Your A-iPower Pressure Washer is designed to handle a lot of tough cleaning jobs. From concrete and siding, to your car or back deck, every job is different. To get the most out of your machine you need to know how to use it on different surfaces.
With spring finally coming into full bloom, it’s the perfect time to tackle one of the biggest jobs, cleaning your driveway. Pressure washing your driveway not only removes dirt, mildew and oil stains that can damage it over time, it also looks great, adds curb appeal and can even increase the value of your home.
Here are our tips for properly cleaning your driveway:
You will need:
- A-iPower Pressure Washer
- Stiff brush
- Detergent
- Degreaser
- Plastic tarps
- Garden hose
- Cement sealer
- Long-handled roller
Step 1: Prepare for the job
Sweep up any excess dirt and debris from your driveway. Protect what needs protecting like walls and doors from accidental paint removal. Cover border plants with plastic tarp to protect them from the pressure washer stream and detergents.
Step 2: Safety first
Familiarize yourself with the safety manual and always wear proper safety gear. Under pressure, water can cause injury, debris can splash into your eyes and surfaces may become slick. Always wear safety glasses, hearing protection and closed toe shoes with good traction.
Step 3: Use the right nozzle for the job
Pressure washer nozzles are calibrated in degrees. The lower the number, the narrower and more powerful the stream. Higher numbers cover wider areas with less pressure. Start with a 40-degree nozzle for covering the driveway with water and detergent. Then use a 25-degree nozzle for the actual cleaning. For problem areas a 15-degree nozzle can be used.
Step 4: Degrease and spot clean
Before cleaning, spray the surface with a degreaser, and scrub it into the concrete using a stiff brush or broom. Any tough grease, oil, rust, or paint stains should be spot treated with concrete detergent and a strong brush. Let it sit for 10 minutes and then wash.
Step 5: Cleaning method
Start at the top of your driveway and work your way downhill. You don’t want dirty water running over the places you just cleaned. Keep the pressure washer behind you so the hose is not in your way as you go. Don’t take on a big section all at once. Work small areas so that the detergent doesn’t have time to dry leaving stains and streaks before you can wash it off. Finally, aim the spray at the center and work your way toward the edge in a sweeping, back and forth motion.
Step 6: Rinse off your plants
Even when protected, soap can get into your plants especially at the roots. Rinse them off thoroughly with your garden hose once you have finished cleaning your driveway.
Step 7: Seal the deal
Once your driveway is clean and dry, finish the job with a waterproof concrete sealer applied with a long roller. Allow 24 hours before driving or parking on the surface.
With your A-iPower Pressure washer you can now add your driveway to your spring cleaning list. Following our tips will restore the look of your driveway adding years to its lifetime and enviable curb appeal to your home.