Founder | BPI® Energy Auditor Certified Professional
Cleanliness neighbors godliness, as the adage goes. While keeping your home clean is crucial, one area you can easily forget is the driveway.
In Florida, where the hot and humid climate can cause damage to outdoor surfaces, grow mold, and otherwise muddle up your driveway, it is crucial to keep your driveway clear. Pressure washing is just the way to do it.
This guide will outline the steps to pressure wash your driveway in Florida, something I just got soaked doing myself on our first netzero home renovation.
I’ll discuss selecting the appropriate equipment and cleaning solutions, preparing the area, and following safe and effective pressure-washing practices.
There are also some affiliate links below. The prices don’t change, and you can choose to use them to make purchases or rentals if you like. If you do use them, it helps support the team here, and so we can keep creating similar (hopefully good) content.
How to Efficiently Pressure Wash Your Driveway in Florida?
Achieving the perfect wash of your driveway requires the following simple steps:
● Clear the area
● Set up the pressure washer
● Test the pressure
● Begin pressure washing
● Rinse the driveway
● Let the driveway dry
● Once your driveway is dry, consider sealing
● Maintain the driveway
The Benefits of Pressure Washing Your Driveway
Before we dive into the step-by-step process of pressure washing your driveway, let’s go over some of the benefits and necessary precautions.
Fundamentally, investing in a modern pressure washer is a brilliant idea rather than operating with age-old models that consume more energy.
So, as you clean your Florida driveway, think of purchasing a new pressure washer (it’ll save you at least 20 percent of the energy you’d have incurred with an old model).
Let’s explore the key upsides of pressure washing your driveway.
Improves Overall Appeal
A clean driveway can make a big difference in the overall appearance of your home. It’s one of the first things visitors see when they approach your property, so making it look its best can enhance the overall look of your home.
Increases Home Value
Your home is as valuable as it looks. A clean and well-maintained driveway can increase the value of your home.
If you want to make your house look more attractive, especially if you plan to sell it, consider pressure washing the exterior.
Reduces Time and Effort
Cleaning your driveway by hand takes a lot of time and energy.
On the other hand, pressure washing is significantly more efficient, requires lesser time, and is much less physically demanding.
Protects Against Damage
Dirt, grime, and algae can cause surface erosion on your driveway, leading to cracks and other damage. Pressure washing removes these substances, protecting your driveway from further harm.
Remove Stains
Your driveway is prone to accumulating substances like oil, mud, and dirt daily. It’s not uncommon for one of your cars to leak fluids or for parked service vehicles to drip and leave stains.
These stains can be hard to get rid of and often require more than just a simple hose-down to remove them effectively.
If you ignore these blemishes, they will be harder to eradicate. If you hire a professional pressure washer, they can get into every crevice and dismantle oil and dirt, making your driveway dazzlingly clean.
An Economic Approach
You can avoid expensive repairs by pressure washing away the dirt and grime that would otherwise cause erosion on your driveway.
However, not taking care of those pesky pits and cracks can cost you a lot of money in the long run.
So, it’s a good idea to get into the habit of pressure washing your driveway to keep it in good shape and save yourself money.
Restricts Weeds
You’ll always find weeds sneaking through driveway cracks, especially during the spring. And as they grow, their roots can make the cracks even bigger.
So, to keep the weeds at bay, pressure wash your driveway yearly, especially in the spring. This will eliminate the weeds and the dirt that helps them grow.
If you want to keep your cracks weed-free for the rest of the year, consider applying a coat of sealant after pressure washing.
Improves Safety
The surface of your driveway needs to have some texture because a rough surface provides more traction.
A buildup of oils, mildew, and mold on the driveway can make the surface more slippery by reducing friction.
You can remove these deposits and restore the surface to its original state by pressure washing the driveway.
Eco-Friendly
Other ways to clean your driveway involve using expensive, harsh cleaners and chemicals that could cause harm.
However, pressure washing is akin to using dryer balls in your heat pump dryer. It can typically get your driveway clean without the use of any chemicals at all.
Inhibits Harmful Fungi Like Mold and Mildew
Pressure washing your driveway can prevent the development of destructive growths such as moss, mildew, algae, and mold.
These types of growths can eventually erode the surface of your driveway, leading to unsafe conditions and costly repairs in the future.
Pressure washing thoroughly cleans every surface of your driveway, eliminating these harmful growths and helping to prevent their return.
Where Can You Buy (or Rent) Affordable Pressure Washing Equipment?
If you’d like to DIY, and also use the most heavy-duty type of pressure washing equipment, your best bet would be to rent from Home Depot or Lowes.
