If your driveway is looking a little dirty and in need of some TLC, pressure washing it is a great way to give it a thorough clean. But before you get started, there are a few things you need to know and do to ensure the job is done properly. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about pressure washing your driveway, from what supplies you’ll need to how to properly rinse and dry the area afterwards.
What You Will Need
To pressure wash your driveway, you’ll need a pressure washer, a garden hose, a bucket, a stiff brush, and some detergent. You’ll also need to make sure you have a good supply of water on hand, as you’ll need to refill the pressure washer regularly.
Preparing the Driveway
Before you start pressure washing, you’ll need to clear the area of any loose debris, such as leaves, sticks, and stones. You’ll also need to wet the entire area down with a garden hose to dampen the surface.
Pressure Washing the Driveway
Once the area is prepped, you can start pressure washing. Begin by mixing some detergent with water in your pressure washer’s tank, then start washing the area in small sections, working your way from the top of the driveway to the bottom. Be sure to keep the pressure washer moving as you work to avoid damaging the surface.
Rinsing the Driveway
After you’ve pressure washed the entire driveway, you’ll need to rinse off the detergent with a garden hose. Start at the top of the driveway and work your way down, rinsing the detergent off as you go.
Drying the Driveway
Once the driveway is rinsed, you’ll need to let it dry completely before driving on it or parking any vehicles. You can speed up the drying process by using a leaf blower or fans.
You may see a white powdery substance on your driveway after the pressure washing is complete. This is called efflorescence. Efflorescence is a naturally occurring process that happens when water dissolves the minerals on local handyman in Huntsville your driveway and they are left behind as the water evaporates. Efflorescence is not harmful to your driveway and will eventually disappear.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to pressure wash a driveway, you can keep your home’s curb appeal looking its best. Just be sure to follow the steps outlined above to avoid damaging the surface.
