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Driveway Pressure Washing: The Complete Guide for Homeowners

Driveway Pressure Washing: The Complete Guide for Homeowners

Your driveway takes a beating from vehicles, oil, mold, and Florida weather. Here's everything you need to know about cleaning it — from stain removal to professional costs.

By Clean Gutter Protection
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Pressure Washing

Why Driveways Need Regular Pressure Washing

Your driveway is the first thing people see when they pull up to your home — and it takes a beating. Between vehicle traffic, oil drips, tire marks, pollen, mold, and Florida's relentless humidity, concrete driveways go from fresh-poured gray to stained and dingy faster than most homeowners expect.

Regular pressure washing removes slippery algae, prevents permanent staining, and extends the life of your concrete by removing organic acids that mold produces.

Types of Driveway Stains and How to Remove Them

Oil and Grease Stains

The most common complaint. Fresh oil stains can be treated with cat litter or baking soda, followed by pressure washing with degreaser. Old embedded stains require hot water pressure washing (200°F+) or specialized enzymes. The key: don't wait. A stain treated within 24 hours comes up easily. One that's been baking in Florida sun for 6 months may be permanent.

Mold and Algae (Green or Black Film)

The #1 stain type in Jacksonville. Humidity keeps concrete perpetually damp, especially in shade. Sodium hypochlorite pre-treatment followed by 3,000+ PSI pressure washing eliminates mold completely.

Rust Stains

Orange-brown stains from irrigation water, metal furniture, or fertilizer. Requires specialized oxalic acid treatment — standard pressure washing alone won't work.

Tire Marks

Hot tires leave polymer deposits on concrete, especially when pavement temperatures exceed 130°F in summer. Fresh marks come up with standard pressure washing. Older marks may need solvent pre-treatment.

DIY Step by Step

  1. Clear the area — Move vehicles and cover nearby plants
  2. Sweep first — Remove loose debris with a broom or leaf blower
  3. Pre-treat stains — Apply degreaser to oil stains, let sit 10-15 minutes
  4. Use the right nozzle — 25-degree (green) for general cleaning, surface cleaner attachment for even results
  5. Work in sections — Overlapping passes, house outward
  6. Maintain 6-12 inch distance — Closer creates etching, farther reduces power
  7. Rinse thoroughly

When to Hire a Pro

DIY works when: small driveway, light stains, you own a pressure washer.

Hire a pro when: heavy oil/rust stains, large area (600+ sq ft), stamped or sealed concrete, or you'd rather keep your Saturday free.

Professional driveway cleaning typically costs $100-250 for a standard 2-car driveway — often less than rental + chemicals + your time.

How Often in Florida?

Every 6-12 months. Shaded driveways may need cleaning every 6 months. Full-sun driveways can go 12 months. The best schedule: twice per year — spring after pollen season, fall before the holidays.

Protecting Your Driveway After Cleaning

Consider applying a concrete sealant after cleaning:

  • Repels oil and chemical stains
  • Slows mold and algae regrowth
  • Protects against UV damage
  • Makes future cleaning easier

For paver driveways, sealing is especially important to prevent joint sand erosion and weed growth.

Get Your Driveway Cleaned

Clean Gutter Protection provides professional pressure washing throughout Jacksonville and Northeast Florida.

Get a free estimate or call (888) 507-4854.