Cleaning your block paving driveway can feel like a big task, but it’s incredibly satisfying once you see those blocks looking fresh and vibrant again! Over time, driveways inevitably gather dirt, moss, and the odd stain or two—it’s all part of the charm of an outdoor space. But with a little know-how, you can restore your driveway’s appearance without much hassle. In this blog, we'll walk you through the best methods for cleaning your block paving, from prepping the surface to finishing touches. So roll up your sleeves and let’s bring that driveway back to life!
What You’ll Need to Pressure Wash Your Driveway
Before you dive into cleaning, it’s essential to gather the right pressure washing equipment and PPE to ensure you get the best results safely. Tackling a driveway requires a bit more power than a standard home pressure washer, so let’s go over what’s needed.
Essential Equipment for Driveway Pressure Washing
For effective driveway cleaning, we recommend using a high-pressure petrol-powered machine. These machines offer 10–15 liters per minute (LPM) of water flow, giving you the pressure needed to lift stubborn dirt, algae, and stains that typically build up on driveways. You can rent these professional-grade washers from most equipment hire centers if you don’t already own one. Lower-powered machines might do the job for smaller tasks, but for deep driveway cleaning, the added power is key.
Professional tip : You will also require a turbo nozzle for the lance, this attachment cleans the deepest and is perfect for penetrating the gaps between block paving
Protective Gear (PPE) for Safe Driveway Cleaning
Alongside your pressure washing equipment, it’s crucial to wear proper PPE for safety. Pressure washing involves high-speed water spray that can easily cause harm if not handled carefully, so be sure to have:
Safety goggles: To shield your eyes from dirt and debris.
Heavy-duty gloves: These will protect your hands from high-pressure water and any cleaning chemicals you may use.
Non-slip, waterproof boots: Driveways can get slippery when wet, so sturdy footwear is a must.
Waterproof apron or overalls: To keep yourself dry and comfortable throughout the job.
With these tools and gear, you’ll be ready to get started on giving your driveway a professional-grade clean, safely and effectively!
Step 1: Prep and Section the Driveway for Cleaning
To begin, rinse away any loose dirt or surface debris with your high-pressure washer. This initial rinse reveals the grime that needs deeper cleaning and helps avoid spreading dirt as you work.
After rinsing, section the driveway into manageable parts. Using your pressure washer, draw a light guide line through the dirt across the driveway's width. Divide the surface into rows a few feet wide. This organized approach allows you to work on one row at a time, ensuring a thorough, even clean without needing to tackle the entire driveway at once.
Starting from one end and working systematically will give you the best results!
Step 2: Clear Out the Debris from Block Paving Gaps
After the initial rinse, you’ll notice debris such as dirt, moss, and small stones loosening from the gaps in your block paving. Here’s how to efficiently manage it:
Rinse the Debris into a Pile Attach a rinsing tip (white) to the end of your pressure washer lance. This nozzle is perfect for gently pushing debris without spreading it everywhere. Direct the rinse to gather debris into one corner or a couple of neat piles.
Collect the Debris Once gathered, scoop the debris into buckets. To drain excess water, pierce a few small holes in the bottom of the buckets, allowing the water to escape.
Dispose of the Debris When the debris is fairly dry, transfer it to rubble sacks. Alternatively, mix it with topsoil you may have; since it’s mainly dirt and moss, it’s suitable for garden areas.
Special Tip: Try not to let dirty water dry on areas you’ve already pressure washed, as it may leave stains or residue, forcing you to clean those spots again!
Step 3: Post-Treat the Driveway for a Long-Lasting Clean
With all the debris, dirt, mud, and moss cleared from the gaps, your driveway is prepped for the next stage: post-treatment. This step is key for brightening the blocks and preventing future organic growth.
