It is inevitable that over time, your driveway will become stained and discolored. There are a number of ways to clean your driveway, but not all methods are created equal. Pressure washing is one of the most effective ways to clean your driveway, and it can be done relatively easily with the right equipment. If you don’t have access to a pressure washer, you can still clean your driveway using a garden hose and some elbow grease.
Let’s go over the best way to clean your driveway and what you need to do it. We’ll also talk about some of the common problems people have with driveway cleaning and how to avoid them.
Pressure Washing
Driveways can be cleaned by Pressure Washing, which is using high-pressure water to remove dirt, grime, and other debris from the surface. It is important to know how to pressure wash your driveway correctly, as using too much pressure can damage the concrete.
First, let’s talk about what you need to clean your driveway. You’ll need a pressure washer, a broom, and some detergent. The pressure washer will make short work of any dirt or grime on your driveway, and the broom will help you get into all of the nooks and crannies. The detergent will help to break down any oil or grease that may be on your driveway.
Now that you have all of the supplies you need, let’s talk about how to use them. First, you’ll want to wet your driveway with the pressure washer. Then, you’ll want to add some detergent to the washer and turn it on. Let the detergent sit on the driveway for a few minutes before you start scrubbing with the broom. Once you’ve scrubbed the entire driveway, you can rinse it off with the pressure washer.
If you are using a power washer to clean your driveway, be sure to start with the lowest pressure setting. Using a setting that is too high can damage the surface of your driveway.
Here’s how to pressure wash your driveway:
1. Fill a bucket with warm water and dish soap.
2. Attach your garden hose to the pressure washer.
3. Turn on the water and start spraying the soapy water onto the driveway.
4. Use a brush to scrub the stained areas of the driveway.
5. Rinse the driveway with clean water from the pressure washer.
6. Allow the driveway to air dry.
Manual Cleaning
If you don’t have a pressure washer, you can still clean your driveway using a garden hose and some elbow grease. Here’s how:
1. Fill a bucket with warm water and dish soap.
2. Use a brush to scrub the stained areas of the driveway.
3. Attach your garden hose to the faucet.
4. Rinse the driveway with clean water from the hose.
5. Allow the driveway to air dry.
Cleaning Solutions
There are a variety of driveway cleaning detergents available on the market. However, not all of them are created equal. When choosing a detergent, it is important to consider the type of stain you are trying to remove. For example, if you are trying to remove oil stains from your driveway, you will need a different detergent than if you are trying to remove rust stains. Some common types of driveway cleaning chemicals and solutions that you might want to use include:
1. Bleach: Bleach is a strong chemical that can be used to clean tough stains. However, it can also damage surfaces if not used correctly. Always read the labels carefully and test on a small area first before using bleach on your entire driveway.
2. Vinegar: Vinegar is a mild acid that can be used to clean paving stones, concrete, and brick. It is also effective at removing mildew and mold.
3. Baking soda: Baking soda is a gentle cleanser that can be used on a variety of surfaces. It is also effective at absorbing odors.
When using any type of chemical cleaner, it is important to follow the usage instructions carefully. Read the labels carefully and always test the cleaner on a small area first to make sure it will not damage the surface. In addition, always wear gloves and protective eyewear when handling chemicals.
Professional Driveway Cleaning
You might want a professional to clean your driveway if it is very dirty or if you don’t have the time to do it yourself. There are a few things to keep in mind when you are hiring a professional driveway cleaning service:
1. Make sure that the company is insured and licensed. This will protect you in case of any damages that may occur during the cleaning process.
2. Ask for references. Talk to other homeowners who have used the company’s services to get an idea of their level of satisfaction.
3. Get a written estimate. This will give you an idea of the cost of the project and will help you compare different companies.
Chemicals Used By Professionals
The Chemicals a Professional Driveway Cleaner might use include:
1. Chlorine Bleach: A common cleaner, but must be used with care as it can damage surfaces.
2. Hydrochloric Acid: Used to clean concrete and stone, as well as remove rust stains.
3. Sodium Hydroxide: Also known as caustic soda, this chemical is used to clean grease and oil stains.
4. Lactic Acid: A gentle acid that can be used on a variety of surfaces. It is also effective at removing mildew and mold.
5. Muriatic Acid: A strong acid that is used to clean brick and stone. It can also be used to remove rust stains.
Acids should always be used with caution, as they can damage surfaces if not used properly. If you are using acids to clean your driveway, be sure to wear gloves and protective eyewear when handling them. In addition, be sure to rinse the area well after cleaning to remove any residual acid. Working with acids is probably a job best left to the professionals.
How Much Does Driveway Cleaning Cost?
The cost to pressure wash a driveway varies from $180 to $240 on a national average basis, with the typical cost to a homeowner being around $225 for a driveway that is 600 square feet in size. The cost of driveway cleaning will vary depending on the size of the driveway and the type of cleaner used. However, most professionals charge by the square foot.
It is important to note that some cleaners may require a higher price per square foot due to the type of chemicals used. Always ask for a breakdown of the costs before having your driveway cleaned.