You can rent them for only a few hours (usually up to four) for a flat rate. If you only have one driveway to do every once in awhile, this may be your best best.
If you’re looking to buy a pressure washer to keep longterm (or if it’s more economical), Home Depot and Lowes also have some great purchase options.
For the sprayer-type pressure washers, here are the links to Home Depot and Lowes. You can choose between gas or electric as well. There are pros and cons to each, which we’ll possibly cover in a future article.
The Electric Pressure Washer I Bought
In the picture above, you can see the gas-powered one we used for this driveway, but I wanted to give a shoutout to electric pressure washers as well.
If you want to buy these online, Amazon is always a great option. I bought this electric pressure washer about 1.5 years ago and it’s still going strong. It’s great for car washes as well as heavier-duty jobs, and is pretty quiet as well:
- ✓ 1800W POWERFUL MOTOR - Generates up to MAX 1900 psi at 1.9GPM for superior cleaning power. A 20-foot high-pressure hose and a 35-foot power cord allow for flexible use in large areas.The Suyncll Pressure Washer for cleaning cars,bicycles,fences,patios,sidewalks,sidings,garden,yard,outdoor furniture and more.Save your time and money.
- ✓ Upgraded Leak-proof Connections: Professional metal garden hose double leakproof connector and metal water outlet. Metal Brass Adapter prevents the breaking from the bottom of the area, instead of flimsy plastic connector. Comes with a 20ft high-pressure hose (metal connection) to avoid annoying water leakage.Water inlet temperature(max) is 104 degrees Fahrenheit to optimize the problem of leaking water and bring the best experience to you
- ✓ More durable & Maximum safety:Our electric power washer features safety automatic total stop system (TSS), which automatically shuts off the pump when trigger is not engaged to save energy and prolong pump life. The spray gun has a safety lock which is safer and more reliable. The unique plug-in spray gun makes it more convenient.This pressure washer is IPX5 waterproof and features a GFCI plug to prevent electric leakage, allowing you to safely operate this machine without any safety concerns
- ✓ 4 NOZZLES OPTIONS - 4 Quick-Connect spray tips (0º, 15º, 25º, 40º and soap) tackle light,medium and heavy duty cleaning tasks.0º - areas that are high and hard to reach; clean crevices in sidewalks or driveways; 15º- use on concrete, brick and other hard surfaces with stubborn stains; 25º- use on painted surfaces, wood siding, fences and lawn mowers;40º- use on windows and screens;soap- use to spray soaps and detergents
There have been many more options to come to market though. Here are the three bestselling pressure washers on Amazon right now also:
- 2100 max PSI and 1800 rated PSI of deep-cleaning water pressure; 1.76 max GPM and 1.2 rated GPM of water flow; Pro-style steel extendable 17.5” wand with 3 quick connect nozzles (15°, 25° and turbo)
- Super compact and lightweight at 18 pounds for convenient storage and portability; Built-in handle for easy transportation to wherever your cleaning tasks are
- Easy-coil nylon braided 20’ hose; Detachable foam cannon to add detergents or chemicals for heavy duty cleaning power on decks, driveways, garage floors, stairs, fencing, patio furniture and vehicles
- Pump automatically stops when trigger is not engaged to conserve energy and promote pump and motor life
- Backed by 3-year limited service, labor and parts coverage with nationwide customer service and support network
- Max 2300 PSI and 1900 rated PSI of powerful, deep-cleaning water pressure with max 1.76 GPM and 1.2 rated GPM of water flow. Perfect for decks, sidewalks, fences, garage floors, exterior walls, cars and patio furniture; Comes with a .42 gallon soap tank
- 25′ abrasion resistant super-flex hose with lightweight high pressure metal spray gun and wand with 5 quick connect nozzles (0°, 15°, 25°, soap and turbo); Compatible with pressure washer accessories like surface cleaners, undercarriage cleaners and foam cannons with M22 fittings
- Heavy duty AC 120V electric motor and long-lasting, maintenance-free axial 3 piston auto-stop pump provides up to 1.76 gallons of water (and soap) a minute
- Tough steel frame construction with 12″ high profile, 8” never-flat wheels and 35’ GFCI cord provide easy transportation and maneuverability
- All Westinghouse pressure washers are functionally tested in the factory and are backed by 3-year limited manufacturer service, labor and parts coverage
- 【Powerful 300W Motor & High Water Flow】：Features a high-performance 300W motor spinning at up to 20,000 RPM, delivering 4L/min water flow and up to 990 PSI pressure. Easily blasts away dirt, mud, and stains from vehicles, patios, garden tools, and outdoor furniture
- 【Cordless & Portable for On-the-Go Cleaning】：No cords, no restrictions. This lightweight, cordless pressure washer comes with a storage case and long hose—perfect for portable cleaning anywhere: at home, on the road, or in the yard