Option 1: Sodium Hypochlorite (Chlorine)Apply a solution of sodium hypochlorite to the driveway. This powerful treatment not only brightens the blocks but also kills any remaining organic matter on the surface, leaving your driveway looking refreshed and clean. Follow safety guidelines when handling chlorine, as it can be strong on both surfaces and skin. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sodium-Hypochlorite-Cleaner-Swimming-Chlorine/dp/B086X8WLLP/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3K8G4BOGGD8W4&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Fehe5u4szfv6Ik1XTD14ZN7E_oTYL_8bbp5xowoc5-W02DbJFgAgu0A8aG45lC7F5jreaqQIsx2uExCOg-zrMxroNgMsR05_SgU2K0ZvAvQL8BDb0OpcN1E-0nFHT3z6MAEYMFd6nS5hNBhe47qBnXMz8nyRnwgLnPtVQ6ZLqaYdNmjst8JV5J9mcfmrZb0zk1At1CtTl_8WeeikZMc65si25I3GMee7Xl0wlaG0TuQ.7_Hv2K6MFqLLbELz2YzNozsA-uNlToFdah-tM_jTtH4&dib_tag=se&keywords=sodium+hypochlorite&nsdOptOutParam=true&qid=1730119674&sprefix=sodium+hy%2Caps%2C111&sr=8-3
Option 2: BAC 50 Biocide For extended protection, use BAC 50 biocide instead. This treatment keeps your driveway free from organic growth for up to two years, making it an excellent choice for long-term maintenance. BAC 50 works over time, helping your driveway stay cleaner for longer with a single application.https://www.amazon.co.uk/Benzalkonium-Chloride-Bactericide-Fungicide-Algaecide/dp/B0BN4XP58T/ref=sr_1_5?crid=3FTEZ82HD9EXF&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.UDXrYdU3SqzDGJLcV4d6sVGJSAaVeAFsAXF85pJiGhY1cQWbXJe-c6G5s68FIi9W7t7XXJK81p-ZL2SYMIY7-G22lnPXR-DbssKTNEHkKQ8ZqyNv6f_F6IewEk09YBF1.Fsaq3AS9Prj7MpkkYRH8KRuSp5IW6XOTDC362eMjxcY&dib_tag=se&keywords=bac50&nsdOptOutParam=true&qid=1730119720&sprefix=bac50%2Caps%2C98&sr=8-5
Important tip : please wear necessary PPE including - mask , gloves and eye protections . Or if chemicals are needed and you do not feel competent to manage them safely contact a professional company so that you do not make any mistakes
With these treatments, your driveway will look freshly restored, and it’ll be better protected against future buildup!
Step 5: Stand Back and Admire the Transformation
Congratulations—you’ve successfully followed PressurePro’s Block Paving Cleaning Guide and given your driveway a whole new lease on life! Take a moment to step back and enjoy the fresh, bright look of your driveway, free of dirt, moss, and grime.
Now, before you move on to the final step, you’ll need to let the driveway dry completely. This drying period ensures that any residual moisture won’t disrupt the re-sanding process
Step 6: Re-Sand the Driveway Gaps
With your driveway completely dry, it’s time for the final touch—re-sanding the gaps to secure the blocks and give a finished look.
Use Dry Kiln SandGrab a bag of dry kiln sand, which is perfect for filling gaps between pavers and helps keep them stable. Pour a small amount of sand onto one section of the driveway.
Spread with a Wide BroomUsing a wide broom, work the sand into the gaps by sweeping in sections, similar to how you organized the driveway for jet washing. Push the sand across each row, ensuring it fills the spaces between the blocks completely.
Finish with a Leaf BlowerFor a professional touch, use a leaf blower to remove any loose sand from the top of the pavers. This step clears excess sand without disturbing the filled gaps, leaving your driveway looking polished and pristine.
Re-sanding locks the pavers in place, prevents future weed growth, and gives your
driveway a fresh, finished appearance.
Conclusion
By following this driveway cleaning guide, you can bring new life to your driveway and keep it looking fresh. From rinsing away debris to post-treating and re-sanding, each step plays an essential role in achieving a clean, polished finish. However, if this process sounds a bit too intense, it may be worth leaving it to the professionals. With expert tools, techniques, and a commitment to high-quality results, PressurePro makes driveway cleaning hassle-free. Let our trained team handle every detail, so you can enjoy a spotless, long-lasting driveway without the effort!
visit our website to see our cleaning projects and more! WWW.Pressureproclean.co.uk
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