How To Pressure Wash Your Driveway

How To Pressure Wash Your Driveway

By : Angelina
Accumulated dust, dirt and stains on concrete surfaces are not only affecting the curb appeal but can also weaken your driveway. Harsh chemicals or abrasive tools won’t help remove grime and stubborn stains. Pressure washing is one of the fastest, most efficient and most effective ways to clean your driveway. It can remove grime and help you maintain a clean, shiny, long-lasting concrete surface. Make sure you follow the right techniques to achieve sparkling results. These are portable tools that run on either gas electricity. The engine powers a water pump and the pressure of water removes stubborn stains with ease. You can hire seasoned end of lease cleaners Canberra to spruce up the entire rental property according to the pre-approved checklist. They can help you pass the rental inspection by impressing a fussy landlord. You can contact the ACT Civil & Administrative Tribunal (ACAT) if finding difficulties in getting your bond back. However, the standard cleaning checklist doesn’t include pressure cleaning.  This means you have to remove grime and gunk from your driveway on your own with the help of the following tips:

Cleaning Supplies You’ll Need

You should gather all the necessary cleaning tools and products before getting into the process. Make sure you have:
  • Stiff brush
  • Broom
  • Pressure washer
  • Detergent
  • Spray degreaser
  • Safety gloves
  • Plastic sheets
  • Painter’s tape
  • 50-ft. garden hose
  • Roller cover
  • Roller handle
Do not use harmful cleaning chemicals when sprucing up your home or outdoor areas. Read the labels carefully.

Prep the Concrete Surface

Start by removing loose debris and materials like stone, dried leaves, grime, etc. You can use a broom or a leaf blower to get rid of specks of dirt. Remove a car, bike or bicycle if parked in the driveway. Also, move potted plants and furniture pieces before pressure washing the surface. If your driveway touches any wall or door, cover them with painter’s tape to prevent damage. You can also use plastic sheets to protect your outdoor walls and doors. Also, check the highest point of the surface and start pressure washing the area and make your way towards the direction where water flows.

Degrease the Driveway Surface

In this step, apply a degreaser to loosen stubborn stains, gunk and grime from the concrete. This will simplify the pressure washing process and save you time and energy. Some advanced pressure washers have an attachment tool to apply a degreaser. If you don’t have that model, apply the product and scrub the degreaser into the concrete using a soft-bristled brush. If you need a thorough end of lease cleaning Canberra for the entire property, book the best company that can offer you the best service at the most affordable price.

Get the Pressure Washer Ready

Reading the manual instructions and assembling or getting your pressure washer tool ready for cleaning is vital. Attach the spray nozzle to the tool using a garden hose. You can check different nozzles for different purposes, such as:
  • Use a low-pressure nozzle to apply detergent
  • Use a high-pressure nozzle for a thorough rinsing
Never use the high-pressure nozzle on the brick surface, as this can damage the surface. So, testing it on a hidden surface before you clean the entire driveway is good. The water pressure of the tool is combined with the amount of water used to clean the surface. It is designed to remove stubborn grime and stains from concrete surfaces.  You can also keep the simple move out cleaning tips in mind when preparing your rented property at the end of your tenancy. What are the safety measures when doing pressure washing? The high-pressure of water can cause serve injuries. So, it is always good to wear boots or shoes when cleaning the surface. Also, don’t point the spray wand at other people. Also, don’t wash your hands with a pressure washer- it can be extremely dangerous.

Remove Stains & Grime From Your Driveway

Begin at the higher end of the drive and make your way down towards the direction of the water flow.  It is good to pressure wash your driveway when deep cleaning your house. You can follow these simple steps for effective pressure washing:
  • Press the trigger of your spray wand to clean the driveway surface.
  • Sweep the nozzle back and forth across the surface. It is good to overlap each stroke by a few inches.
  • Apply the detergent and let it sit for 10 minutes.

Rinse the Surface

After 10 minutes, change the nozzle to high pressure and turn it on the rinse mode. You need to repeat the sweeping method and get rid of detergent residue. Tighter sweeps can help you lift heavier grime and stains. Make sure you rinse the entire surface and dry it completely. Note: You need to seek approval from TCCS if you want to change the location, size layout of your existing layout.

Seal your Driveway

Make sure you apply a sealant to lock your concrete surface for protection. Use a roller with an extension pole to coat the surface with a concrete sealant. Let it set for a full day before running your vehicle. You can look for the best experts for quality end of lease cleaning Canberra to transfer your dirty rental property into sparkling glory and impress the fussy landlord.

Wrapping Up

This is a complete guide on cleaning a dirty driveway using the pressure washing technique. It can help you improve the look of your entire house and extend the lifespan of your concrete surface.