How to Pressure Wash Your Driveway
Erase years of wear and tear from your driveway in just a few simple steps with a pressure washer.
![Refresh Your Driveway With a Power Wash Driveway with a child's car after it has been power washed.](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2011/2/8/0/original-Brian-Patrick-Flynn_How-To-Pressure-Wash-Driveway-Beauty_s4x3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1400961266693.jpeg)
Tools and Materials:
- broom
- stiff brush
- pressure washer
- pressure-washer detergent
- bottle of spray degreaser
- safety manual
- safety gloves
- plastic sheeting
- painter's tape
- 50-ft. garden hose
- paint tray
- waterproof sealer
- extender pole
- roller cover
- roller handle
1. Sweep Surface
Clear debris and excess dirt or dust from surface using a broom.
![First impressions run deep especially when it comes to your home's curb appeal. Thus, over time, a driveway can begin to look dirty, dingy and worn. Consider pressure washing it for a fresh, clean look.](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2011/2/8/1/original-Brian-Patrick-Flynn_How-To-Pressure-Wash-Driveway-Before_s3x4.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.822.85.suffix/1400962507017.jpeg)
![The first step in power washing a driveway is to clear debris and excess dirt or dust from its surface using a broom. This also prevents any loose material, such as small stones, to interfere with the pressure washer.](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2011/2/8/0/original-Brian-Patrick-Flynn_How-To-Pressure-Wash-Driveway-Step1-Sweep-Driveway_s4x3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1400961218863.jpeg)
2. Protect Exterior Walls and Doors
Cover nearby exterior walls and doors with plastic sheeting and painter’s tape. This will protect doors and walls from loose debris as well as any accidental paint or stain removal from the pressure washer.
![Protect Home's Exterior with Plastic Before Power Washing Driveway Man covering window with plastic before power washing a driveway.](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2011/2/8/1/original-Brian-Patrick-Flynn_How-To-Pressure-Wash-Driveway-Step2-Protect-Surfaces_s4x3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1400962571229.jpeg)
3. Read Safety Manual
Thoroughly read the proper steps pertinent to your specific pressure washer. Each is different and may require special preparation, assembly or attachments.
4. Degrease Surface
Ensure proper cleaning by spraying concrete with a bottle of spray degreaser, keeping a distance of 6 inches from the surface. Scrub degreaser into the concrete using a stiff brush or pressure-washer attachment tool.
![BPF_original_pressure-wash_step-3-read-safety-manual_h Step 4: Degrease surface
Ensure proper cleaning by spraying concrete with bottle of spray degreaser, keeping a distance of 6-inches from surface. Scrub degreaser into concrete using stiff brush or pressure washer attachment tool.](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgrm/fullset/2013/7/11/2/BPF_original_pressure-wash_step-3-read-safety-manual_h.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1405422906513.jpeg)
Brian Patrick Flynn
5. Attach Spray Wand Tip for Detergent
First, select a tip designated for washing often labeled “soap.” Then snap it into place at the head of the spray wand.
![BPF_original_pressure-wash_step-5-attach-spray-wand-tip-for-detergent_h First, select tip designated for washing, often labeled “soap”. Then snap into place at head of spray wand.](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgrm/fullset/2013/7/11/4/BPF_original_pressure-wash_step-5-attach-spray-wand-tip-for-detergent_h.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1409177715782.jpeg)
Brian Patrick Flynn
6. Attach Hoses
Connect supplied pressure-washer hose and wand to pressure washer. Next, attach a 50-foot garden hose to the pressure washer’s water supply, then turn on the water.
![Pressure Wash Step 6: Attach Hoses DIY Professional Pressure Washing](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2013/7/11/3/BPF_original_pressure-wash_step-6-attach-hoses_h.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1400981016309.jpeg)
7. Prepare Pressure Washer for Detergent
Place detergent siphon tube, usually supplied with and attached to pressure washer, directly into detergent container. Once the pressure washer is crank-started, the tube will immediately bring detergent into the water stream of the spray wand.
![BPF_original_pressure-wash_step-7-prepare-pressure-washer-for-detergent_h Place detergent siphon tube, usually supplied with and attached to pressure washer, directly into detergent container. Once pressure washer is crank-started, tube will immediately bring detergent into water stream of spray wand.](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgrm/fullset/2013/7/11/3/BPF_original_pressure-wash_step-7-prepare-pressure-washer-for-detergent_h.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1405474201058.jpeg)
Brian Patrick Flynn
8. Spray Detergent
Protect hands with safety gloves, then apply the detergent by holding down the spray handle, keeping a consistent distance of 8 to 18 inches from concrete. Work your way back and forth in a smooth, controlled manner, overlapping each stroke by 6 to 8 inches. Let the sprayed detergent sit on the surface for 5 minutes.
