7 Steps to Power Washing Your Concrete Driveway
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Has your concrete driveway seen its better day? Do your sidewalks have stains on them? Just like your home's siding, roof, and patio furniture, pollen and grime can also attach to your concrete. If left untreated, the concrete can start to deteriorate. Pressure washing is the easiest way to clean concrete, but it needs to be done correctly.
1. Remove all items from the driveway
This suggestion may seem obvious, but if there's a car parked that is rarely driven, it can be tempting to leave it in place. To get the best possible pressure washing for your driveway, you need to move any vehicles, toys, plants, or other clutter. This protects your valuables from damage from high pressure power washing and allows your to spray every inch of the surface.
2. Clear debris and dirt from surface
Dust, dirt, fungal growth, small rocks, leaves, twigs, seeds, and other plant foliage can all collect on your driveway. Even though you are going to be pressure washing the surface, you should still sweep the debris off before you get started.
3. Retrieve needed equipment
You've got the pressure washer, what else do you need, right? Not exactly. In addition to the broom, dustpan and cleaning solution, you'll always want to make sure you grab safety items. Be sure to wear closed toe shoes when pressure washing as high pressure streams of water are not gentle on toes. Goggles need to be worn when spraying the solution, so it does not make contact with your eyes. It is also important to wear a mask when spraying; you do not want to inhale the detergent. Lastly, gloves are critical to avoid the chemical coming into contact with your skin and causing irritation or a burn.
4. Prepare machine for utilization
This means attaching the pressure washer hose and wand to the machine itself. Connect your garden hose to supply the water and make sure the water is turned on. Add the detergent tube provided with the device into the soap container.
5. Use a mold prevention solution
An excellent method to prevent microorganisms such as mold, mildew, and bacteria, as well as grime and the slippery surfaces it brings, is to utilize a fungicide detergent solution when spraying. Doing so kills the mold spores as well as other bacterial and fungal organisms that live on your concrete, whether it be your driveway, sidewalks, or concrete patio pad. Without a mold prevention solution, your concrete will appear clean, but it will not stop the fungal growth, and this invader will return vigorously.
6. Only aim the pressure washer at approved surfaces
The warnings on machines can seem dramatic, but pressure washers can do a lot of damage to people, pets, and property. Resist the temptation to spray your legs off when you are finished, rinse off your car, or play a prank. Hold the sprayer about twelve inches from the surface to get the most pressure without causing damage.
7. Power wash often to prevent build-up and cracking
The last critical aspect to consider when power washing your concrete driveway is to clean it often. When oil from a car leaks or microorganisms such as mold, mildew, bacteria, and other creatures attach themselves to your driveway, they can create havoc that you may not see. They have the potential to weaken your driveway for cracking and later dilapidation. Make sure you are power washing your driveway at least twice a year or more as necessary.
If you follow our advice on the top seven steps to power washing your concrete driveway, you will have the best looking and most spotless driveway in all of Greater Cincinnati!