A driveway is the largest visible exterior surface most homes have, and it ages faster than the house itself. Daily tire traffic, oil drips, road grime tracked in by the seasons, and the algae that loves the seam between concrete and shade — all of it shows. The good news: with the right approach, concrete cleans up remarkably well.
Why a Surface Cleaner Beats a Wand
A pressure wand cleans in a single high-pressure stream. On a big flat surface, that means visible "tiger striping" wherever the passes overlap unevenly. A surface cleaner is a circular attachment that holds the nozzles at a fixed height and rotates them — producing an even, consistent finish across the whole driveway. It's faster, more uniform, and the difference is obvious when you look at the result.
Pre-Treatment for Stains
High pressure alone won't lift everything. The pros pre-treat for specific stains:
- Oil and grease: a dedicated degreaser, applied 10-15 minutes before pressure washing
- Rust from fertilizer or metal furniture: an oxalic-acid-based cleaner
- Algae and mildew: a soft-wash solution that kills the organism so it doesn't come right back
- Tire marks: degreaser followed by a citrus-based cleaner before pressure
Brick Pavers Need a Different Approach
Brick pavers can take pressure, but the jointing sand between them can't. Too much PSI or the nozzle held too close blows out the sand, leaving gaps that fill with weeds within weeks. The right technique is moderate pressure with a fan nozzle held at a steady distance, followed by polymeric sand to re-fill the joints and a sealer to lock everything in place.
A sealed driveway resists oil, road salt, and biological growth dramatically better than an unsealed one. After a deep cleaning is the ideal time to seal — the surface is clean and ready to bond.
Asphalt Driveways
Asphalt is softer than concrete and needs a gentler hand — usually 1,200-1,500 PSI with a wide fan. Excessive pressure roughs up the surface and accelerates wear. After cleaning, asphalt sealcoating restores the color and adds years of life to the surface. Call (224) 789-0290 for a free driveway estimate.
