Each house in the neighborhood has different reasons why they pressure wash. Some just got a new one and they seem cooler. For some, they want to increase their home’s curb appeal and think it’s a great deal of help. And of course, those who are annoyed when it’s worn and dirty each time you pull up in your car.
You’re in the perfect place if you want to pressure wash your brick or concrete driveway because you will learn EXACTLY how to:
- Eliminate the oil, filth, dirt, and mildew stains that harm it over time.
- Bringing it back to its previous visual splendor can boost the curb appeal of your house (and dollar value)
- Save yourself the $10,000 cost of a brand-new driveway’s appearance and functionality.
You should be aware that there IS a legitimate way to pressure wash your concrete or brick driveway before starting a full-blown DIY endeavor.
Depending on the type of driveway you have, view either the concrete or brick video below. Step-by-step explanations of the procedures to follow are provided beneath each video.
HOW TO CORRECTLY POWER WASH A DRIVEWAY
7 Steps To Pressure Wash a Concrete Surface
- Remove anything in the area that can interfere with pressure washing, including children’s toys, automobiles, and other objects.
- Attach the garden hose and the 25-degree nozzle will help you get your cleaner ready. Turn it on now, and sweep your driveway to get rid of any loose objects like pebbles, grass, and any small branches or leaves from trees.
- Apply the detergent. To find out which one is suggested to use with your specific washer, be sure to read your machine’s manual. At this time, make sure to secure the low pressure soaping nozzle to your sprayer.
- Allow the cleaning solution to do its magic on the driveway for around 5 minutes.
- The detergent is now prepared to blast away all of the filth and grime after breaking down the tenacious grime, mildew, and asphalt stains. The suggested approach uses a pressure washer surface cleaner attachment. Because a surface cleaner attachment spreads the water over a broader area, it will finish quicker and more effectively. This lowers the risk of concrete damage from high pressure while simultaneously pulsing the flow to more easily “tear” the dirt and grime from the surface.
- The water flow is altered similarly using a rotational nozzle to how a surface cleaner is used. The water flow is pulsed or rotated to more effectively push and scrape dirt and filth from the surface. Use one to clean up the grimy spots and extremely difficult stains.
- Now the driveway ought to be tidy. It is prepared for the last rinse, which will remove the detergent. Your spray wand should be fitted with the 25-degree nozzle after you thoroughly rinse it.
A Few Points To Remember:
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
Pay attention to where the water you use to clean your driveway’s runoff is going. You most certainly don’t reside in a neighborhood with a sewer system. The likelihood that water entering a storm drain will end up in a nearby stream is higher. Would you prefer to contaminate that stream by washing the chemicals and oil off your driveway? You may direct all of the wash water to your lawn, where it would absorb. You could close the storm drain and then sweep away the solids when the water has completely evaporated or you can vacuum it up.
SAFETY
High pressure water carries concerns as usual. Because a surface cleaner contains the jet stream inside the machine, using one lowers danger. Wear safety glasses, and pay attention to your surroundings. As you focus on the edge of your driveway, avoid backing up into the road since automobiles may be approaching from the opposite direction. Here are seven safety guidelines for using pressure washers.
USER MANUAL
To use a pressure washer correctly, always read the handbook that came with it. and in particular to understand which chemicals can be used safely in the detergent tank.
3 Easy Steps To Pressure Clean A Brick Driveway
- Put water on the brick driveway and let it soak. Use the most sensitive spray nozzle for this. The idea behind this is to completely moisten the brick surface in order to prevent detergent absorption.
- Apply the appropriate detergent now using the appropriate nozzle, being sure to cover the entire surface. Allow it to do its thing for five minutes, making sure to keep the area damp.
- To get rid of all the filth, grime, mildew, and detergent, attach the 25-degree rinse nozzle now. Less pressure on the brick and more detergent are the keys. It’s important not to damage the mortar which is strong but the weak point in a brick driveway.
Use The Right Pressure Washer.
A medium-duty gas or electric pressure washer can complete the task quickly and effectively. Although more expensive, a gas will finish it sooner. An electric requires an electric cord to be plugged in and is less powerful, quieter, and more affordable.
Let’s continue with the purchase assistance. It’s simple to select the ideal pressure washer for cleaning a concrete or brick driveway. Your decision will depend on how you respond to the following three queries:
- Is cost the most crucial element?
Yes, if your only concern is price, use a medium-duty electric.
No, move on to the next question.
- Is simplicity of use and lack of upkeep the most crucial aspect?
Yes, you’ll want an electric powered pressure washer if you don’t want to bother with gasoline, oil, air filters, or routine maintenance.
No – Continue reading
- Is the ability to be lightweight, robust, and powerful enough for any task around the house the deciding factor?
Yes, because they don’t need to be connected to an electrical outlet, gas pressure washers are more portable. Due to the better pump and robust engine that can be provided on it because of the higher initial cost, they will also last longer.
Now that you know if you want gas or electricity, how about cleaning ability? Cleaning units are used to quantify cleaning power:
A 2,000 PSI electric machine with 1.8 GPM has 3,600 CUs.
The GPM determines how quickly you can do the work, so it is by far the more crucial aspect when power washing concrete and brick roads. An electric pressure washer will need two hours to clear a driveway large enough for four automobiles. With a gas-powered machine, the same driveway might be cleaned in 30 minutes.
THE BEST OPTION FOR DRIVEWAY CLEANING FOR MOST PEOPLE
- Small and Compact. I was rather amazed by how small and compact it is when I first purchased it a few weeks ago at the store. Although much smaller than a wheelbarrow, it is nevertheless very portable. Additionally, everything feels robust and durable; nothing jingles or seems flimsy when you move it.
- Honda engine. If you’ve ever owned a lot of power tools, you’re probably already familiar with Honda compact engines. Thus, performing the maintenance will be simple. Hondas also simply function: They start on the first try, have a smooth sound, and are quiet for their size.
- Best value for your money. FNA Group is the parent firm of Simpson Cleaning. They manufacture a variety of pressure washer brands in their sizable Arkansas factory. They can cut costs by using a single assembly line, which they can then pass through to you. They provide the greatest value for your money.
