If all it took were a bit of scrubbing here and there to get driveways, sidewalks, and walkways clean, pressure washing would never have been invented. However, it’s common for hardscape features of all kinds to accumulate stubborn dirt, grime, debris, fungi, and more from Mother Nature. Toss in contaminants of all kinds, and your driveway can take a cosmetic beating. You won’t be able to sweep it or hose it off. You need the power of pressure washing to blast away the gunk.

While some homeowners rent pressure washers for small projects, professional pressure washing technicians often handle these jobs because they understand how different surfaces respond to high-pressure water. Using the wrong nozzle or pressure setting can damage concrete, pavers, or surrounding landscaping, which is why many people choose experienced professionals for larger cleaning projects.

Your Preparation Matters

If you’re trying this method on your own without hiring a professional crew, there are some important considerations. Some homeowners rent a gas-powered or electric pressure washer, for example. The engine powers a water pump, which is fed by a garden hose.

The experts also advise wearing the right gear, including boots, a rain suit, waterproof gloves, and a face shield or safety goggles. Next, prep the driveway by removing potted plants nearby, and use a leaf blower to remove stones or debris. Move bicycles or toys out of the area.

Carefully read the instructions for using your power washer since the device is very powerful and can damage concrete if too high a setting is used.

Apply Degreaser First

Professional pressure washers recommend applying a degreaser first to loosen stains on your concrete driveways, sidewalks, or walkways. This can be an effective step in the pre-cleaning process. Some pressure washers feature an attachment tool for applying the degreaser. Otherwise, scrub the formula into the concrete using a stiff-bristle brush or push broom.

Clean the Concrete

Here’s an important rule of thumb: For applying the detergent, use the low-pressure nozzle. For rinsing it off, use a high-pressure nozzle.

Point the wand at your surface, and press the trigger. The best technique is to sweep the nozzle back and forth across the concrete, overlapping each stroke. Once the detergent has been applied over the entire driveway or sidewalk, allow it to stand for about 15 minutes.

For rinsing, set your machine to rinse mode, and “blast away” with the sweeping pattern you used for the detergent process. Rinse off all the detergent, and let the concrete dry.

“Seal” the Deal

Expert pressure washers recommend protecting your driveway, sidewalk, and walkway surfaces with a concrete sealant to prevent future staining. Apply the sealant with a nap roller and an extension pole to coat the surfaces. The sealant will require a full day to cure before these surfaces can be used for walking or driving.

Pressure washing can transform many exterior surfaces. When used correctly, it removes stubborn stains, pollutants, dirt, and grime from concrete hardscapes. When you need pressure washing services in Corvallis, OR, contact Under Pressure.