Are you worried about how to pressure wash your driveway this weekend? If yes, then don’t worry as you are in the right place. There are many pressure washing equipments available in the market but without proper knowledge of how to use them, the less experienced face a lot of problems. Now the big question is, how to pressure wash your driveway effectively? As mentioned before, pressure washing tools like water broom, stiff brush, pressure washer, detergent, spray degreaser, 50 feet garden hose pipe, safety gloves, Plastic sheet to cover the completed area, paint tray, roller cover and handle, extender pole etc are the required stuffs to complete the washing activity with perfection. Before starting, you need to learn the following steps to clean your home and driveway properly.
Exteriors and Walls
Pressure washing is a quick way to clean your home’s exterior. It is an inexpensive way to improve the look but if you are not repainting the walls, then be sure not to damage the paint. As the first step, cover the doors, frames and windows with plastic sheet and painter’s tape. This protects the area from debris that falls off during pressure cleaning and accidental paint stain while repainting. Secondly, if there are oil or grease stains, remove them using degreaser spray. Make sure you stay away from the surface at least by 6 inches. If the dirt hard and stain is deep, chemicals, cleaners, and detergent need to be added to the water. Once the equipment is arranged as per the manual, hold the spray handle down and then start. Work your hands in a controlled way back and forth overlapping strokes by 8 inches. The detergent needs to sit on the surface for a while before getting power washed with pressurized water. Use the correct nozzle as per requirement. Once the walls dry, you can repaint the walls.
Washing Driveway
Now do you want to know how to pressure wash your driveway? Driveways can accumulate more dirt, oil and grease stains that are a bit hard to clean with just a stream of pressurized water. Nozzles like, rotary turbo releases water into a fine stream and also rotates this stream to cover wide area thereby helping to clean concrete bricks and pavers quickly. If you wish to cover more volume in less time, use a water broom that has nozzles across a bar cleaning more area in one pass. First, sweep the driveway with a broom to remove simple dirt that becomes messy with water. Once swept clean, apply degreaser spray on oil, grease or antifreeze stains. Now power washing helps to evacuate the dirt and stains to the maximum extent. Use the 25-degree nozzle and your hands must move in back and forth regular movements with enough overlap that avoids zebra strokes. It is a good practice to apply a waterproof sealer after the driveway dries.
Removing Hard stains
Anyone visiting your home notices the driveway first. Hence, hard stains like antifreeze, oil, tire marks, etc. need special cleaning skills. It is best practice to target a fresh stain immediately. Oil grease gets cleared immediately if absorbents like baking soda are poured on the stain. This can be allowed to stay for some time and after that power wash with detergent for good results. Hot tires leave a black mark on sealed concrete driveways. Chemical solvents along with heavy scrubbing are needed for removing such stains. Once this stain is gone, pressure washing maintains the driveway’s neatness. Resealing after a round of good cleaning helps to protect your driveway for a long time. Let the driveway dry for some time before applying resealing paint.
Safety Tips
· When activating the nozzle of the pressure washer keeps a close watch on the direction of the nozzle. Make sure you keep it away from fellow people, windows, hanging frames, doors, and screens. Always point water jet at the ground while pulling the trigger first as it is a safe practice.
· Check the wind direction as it can blow the stuff back at you and can hurt you. Also as water conducts electricity, be careful when you are near electricity service panel or meter boards, etc.
· If you are using a gas-powered pressure washer remember not to touch the muffler.
· Check if the cleaning system is attached properly. Once activated the system is under pressure and if any item dismantles and pops it can be brutal, and you are the one to face its wrath first.
· Not every cleaning job requires highest pressure setting. Cleaning the home and walls require less pressure but efficient nozzle variants like water broom or rotary nozzle must be used. A driveway with dirt and grease requires high-pressure setting and pointed nozzle for quick dirt evacuation.
· Know your machine’s limits and do not push it too much. Stains like oil spots, fertilizers, rust, and acorn are impossible to remove and hence don’t strain yourselves.
· Inspect your home and driveway once you have completed the washing around doors, windows, and trim area to check for paint peel off or visible damage.
· If it’s a big house or a huge driveway you should call for professional assistance as the work is too large and complicated. Do not overdo yourself as you need your precious time for your family and friend.
Following these simple yet useful tips on how to pressure wash your driveway, you can easily learn the art of pressure washing and can perform well even at your first attempt. Learn how VT Mobile can pressure wash your drive in Sugar Land by visiting their pressure washing in Sugar Land page.