Cleaning your driveway with a pressure washer is a great way to boost curb appeal. It also helps reduce the buildup of mildew, mold and moss. These growths can release spores that cause respiratory distress, aggravate allergies and asthma, and may even lead to pericarditis, an inflammation of the sac that surrounds the heart.
Cost
A clean driveway can increase the value of your home and prevent safety issues like slips and falls. It can also save you money on maintenance, as regular cleaning through pressure washing can extend the life of your driveway and avoid costly replacements in the future. However, the cost of pressure cleaning can vary depending on your driveway material and other factors.
The most significant factor is your driveway’s size, as pros often charge based on square footage. Additionally, the type of driveway material affects costs – concrete and asphalt are typically the least expensive to clean because of their smooth surfaces, while gravel or paver driveways cost more due to the difficulty of loosening dirt from the gaps between stones. If your driveway has oil or grease stains, it may require additional cleaning solvents which can add to your overall cost. Be sure to consider any rental costs for a pressure washer, which usually run between $50 and $100 per day.
Safety
Whether you choose to pressure wash your driveway yourself or hire professionals, there are certain safety measures you should take. First, make sure to move anything that could be damaged by the water and chemical solutions from the area where you are working. This includes flower beds, fences, and other outdoor structures. You should also cover any items that cannot be moved with plastic sheets and secure them with painter’s tape. Wear proper safety equipment, including goggles, hearing protection, and rubber-soled work shoes.
It’s also important to test the spray of your pressure washer on a small, inconspicuous area before using it on your entire driveway. This will help you determine the optimal pressure and distance for your specific surface type. When cleaning the actual driveway, it’s best to work in sections and start at the highest point. This way, the water will flow downward and rinse away any dirt or debris. Moreover, you should always keep the nozzle moving to avoid concentrated water flows that can damage the concrete or asphalt.
Time
Having a clean driveway boosts your home’s curb appeal and increases its value. In addition, it prevents cracks and keeps mold, mildew, and moss at bay. Using a pressure washer is the fastest way to remove stubborn stains from concrete. However, it is important to follow proper safety procedures and use the right detergents.
Before starting, make sure that you’ve removed any toys or bikes from the area. Also, move any potted plants away from the driveway. If possible, cover walls and doors with painter’s tape and tarps to minimize damage from flying debris or cleaning products.
Start at the highest end of your driveway and slowly work your way down. Hold the nozzle about 10 to 12 inches away from the concrete and spray in a sweeping motion, overlapping each stroke by several inches. If necessary, you can move the nozzle closer to tackle stubborn stains. After cleaning, rinse the driveway surface. This step is especially important if you plan to seal the concrete afterwards.
Preparation
Before you start cleaning your driveway, it is important to prepare the area. You will need to clear away stones, debris, and leaves with a leaf blower or broom. It is also a good idea to cover nearby plants and doors with tarps to protect them from pressure spraying and detergents.
Before using a pressure washer, read the instruction manual to understand the proper usage and safety precautions. You should also check if your pressure washer has a siphoning tube attached to the detergent jug and is properly connected to the water supply.
To avoid damaging the surface, you should spot-treat oil and other stubborn stains with a diluted concrete detergent solution before you begin pressure washing. You can use a surface cleaner attachment on your pressure washer, which helps to disperse the water flow more evenly and lowers the risk of concrete damage. This type of nozzle also pulses and rotates the water to remove dirt and mildew more effectively.pressure clean driveway