- 【Long-Lasting 3.0Ah Battery】：Equipped with a 21V 3.0Ah rechargeable battery that supports up to 30 minutes of continuous use. Fast 4.5-hour charging and strong pressure output let you clean your car or gear without frequent recharging
- 【6-in-1 Adjustable Spray Nozzle】：Includes a versatile nozzle with 6 spray patterns: 0°, 15°, 25°, 40°, fan, and shower. Easily switch modes to tackle everything from tough grime to delicate plant watering or window cleaning
- 【Easy to Set up & Use】: Just follow the steps in the instructions and assemble it in minutes. Its long hose allows you to move effortlessly around your car, ensuring a thorough cleaning from all angles. The three-position adjustable control allows you to simply operate the car wash gun for a variety of cleaning functions.If you seek a powerful and versatile portable power washer that offers both convenience and performance, ToCzernobgol cordless high pressure washer gun is an excellent choice
Without further ado, here’s how we did it:
How to Pressure Wash Your Dirty Driveway
Read below to have your driveway looking new again (like after we finished ours below):
Step 1: Clear the Area
Before you start pressure washing, make sure to clear the area of any debris or obstacles.
Move any vehicles, plants, or outdoor furniture out of the way to give yourself plenty of room to work.
Step 2: Set Up Your Pressure Washer
Next, set up your pressure washer according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure to fill it with water and any cleaning solution or detergent that you’ll use.
If you need help, check with the manufacturer or a professional for recommendations.
Step 3: Test the Pressure
Before you start pressure washing, test the pressure on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure it’s not too strong.
The force should be powerful enough to remove dirt and grime but not so strong that it damages the surface.
Step 4: Begin Pressure Washing
Once you’ve tested the pressure and are satisfied with the results, you can begin pressure washing your driveway.
Start at the top of the driveway and work your way down in a back-and-forth motion, overlapping each pass to ensure that you cover the entire surface.
Where is The Surface Pressure Washer?
Now, I already know what some of you are thinking: “There’s a better tool to get this done, Erin.”
And that’s the pressure washer surfacer cleaner attachment. And yes, I wish I had one at the time. But we didn’t. It would have gone a lot faster, but sometimes you use what you have.
For the surface-cleaner types of pressure washing equipment, here are the links to Home Depot and Lowes on those (faster at surface cleaning), if you want to grab one before your job. It’ll really help if you have a really big surface to cover as well.
Here are the top three surface pressure washers on Amazon for reference also:
- Professional Surface Cleaner - If you have a large flat surfaces such as patios, driveway, sidewalk, porch or deck, this pressure washer surface cleaner will get the job done, our pressure washer surface cleaner have a 14 inches size for home use, easy to widely use and enhance the relationship between family. And also could be used on vertical surfaces like brick walls, stucco and others
- Solid Products and Save Times - this Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner is a solid A+ from lidodola. It works well while being easy to use, both for quick jobs and long ones, save time just like you hire a worker, The all metal construction also makes this product quite durable and I think it will serve well for many years, it is very different from the other Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner in the marketplace
- Surface Cleaner with 4 Wheels - This power washer surface cleaner with 4 wheels that help cleaning process be very easy to maneuver, increase mobility around the job site, it can be flexibly manipulated in a large area. Tough flexible bristles protect adjacent surfaces and resist water splash out while working, make cleaning the driveway and sidewalk an easy chore
- High Efficiency and Perfect Design - This driveway pressure washer attachment features stainless steel construction on heavy duty jobs, simply steer this washer across the sidewalk or driveway and it erases the mildew, dirt and mold from its surface, did not use any chemicals just water, improve your pressure washing experience. More power will be better cleaning, suggest using 2500 psi pressure washer or above
- Help Notes for Customers - The wand is 1/4" thread quick connect plug, if it is not suitable for the connector of your pressure washer gun, please purchase the adapter coupler connection separately
- PROFESSIONAL CLEANING - The JANZ surface cleaner offers commercial-grade cleaning within an area 14" wide, featuring two spinning nozzles rather than one and guaranteeing exceptional cleaning performance. It is extremely appropriate for removing stubborn stains on extensive surfaces such as driveways, patios, decks, sidewalks, and numerous others.
