Readers ask: How To Pressure Wash Concrete Driveways?

Can you power wash a concrete driveway?

Refresh Your Driveway With a Power Wash



Erase years of wear and tear from your driveway in just a few simple steps with a pressure washer. Power washing can remove stubborn stains and make an older driveway’s concrete sparkle.

Can you damage concrete by power washing?

When using a power washer to clean concrete, bricks or paving stones, it is possible to cause significant, visible damage, which is usually in the form of pitting, lines or general surface degradation. You can also damage the mortar between bricks and disperse the joint sand between paving stones.

What is the best thing to use to clean concrete driveway?

Mix a solution of 1 part chlorine bleach to 1 part water. Put the mixture into a garden sprayer and spray it onto the driveway. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then scrub with a stiff scrub brush. Rinse clean with water from the garden hose.

What do you use to pressure wash concrete?

To clean concrete effectively, use a power washer with a pressure rating of at least 3000 psi and a flow rate of at least 4 gallons per minute (gpm).

Should I seal my concrete driveway after pressure washing?

One way to keep your concrete driveway, walkway or walls looking good is to wash them and seal them every 2 to 3 years. Sealer also helps prevent stains from setting in on the concrete. Sealing concrete after pressure washing is similar to painting walls in your house.

Do I need to seal my driveway after pressure washing?

Yes, the driveway definately will need to be sealed. I found out the hard way after pressure washing my drive and not sealing it. The sealer closes up holes in the driveway and prevents water from freezing and cracking in the driveway. Highly recommended.

Is it bad to pressure wash your driveway?

People frequently do not realize that you can actually damage your concrete driveway, patio, or other concrete areas by pressure washing. However, using a pressure washer with the incorrect tip or using too much pressure or a combination of the two can etch concrete.

What is the best pressure washer to clean concrete?

A pressure washer with about 3 gpm and 3000 psi is ideal for most concrete and brick cleaning jobs. Choose the tip with the widest angle that still gets the job done to prevent degrading the surface of the hardscape.

Is pressure washing driveway illegal?

The clean water act gives local authorities and governments the ability to regulate “runoff water”. pressure washing your driveway creates a polluted runoff filled with potential chemicals, greases, oils, etc, that are released by the act of pressure washing. Therefore it is illegal almost everywhere.

How do you make concrete look new again?

3 Ways to Make Old Concrete Look New Again

1. Power Wash. Over time, your concrete will accumulate grime and dirt.
2. Resurface. If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to improve your curb appeal, resurfacing your concrete steps and driveway is a great way to start.
3. Add Stain or Sealing Coats.
4. Revive Your Old Concrete.

Will straight bleach harm concrete?

When applied to concrete, bleach does not harm the sturdy material. It also disinfects concrete. When using bleach, work in a well-ventilated area because the fumes from bleach can be overwhelming. Depending on your cleaning project, you might combine the bleach with detergent, dilute it with water or use it straight.

Does white vinegar clean concrete?

Yes. Vinegar makes a great cleaner for stained concrete floors. Because of its acidity, you should dilute it 50/50 with warm water to avoid damaging the floors. However, you can use small amounts of full-strength vinegar for touch stains, followed by a quick water rinse.

What is the best way to clean concrete?

Mix 1/2 cup baking soda to one gallon of water for a gentle cleaning solution. Add 1/8 cup of liquid dish detergent. Spray on patio surface, let sit for 30 minutes, then scrub and rinse. For heavily stained or mildewed patios, you may need a pressure washer.

Can I use bleach to clean concrete?

Concrete floors are commonly used in basements, patios and garages. Since these areas are prone to dirt, residue, mold or mildew, you should clean them with bleach. Bleach effectively removes many stains, deodorizes and kills mold and mildew when used properly. Allow the bleach solution to sit for five minutes.