How To Keep Your Driveway Clean After Pressure Washing
Pressure washing your driveway will revitalize its appearance and improve the curb appeal of your landscape. It is only natural that you will want to keep it looking as clean and beautiful as possible for as long as possible. Achieving this isn’t difficult, but it does require some basic driveway upkeep that we strongly recommend following any pressure washing treatment in Washington, DC, Maryland, or Northern Virginia.
Why Is It Hard To Keep Your Driveway Clean After Pressure Washing?
Pressure washing your driveway can open pores in the surface that can trap dirt, grease, and other debris. The process also removes any sealants which can make the surface easier to stain without proper post-treatment care. Fortunately, there are some simple driveway care tips you can take that will resolve these issues.
Let the Driveway Fully Dry
Give your driveway plenty of time to dry before you walk or drive over it. Drying duration depends on the weather, including the temperature, cloud cover, and how much humidity is in the air. At a minimum, it will take around 24 hours to fully dry, however, it may take up to 48 hours.
Apply a Sealant
Sealants are a cost-effective investment we recommend for all homeowners. It protects the driveway from damage, helps extend the lifespan of the surface by protecting it from UV rays, and creates a waterproof barrier that will repel oil, grease, and other contaminants. Depending on whether you have an asphalt or concrete driveway, you will want to use either an asphalt-based sealer or a water repellent penetrating sealer.
Only apply the sealant once the driveway is completely dry. Use a roller to liberally apply two thin layers, allowing the first layer to dry before applying the second. Allow the sealant to cure for 24 to 48 hours before driving or walking on it.
Sweep & Rinse Regularly
It is imperative to regularly sweep and rinse your driveway or parking area. How often the driveway needs sweeping depends on how much dust and debris the wind blows in, how many leaves and other debris nearby foliage and shrubbery deposit, and how much vehicle traffic you receive. As a general rule, you can not sweep or rinse your driveway too often, but you can do these chores too seldom.
Remove Stains Immediately
Keeping stains off is imperative to preserving the appearance of the driveway. Thus, anytime you notice grease, oil, paint, or other potential stains, we recommend taking prompt action. The longer you allow it to sit, the more likely it is to create a stain that will require professional removal. Keeping baking soda, cat litter, and concrete/asphalt cleaner handy can help expedite this process.
Redirect Water Drainage
Drain spouts from gutters should never flow over your driveway. These should be redirected to deposit rainfall, snowmelt, etc. into either the landscape or into the sewer line. When redirecting water drainage, be certain that the solution you choose complies with all applicable code and environmental regulations.
Schedule Regular Pressure Washing
For optimal appearance and protection, we recommend annual pressure washing of residential and commercial driveways. Whether you have asphalt or concrete, it’s important to hire a professional to perform the service. While it may seem as simple as pointing a hose at the ground, the reality is that high-pressure water systems can etch and damage concrete and asphalt surfaces. Hiring a professional ensures the procedure is performed properly and without damaging the surface.
Choose KEVCO Building Services for Professional Driveway Pressure Washing
When you need driveway cleaning and want the stunning appearance a pressure washed driveway offers, the team at KEVCO Building Services is ready to help. We offer a full range of pressure washing service and guarantee your satisfaction with the quality we deliver. Our expert team can safely and efficiently remove oil stains from the driveway, perform asphalt driveway maintenance, apply driveway sealant, and more. We work hard to prevent driveway stains and will always provide the best driveway tips for our clients in the community.
When you need sweeping, driveway stain removal, or it’s time for annual driveway maintenance, reach out to the team at KEVCO Building Services to schedule an appointment!
