If you’ve been looking for advice on power washing a driveway, then this guide is for you. The objective of power washing is to remove rubber, dirt, oil and other debris which collects on your driveway. If left alone, this grime will begin to erode your driveway and ultimately destroy it. In addition, dirt and grime on your driveway looks unsightly and can be brought into your house by feet.

By following our step by step guide on how to power wash a driveway, you will end up with a clean and safe driveway to be proud of.

The first step in power washing a driveway is to decide whether to rent or buy a pressure washer. This is a personal investment decision. For most people, power washing two or more times a year would mean that purchasing a pressure washer is cost efficient.

The frequency with which you need to pressure wash a driveway will be influenced by:

1. If you have trees nearby, especially trees which produce lots of sap.
2. If you have a driveway that gets a lot of oil stains or grease.
3. How clean you wish your driveway to look throughout the year.

Whether to rent or buy a pressure washer is a key investment decision. Here are the criteria to consider when making a decision:

1. Do you have the initial cash outlay to buy a pressure washer?
2. What is the rental price versus the purchase price for your pressure washer of choice?
3. How often per year will you need to use the pressure washer? (Frequent use will bring a swift economic return from an outright purchase)
4. Do you know anybody else who needs to use a pressure washer? Perhaps you could co-own a pressure washer and save costs.
5. Do you have the space to store a pressure washer?
6. Do you want a hot or cold water pressure washer? (N.B. Hot water pressure washers are more abrasive and more efficient at cleaning, especially for grease). http://www.ultimatewasher.com/hot-pressure-washers.htm

For a 2000 PSI pressure washer, rental would cost from about $50-$70 for up to a day. http://ezinearticles.com/?Should-You-Rent-Or-Buy-a-Pressure-Washer?&id=2782981

To buy a good quality 2000 PSI http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pounds_per_square_inch pressure washer brand new will typically cost approximately $300. http://www.shopping.com/xPO-Psi_2000_Psi_Pressure_Washer Prices for new pressure washers vary significantly. Typically, from a quality perspective, you get what you pay for. Prices run between $100 to $500.

Good places to buy a pressure washer include:

1. Lowes http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productList&N=4294961544&Ne=4294967294&Ntk=i_products&Ntt=pressure+washer
2. Nextag http://www.nextag.com/husky-pressure-washer/stores-html

Good places to rent a Pressure Washer include:

1. Home Depot http://www.homedepotrents.com/index_diy.asp
2. United Rentals http://www.ur.com/index.php/equipment/rental/browse/?category=Pressure+Washers+%26+Pumps

N.B. If your drive is made from concrete then a suggested pressure washer of a minimum 2400 PSI is recommended. http://www.amazingmachinery.com/pressure-washer-how-to-driveway.html

Prior to setting up the pressure washer, it is advisable to remove any obstacles from your driveway. Items such as cars, toys, furniture, ornaments and especially pets should be placed well out of the way of the washer. The pressure used is sufficiently high that damage and injury can be caused to any obstacles which are in contact.

Choosing the correct tip is essential for obtaining the best results from your power wash. Detailed below are a list of the main tips and their uses: http://www.amazingmachinery.com/pressure-washer-how-to-driveway.html

1. 0% Red – This tip is perfect for concrete and metal surfaces. It is not recommended to use this tip with wooden surfaces, where the spray is too powerful and can cause damage
2. 15% Yellow – This is a heavy duty tip. Suggested uses include cleaning concrete areas and driveways.
3. 25% Green – A lower impact tip, ideal uses include cleaning decking, sidings, and the family car.
4. 40% White – This tip has the lowest pressure. Use this tip for sensitive work, rinsing out and the cleansing of gutters

Red and Yellow tips tend to be the most frequently used tips for the pressure washing of driveways.

Pre-treating any area of the driveway with sawdust and/or degreaser is an excellent way to prepare for the removal of stubborn stains. http://www.ultimatewasher.com/pressure-washing-driveways.htm It is best to treat the affected areas and allow at least ten to fifteen minutes before you commence pressure washing.

Oil soaking mats will absorb oil, greases, gas and various chemicals, but will still let water through into storm drains via a filter system. http://howtopressurewashing.blogspot.com/ Fines of up to $50,000 are payable for breach of The Clean Water Act and other EPA http://www.mahalo.com/epa regulations. http://www.epa.gov/ http://www.pressurewashcompany.com/EPA_compliant_pressure_washing.html

Be sure to select the correct tap. A hot tap is suitable for a hot water pressure washer and a cold tap is suitable for a cold water pressure washer.

Check the pressure washer to ensure it has sufficient fuel.

Be sure to attach the garden hose to the inlet port, and the spray hose to the outlet port.

Always read the instruction manual before using a pressure washer for the first time.

Start with a low pressure nozzle first. If you’re unhappy with the low pressure then you can switch to a higher pressure nozzle later.

When you are all set, turn the pressure washer on.

It is a good idea to undertake a test of the pressure washer by spraying a small, inconspicuous area of your driveway prior to a full clean. This will also help you gauge the best distance of the cleaning nozzle to your driveway in order to maximise the efficiency of a full clean.

Never aim the pressure washer at another person and/or pet. Pressure washers are capable of inflicting serious injuries. Many people have made the mistake of joking about with pressure washers in the past and have regretted doing so.

Once you have completed a small test, start washing at the highest point of your drive way. This allows dirty water to flow away from your home.

If you are using a hot water pressure washer, ensure that you do not leave the hose on grass as it will burn if left for too long.

Walk steadily, and pace sections about a foot to each side of you. Continue this until you reach the end of your drive way. Once complete, return to your starting position, mark your next section and repeat.

Certain areas may require more time than others, depending on the amount of grime and dirt that has collected.

Once complete, give your driveway one last rinse and allow to dry 24-48 hours before applying any sealers or paint.

Areas which have been splashed (e.g. sidings, garage doors, etc) can be washed down with a white or green tip at the end of the pressure wash.