- HIGH QUALITY - The newly upgraded nozzles are effortless to remove and maintain. The durable stainless-steel structure with a heavy-duty bearing can be utilized for a long period. It is heavy enough not to rise up under high pressure, is easy to control, and saves your effort. The splash-free skirt decreases overspray and keeps you dry while cleaning.
- HIGH EFFICIENCY - Our surface cleaner possesses dual high-pressure jets that spin rapidly to break up dirt and grime. And it cleans up to 4 times faster than a spray nozzle alone, markedly reducing the cleaning time. Streaks are eliminated by maintaining the nozzles at a fixed height from the surface. Equipped with 4 universal wheels, it is effortless to move.
- GOOD COMPATIBILITY - Compatible with the majority of gas and electric pressure washers rated within the range of 2,000 to 4,000 PSI and 1.8 to 3.7 GPM. The 1/4'' quick plug is effortlessly connected with the included pressure washer wands. A filter is incorporated into the entrance to avoid the obstruction caused by impurities.
- ESSENTIAL ACCESSORIES - 2 x extension wands, 2 x easily replaceable nozzles, 3 x 0-degree spray nozzle tips, 2 x O-rings, a inlet filter, a Teflon tape and a nozzle cleaner.
- Superior Professional Cleaning Performance: Why are we better? Instead of striping and irregular cleaning, MEKOH surface cleaner for pressure washer has two high pressure water jets for NON-MARKING Cleaning. Two large spinning nozzles fit to higher working power and water flow allowing you cleaning the stubborn stains, dirt easier and faster. Also the changeable nozzles of the surface cleaner attachment help you easily switch cleaning pattern bewteen power washing and soft washing.
- Excellent Cleaning Efficiency: Tired of wasting time on large surface cleaning? This power washer surface cleaner is definitely your life saver. 20'' large size to cover bigger cleaning area than nozzles, two high-speed spinning nozzles are 8x faster than other surface cleaners, significantly reducing your cleaning time and saving your effort. Also, this high-pressure power washer attachment will dramatically increase water use efficiency, saving more water for your house, also saving your bill.
- Lightweight Yet Strong Enough: If you want your money to be well spent, try this 20" high pressure washer surface cleaner accessory which uses lightweight & environmentally friendly PP material, solid brass and fully sealed bearing. The upgraded bearing will prevent leaking and blocking, keeping you dry and safe. The heavy-duty construction design can hold the most powerful water pressure, having great heat and chemical resistance. Cold water, hot water, even soap water are all available.
- Super Easy to Operate: We believe power washing can also be enjoyable and satisfiying. This 20 inch pressure washer surface cleaner has 2 handles and 4 universal wheels, you can easily hold it by 2 angle-adjustable handles, more effortless than one-handed operation. With 4 casters, you can push this attachment back and forth without any impediment and enjoy its smoothly gliding. Also, the wheels of this attachment keep the nozzles at a fixed height to protect the spray nozzles and your floors.
- For Dads/Husbands/Men/Him: No one want floors to be damaged, this 20 inch surface cleaner accessory is ideal for all kinds of floors: concrete, wood, tile, brick, protecting floors well during power washing. With flexible movement, this attachment can easily clean driveway, sidewalk, curb, deck, patio, garage, etc. Compatible with most electric/gas pressure washers (2000+ PSI & 2+ GPM). All the features show its great application in residential and commercial use.
What is a Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner?
It’s essentially a round-shaped attachment or separate unit that specifically pressure washes flat ground surfaces. The benefit of using these is that they can cover a lot more ground than you can do with a hand spray/nozel type of pressure washer.
To get an idea of how much more time you could save, this is a pretty good video from Southeast Softwash starting about about twelve and a half minutes:
So either method and machine will work, we’re just giving some different options here.
Step 5: Rinse the Driveway
After finishing washing, use the pressure washer to rinse the driveway thoroughly.
This will remove any remaining dirt and cleaning solution. Make sure to rinse the entire surface to avoid any streaks or spots.
Step 6: Let the Driveway Dry
Once your driveway dries, consider sealing it to protect it from future dirt and grime buildup.
You can choose from several driveway sealers: asphalt, coal tar-based, and acrylic.
● Asphalt-based sealers are the most commonly used and provide reasonable protection for your driveway. They’re also the most affordable option.
● Coal tar-based sealers are a bit more expensive but provide even better protection and are more resistant to oil and gas spills.
● Acrylic sealers are the most expensive option, but they provide the best protection and have the most extended lifespan.
To seal your driveway, clean the surface thoroughly and let it dry fully. Then, apply the sealer according to the manufacturer’s instructions, using a roller or brush to spread it evenly.