![BPF_original_pressure-wash_step-8-spray-detergent_h Protect hands with safety gloves, then apply detergent by holding down spray handle, keeping a consistent distance of 8 to 18-inches from concrete. Work your way back and forth in a smooth, controlled manner, overlapping each stroke by 6 to 8 inches. Let sprayed detergent sit on surface for 5 minutes.](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgrm/fullset/2013/7/11/4/BPF_original_pressure-wash_step-8-spray-detergent_h.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1409168998514.jpeg)
Brian Patrick Flynn
9. Pressure-Wash Concrete
Change the tip labeled “soap” to the tip labeled “25 degrees.” Pressure-wash concrete by holding down the spray handle, working your way back and forth from one side of the concrete surface to the other, overlapping each stroke by 6 to 8 inches. For tougher stains such as paint, hold the tip 3 to 4 inches from the concrete surface, moving with slower, nearly still strokes to ensure removal.
![Change tip labeled âsoapâ to tip labeled â25 degreeâ. Pressure wash concrete by holding down spray handle, working your way back and forth from one side of concrete surface to the other, overlapping each stroke by 6 to 8 inches. TIP: For tougher stains such as paint, hold tip 3 to 4 inches from concrete surface, moving with slower, nearly still strokes to ensure removal.](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgrm/fullset/2013/7/11/0/BPF_original_pressure-wash_step-9a-pressure-wash-concrete_h.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1405382421278.jpeg)
Brian Patrick Flynn
![Change tip labeled âsoapâ to tip labeled â25 degreeâ. Pressure wash concrete by holding down spray handle, working your way back and forth from one side of concrete surface to the other, overlapping each stroke by 6 to 8 inches. TIP: For tougher stains such as paint, hold tip 3 to 4 inches from concrete surface, moving with slower, nearly still strokes to ensure removal.](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgrm/fullset/2013/7/11/0/BPF_original_pressure-wash_step-9b-pressure-wash-concrete_h.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1405376833079.jpeg)
Brian Patrick Flynn
![Change tip labeled âsoapâ to tip labeled â25 degreeâ. Pressure wash concrete by holding down spray handle, working your way back and forth from one side of concrete surface to the other, overlapping each stroke by 6 to 8 inches. TIP: For tougher stains such as paint, hold tip 3 to 4 inches from concrete surface, moving with slower, nearly still strokes to ensure removal.](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgrm/fullset/2013/7/11/4/BPF_original_pressure-wash_step-9c-pressure-wash-concrete_h.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1405494574804.jpeg)
Brian Patrick Flynn
![Change tip labeled “soap” to tip labeled “25 degree”. Pressure wash concrete by holding down spray handle, working your way back and forth from one side of concrete surface to the other, overlapping each stroke by 6 to 8 inches. TIP: For tougher stains such as paint, hold tip 3 to 4 inches from concrete surface, moving with slower, nearly still strokes to ensure removal.](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgrm/fullset/2013/7/11/5/BPF_original_pressure-wash_step-9e-pressure-wash-concrete_h.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1409188804023.jpeg)
Brian Patrick Flynn
![Change tip labeled âsoapâ to tip labeled â25 degreeâ. Pressure wash concrete by holding down spray handle, working your way back and forth from one side of concrete surface to the other, overlapping each stroke by 6 to 8 inches. TIP: For tougher stains such as paint, hold tip 3 to 4 inches from concrete surface, moving with slower, nearly still strokes to ensure removal.](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgrm/fullset/2013/7/11/2/BPF_original_pressure-wash_step-9d-pressure-wash-concrete_h.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1405446733003.jpeg)
Brian Patrick Flynn
10. Seal Concrete
Pour waterproof sealer into paint pan, add roller cover to roller handle, and attach extender pole. Next, starting in the middle of the area, roller waterproof sealer out from the middle to all edges of concrete. Allow 24 hours before parking on the surface.
![Power Wash Your Driveway: Applying Waterproof Sealer Waterproof sealer in a paint pan with roller, on exterior concrete.](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2011/2/8/0/original-Brian-Patrick-Flynn_How-To-Pressure-Wash-Driveway-Step10-Seal-Concrete_s4x3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1400961219437.jpeg)
How to Pressure Wash Almost Everything Around Your House 21 Photos
Get tips on how to power wash a variety of outdoor items including siding, decks, patios and kids' playsets. Plus, find information on buying a pressure washer, when to pressure wash and FAQs about how they work.