Keeping your patio and driveway clean enhances your property’s curb appeal and prevents slips and falls. However, cleaning these outdoor areas can be a tedious and time-consuming task.
In this article, I will cover cleaning your patio quickly without a pressure washer and with a pressure washer. Only some have one or have access to one, so I hope this helps everyone!! I will head both methods in bold so you can read whichever section suits your needs.
Here are some helpful tips to help you clean your patio and driveway quickly and effectively:
How to clean your patio & driveway quickly WITHOUT a pressure washer:
Step 1 – Clear the surface:
Before you start cleaning your patio and driveway, it’s important to remove any debris that may be on the surface. Use a hard bristled broom or a leaf blower, if you have one, to sweep away any leaves, twigs, or other debris.
Step 2 – Choose a cleaning solution:
There are a lot of cleaning solutions made for cleaning patios and driveways. You can buy a commercial patio cleaner or create a cleaning solution by mixing water and mild detergent. You may need a specialised cleaner if you’re dealing with a specific type of stain, such as oil or grease. Pay close attention to the manufacturer’s guide on all commercial cleaners you use, and follow the instructions carefully.
Step 3 – Apply the cleaning solution:
Once you’ve chosen your cleaning solution, you can apply it to the surface of your patio or driveway. Use a garden sprayer or a watering can and apply the solution evenly over the surface. Be sure to apply enough solution to cover the whole surface but not so much that it pools or runs off.
Step 4 – Scrub the surface:
After you’ve applied the cleaning solution, it’s time to scrub the surface. Using a stiff-bristled brush, scrub the surface in a circular motion. Begin at one end of your patio and work to the other. Pay special attention to heavily soiled and stained areas, and use enough pressure to loosen the dirt and grime.
Step 5 – Rinse thoroughly:
Once you’ve scrubbed the surface, it’s time to rinse off the cleaning solution and the dirt. Using a garden hose, rinse the surface thoroughly. Be sure to rinse all the cleaning solution off the surface to avoid leaving any residue or streaks.
Step 6 – Allow to dry:
After you’ve rinsed the surface, it’s time to let it air-dry. Depending on the weather and how big the area you’re cleaning is, this may take several hours. You can hurry the drying process up by using a leaf blower on any remaining water off the surface.
Following these steps, you can quickly and efficiently clean your patio and driveway quickly and efficiently. Remember to wear protective eyewear and gloves when using cleaning solutions and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for any commercial cleaners. Keeping your outdoor spaces clean adds to the look of your property and enhances the safety of your family and visitors.
How to clean your patio & driveway WITH a pressure washer:
Step 1 – Clear the surface:
Start by removing any objects, such as leaves or branches, from the surface. You can do this by using a Stiff-bristled broom to clear the area.
Step 2 – Protect the surrounding area:
Protecting any nearby plants or objects from the spray is important if you’re using a pressure washer. Cover them using some plastic sheeting.
Step 3 – Choose the right nozzle:
Pressure washers come with different nozzles, each designed for a specific task. You’ll want to use a high-pressure nozzle with a narrow spray pattern to clean your patio and driveway.
Step 4 – Apply detergent:
If your patio or driveway is heavily soiled or stained, apply a detergent solution to the surface. Many pressure washers come with a detergent tank or dispenser. Be sure to use a detergent that’s made for use with pressure washers.
Step 5 – Start at low pressure:
Begin pressure washing at low pressure and gradually increase it as you need. This will help stop damage to the surroundings.
Step 6 – Cleaning in sections:
To ensure even cleaning, divide your patio or driveway into sections and clean one section at a time.
Step 7 – Keep the nozzle moving:
To avoid damage to the surface, keep the nozzle always moving. Please don’t hold it in one spot for too long.
Step 8 – Rinse thoroughly:
Once you’ve pressure washed the surface, it’s time to rinse it off. Use a high-pressure nozzle with a wider spray pattern to rinse the surface thoroughly.
Step 9 – Allow to dry:
After you’ve rinsed the surface, allow it to air-dry. This will normally only take a few hours.
You can effectively and quickly clean your patio and driveway using a pressure washer by doing the steps above. Remember to wear protective gear… safety glasses, and gloves, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific pressure washer.
This blog will help with finding all the tools you will need to do the above processes:
Tools & Products You Need for a Thorough Patio & Driveway Clean.
This is a short video showing our process:
If you’re thinking about having a patio installed, check out this blog:
Written by Tracey Gilbey, Marketing and Admin Coordinator at Art of Clean.
For further advice or information on our Carpet and Soft Furnishing care, please do not hesitate to contact the Art of Clean team on 01223 901551 in Cambridge. Our services include Carpet Cleaning, Upholstery Cleaning, oriental and area Rug Cleaning. Curtain Cleaning, Patio, and Driveway Pressure washing. Leather Cleaning, Stone and Tile Floor Cleaning, and Wood Floor Sanding and Restoration. We also supply new flooring and carpets through our sister company Art of Flooring. Our Dry-Cleaning service is provided by Farthings Cambridge