Make sure to cover the entire surface and pay special attention to any cracks or holes.
Step 7: Driveway Maintenance
Practice regular maintenance to keep your pressure-washed driveway looking its best all year round. This may include sweeping it regularly to remove debris and re-sealing it every few years, depending on the type of sealer you use.
Precautions To Take When Using a Pressure Washer
Remember, an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. Some of the safety measures you should adhere to when pressure washing your Florida driveway include the following.
Never Aim a Pressure Washer at Someone Else or Yourself
Pressure washers shoot water at exceedingly high pressures.
If you point the pressure washer’s nozzle at yourself, the force of the water can injure your skin or cause damage to your internal organs.
The same happens if you point the pressure washer at others.
You can even knock them off their feet and make them suffer further injuries from falling. The damage might appear minor at first, and it can increase the risk of infection if you delay treating it.
Only Use a Gasoline-Powered Pressure Washer in an Open Area
Engines that contain gasoline emit harmful gases such as carbon monoxide that are dangerous to inhale.
Using a pressure washer with gasoline in an enclosed space can make you feel dizzy or even kill you.
Therefore, always use pressure washers with gasoline engines in open areas to avoid these risks.
Wear Protective Gear
You should wear protective equipment when pressure washing. This includes goggles and gloves to protect you from any chemicals you may use.
In addition, wear shoes that have rubber soles to provide sound insulation, primarily if your pressure washer uses electricity. Rubber soles also prevent you from falling on wet surfaces.
Keep Children a Safe Distance Away When Pressure Washing Your Driveway
We know how vulnerable children are to home safety hazards. For instance, the driveway’s surface can be slippery, resulting in falls and injuries.
Keep children away from the area where the pressure washing is taking place to guarantee their safety.
Tips When Using a Pressure Washer on Your Driveway
Use the Right Nozzle
Different nozzles on your pressure washer produce different spray patterns, which can be more or less effective for various surfaces and stains.
For example, a wide fan nozzle is great for general cleaning. In contrast, a narrow jet nozzle is better for removing stubborn stains.
Experiment with different nozzles to find the one that works best for your needs.
Pre-Treat Stubborn Stains
Suppose you’ve got tough stains on your driveway, like oil or grease.
Before pressure washing, using a degreaser or another specialized cleaner can help loosen and eliminate the stains more efficiently.
Use a Pressure Washer with Adjustable Pressure Settings
The proper settings will allow you to customize the pressure to suit the needs of your driveway.
If you need help deciding what setting to use, start with lower pressure and work your way up until you achieve the desired results.
Don’t Forget to Rinse
Once you’ve finished pressure washing, give the whole area a thorough rinse to remove any leftover dirt and cleaning solution.
Doing this will prevent streaks or spots and ensure that your driveway is spotless.
Consider Hiring a Professional
Still trying to figure out your pressure washing skills, or is your driveway too big or dirty? Then it might be a good idea to hire a professional.
They have the right tools and know-how to take care of the job safely and efficiently.
Some of our favorite places to find professional presser washing companies include:
- Thumbtack
- HomeAdvisor
- Google Maps / “Pressure Washers Near Me”
- TaskRabbit
What to Consider When Purchasing Your Florida Driveway Cleaning Solution
Type of Stains
When selecting a cleaning product, you must consider the kinds of stains you’re trying to remove and the type of surface you’re cleaning.
You could use a pressure-washing detergent. These products can eliminate dirt and grime from various surfaces, including driveways.
In addition, they usually have surfactants, which help lift and remove dirt and grime and are safe to use on most surfaces.
Targeted Cleaning Solutions
Consider trying a more targeted cleaning product, like a concrete cleaner or a degreaser.
Degreasers can be especially effective at eliminating tough stains, like grease and oil, from your driveway.
Concrete cleaners remove stains and discoloration from concrete surfaces, so they may be a good option for you to try on your driveway.
User Instructions
You must carefully read and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the cleaning solution you decide to use.
Various cleaning products may have different proportions for dilution and unique application methods, so follow the directions to obtain the best outcome.
Right Cleaning Tools
Additionally, you must pick an appropriate cleaning agent and the proper gear.
A pressure washer with adjustable pressure options will enable you to tailor the pressure to meet your driveway’s needs.
Final Thoughts
Effectively pressure washing your Florida driveway requires a combination of the proper cleaning solution, equipment, and technique.
By following the steps outlined in this guide and using the right products and equipment, you can effectively remove dirt, grime, and stains from your driveway and restore it to its former glory.
Also, remember that regular maintenance will make your driveway look clean and beautiful for years to come!
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