Pressure washing your driveway is an important part of keeping it looking its best. However, if you’re not careful, you can easily damage the surface. 

Here are ten major mistakes you might be making when pressure washing your driveway:

1. Not Pressure Washing Your Driveway Regularly Enough

If you want to keep your driveway looking its best, you need to pressure wash it regularly. Depending on the type of material your driveway is made from and how much traffic it gets, you may need to pressure wash it as often as once a month or as little as once every few years.

2. Skipping The Pre-Wash Stage

Before you start pressure washing your driveway, it’s important to give it a thorough pre-wash. This will help remove any loose dirt and debris that could be blasted into the surface by the pressure washer.

3. Not Starting With A Clean Surface

Before pressure washing your driveway, it’s important to remove any loose dirt and debris. Otherwise, you’ll just be moving around the dirt and not cleaning your driveway.

4. Not Using The Right Cleaners

If you’re using a pressure washer, it’s important to choose the right cleaning solution for the job. There are a variety of cleaners available for pressure washing, but not all of them are suitable for driveways.

Make sure to use a cleaner that is specifically designed for concrete or asphalt surfaces. Be sure to read the labels carefully to make sure you’re choosing the right one for your needs.

5. Using Too Much Pressure

One of the most common mistakes people make when pressure washing their driveway is applying too much pressure. This can damage the surface of your driveway and leave unsightly marks. Instead, start with a lower pressure setting and increase the pressure gradually until you find the right balance.

6. Not Using A Nozzle With A Fan Tip

A nozzle with a fan tip will help to evenly distribute the water pressure and prevent streaks.

7. Moving The Nozzle Too Close To The Surface

Another common mistake is holding the pressure washer nozzle too close to the surface of your driveway.  If you get too close to the surface, you can damage it with high pressure. This can strip away the top layer of your driveway, leaving it vulnerable to damage.

Instead, hold the nozzle several inches away from the surface and move it slowly back and forth. Hold the nozzle about 10-12 inches from the surface.

8. Moving The Nozzle In The Wrong Direction

When pressure washing your driveway, be sure to move the nozzle in a sweeping motion from one side to the other. Do not move it in a circular motion, as this can damage the surface of your driveway.

9. Not Rinsing Thoroughly

Rinse your driveway completely after washing it to remove all traces of cleaner and avoid streaking. 

After you’ve finished pressure washing your driveway, it’s important to rinse off any leftover detergent. If you don’t, this can leave behind a sticky residue that will attract dirt and grime. Be sure to rinse the area thoroughly with clean water before you call it a day.

10. Not Sealing Your Driveway

After pressure washing, it’s important to seal your driveway to protect it from weather damage and stains. Choose a sealer that is specifically designed for concrete or asphalt driveways.

By following these simple tips, you can avoid making common mistakes that can damage your driveway. Pressure washing your driveway is an important part of keeping it looking its best, so be sure to do it right.

If you want to hire a pressure washing company, why not find out more here.