Pressure washing guide
How to pressure wash a driveway
A properly pressure washed driveway can look completely transformed in a few hours. This step-by-step guide covers the preparation, equipment, technique and finishing steps to get the best result on any driveway surface.
Pressure washing a driveway is one of the most satisfying exterior cleaning jobs there is, particularly in London where pollution and rainfall mean driveways get dirty quickly. The process is not complicated, but getting it right depends on using the correct pressure setting for your surface, working methodically and completing the post-clean steps that determine how long the result lasts.
2,500 to 3,000
PSI needed for effective concrete and block paving driveway cleaning
6 to 7 hrs
typical time for a professional to clean an average-sized driveway to a high standard
Spring
best time of year to pressure wash a driveway in the UK for optimal drying conditions and lasting results
Equipment and preparation
Before starting, gather everything you need and prepare the driveway. Starting without the right equipment or skipping preparation steps wastes time and produces a worse result.
Equipment needed
Pressure washer (2,000+ PSI minimum for concrete, lower for block paving or tarmac) • Surface cleaner attachment for large areas • 25 or 40-degree fan nozzle • Stiff broom • Safety goggles and waterproof footwear
Preparation steps
Move all vehicles off the driveway • Remove plant pots, bins and items from the area • Sweep away loose debris and grit • Pre-treat any oil stains with a degreaser or baking soda • Wet adjacent plants and lawn
How to pressure wash a driveway: step by step
Step 1: Pre-treat oil stains
Apply a degreaser or baking soda paste to any oil stains and leave for at least 20 minutes before pressure washing. Oil that is not pre-treated will simply be spread across the surface by the water pressure.
Step 2: Apply cleaning solution if needed
For heavily stained or long-neglected driveways, apply a biodegradable patio cleaner or TFR and allow it to dwell for 5 to 10 minutes before washing. For routine cleans, water pressure alone is usually sufficient.
Step 3: Work methodically from the top
Start at the highest point of the driveway and work downwards so dirty water runs ahead of you rather than back over cleaned areas. Work in overlapping passes and keep moving continuously to avoid streaking.
Step 4: Use a surface cleaner attachment for large areas
A surface cleaner attachment with rotating twin jets covers flat areas quickly and evenly, eliminating the stripe effect that a hand-held wand can leave on concrete and block paving.
Step 5: Final rinse
Complete with a thorough rinse to clear any remaining dirty water, cleaning solution residue and loosened debris from the surface and drain area.
Step 6: Re-sand block paving
If the driveway is block paving, allow it to dry fully then brush kiln-dried sand into the joints to restabilise the blocks. This step should never be skipped after pressure washing block paving.
PSI guide for different driveway surfaces
Recommended PSI range by driveway surface type
Always start at the lower end of the range and increase only if needed. Test in a discreet area first.
Professional pressure washing London
Let Cloud Nine clean your driveway properly
Cloud Nine cleans driveways of all surface types across London using commercial-grade equipment and the correct pressure settings for each material. We handle re-sanding, handle wastewater responsibly and deliver results that last. Contact us for a free quote.
Part of our guide
Pressure washing help and guidance
Everything you need to know about pressure washing for London homes and businesses, from surface types to costs and what to expect from a professional clean.
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