How to Pressure Wash Pathways

Pressure washing is a great way to clean the grunge and grime from brick, stone and concrete pathways. By using a pressure washer properly, you can make pathways shine like new and eliminate the risk that someone will slip on slick moss or dirt.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Gloves
• Gloves
• Gloves
• Water Source
• Pressure Washer
• Power source (electric or gas)
• Pressure washer accessories
• Eye protection
• Pressure-washer approved chemicals (as needed)

1. Assess your project and develop a plan for cleaning that considers what direction the pathway drains and the location of fragile objects such as plantings and light fixtures. Plan to work in the direction that water drains so you're not fighting gravity.

2. Select a nozzle, or tip, for the project which will determine the PSI, depending on the nozzle's opening. Most manufacturers suggest a higher PSI of 3000 or more for cleaning concrete and stone pathways and a PSI less than 3000 for brick surfaces. Also, most models include nozzles specifically designed for cleaning concrete, masonry and stone. Consult the owner's manual.

3. Attach any accessories when you connect the nozzle.

4. Put on protective eyewear and gloves before starting your pressure washer. Also, check that all connections are tight; a loose nozzle can become a projectile that can hurt people or damage property when you power up.

5. Start the pressure washer and test the spray. Begin by spraying away from the pathway and then slowly point the wand toward it from 3 to 4 feet away. Make a few passes and then stop for a moment to see if the surface is clean. If not, move closer. Make slow, methodical passes to rinse the pathway of all dirt and other debris using water only.

6. Keep in mind that the grout between masonry and stone is vulnerable to pressure. Use care on these areas by not focusing the spray on them for too long or at a direct angle.

7. After turning the pressure washer off, add a chemical for treating the pathway surface. The correct chemical will vary according to the surface material; consult the owner's manual. Add the chemical using the injector or special nozzle on the pressure washer. If you won't be applying a chemical solution to the surface, proceed to step 10.

8. Start the pressure washer and test the spray. Begin by spraying away from the pathway and then slowly point the wand toward it from approximately the same distance as when you rinsed the pathway surface. Make slow, methodical passes to coat the pathway evenly with the chemical solution.

9. After waiting 5 to 10 minutes to let the solution work, pressure wash the pathway again using water to rinse away the chemical.

10. Allow the pathway to dry for 48 hours before sealing or coating the concrete, masonry or stone. (See related eHow, "How to Clean and Seal Concrete.")

Tips & Warnings

• Keep in mind the affect a chemical solution will have on any adjacent plantings or water features and use only pressure washer approved biodegradable chemicals. Consult your owner's manual about what chemical to use on a particular surface. Non-approved chemicals can damage your pressure washer and non- biodegradable chemicals, such as bleach, will damage the environment.
• Pressure washers are powerful. Never point them at people or animals; they can cause serious injury.