In order to properly pressure wash your driveway, the following gear is essential.
Discover more: Why Pressure Wash Your Driveway
First of all, you need to ensure that you're not going to damage anything else. This means removing plant pots from your driveway, putting any hanging laundry away if it's laundry day, removing furniture, and vehicles, and sweeping any debris off of the surface.
The jet stream from the pressure washer hose can cause debris to fly up and hit windows and doors, so these should be protected. Using painter's tape and garbage bags or a tarp, you can cover windows and doors to protect them from dirt and debris.
Look at your pressure washer's manufacturing instructions and assemble and prepare as necessary. Every pressure washer is different, so it is crucial that you follow directions.
Put on your safety gear. This should include safety glasses or safety goggles, headphones or hearing protectors, and an outfit that is fine to get wet. Steel-cap shoes are also wise as a pressure washer has significant cleaning power and can do a lot of damage.
If you wish to use a detergent to tackle stains or organic growth, apply this now. Alternatively, you may want to use a broom to scrub the surface. Either way, it will help to remove grime from the surface, making washing and removing any stains significantly easier during the cleaning job.
You can now begin to pressure wash. Work side to side with each movement overlapping the last by about a foot. Keep the nozzle at a 45-degree angle from the floor and be sure to check what distance the instructions recommend you keep at. You want to wash the entire driveway, even the joints between stones or bricks, in order to have a clean surface.
Rinsing the surface removes dirty water, allowing you to remove any dirt or grime completely. Be sure to stop dirty water from running into the drains as this may lead to a fine.
Once rinsed, leave the ground to dry and then you may wish to use a sealant.
Explore in-depth: How Much Does Driveway Pressure Washing Cost
Remember that pressure washing is dangerous. Pressure washers are not toys and can cause serious damage, even when driveway cleaning. They can be detrimental to the surface of your driveway, and your home, and can cause physical injury.
If you do not have a pressure washer, you've never used one, or you're unsure you have the skill to pressure wash a driveway - contact professionals. Our team at NW Wash will be able to help you get your driveway clean in no time at all, without any of the risks of doing it yourself.
