt.
Always Wear Protective Gear
It’s always important to wear protective gear when using a pressure washer, including goggles and clothing that covers your arms and legs. This will help protect you from any splatter or spray.
Again, Consider the Surface You’re Using the Pressure Washer On
Don’t use a pressure washer on any surfaces that could be damaged by water or chemical solutions, such as wood decks or patios covered with tiles or stone pavers.
Adjust the Spray Wand According to the Stain
When pressure washing your driveway, it pays to adjust the spray wand according to the stain. This is because weaker stains require less pressure, whereas heavier stains require you to move the spray wand closer to the concrete surface.
Be Careful Around Plants and Other Delicate Vegetation Near Your Driveway
If you have any flower borders or anything of the sort around your drive, take extra care. This is because they can be damaged by pressure washing, so keep them away from where you’re going to be working.
Do Not Use Hot Water When Cleaning Your Driveway
This can burn the asphalt or concrete and cause cracks in the surface. Coldwater typically works best for this project because it won’t damage your driveway.