With all the tools, nozzles, psi ratings and equipment, pressure-washing can be intimidating. But it was easier than I thought it would be. With advice from an expert and a little experimenting, I was able to make my driveway look like new in an afternoon. So, whether you want to extend its life or add a little curb appeal, here are some tips to get your driveway clean in no time.
TIME IT RIGHT
Pressure washers use a lot of water. If your water is supplied by a well, it’s best to tackle this job when other water use is light. You don’t want to deplete your well on laundry day or when you have a house full of guests. And if you’re in a drought, you may want to postpone for a few months.
TARP YOUR PLANTS
Concrete detergent can harm plants; before you begin pressure washing, cover them with tarps. I used canvas drop cloths, but they can be expensive. For a cheap, lightweight option, use a roll of painter’s plastic. Remove the tarps as soon as possible to avoid overheating the plants.
BLOW AWAY DEBRIS
Moving piles of debris with a pressure washer is a waste of time and water. Instead, use a leaf blower to clear away smaller debris like leaves, rocks, sticks and mulch. You can use a broom, but a leaf blower is faster and easier. Don’t rush this step, and clear as much as possible.
WEAR SAFETY GEAR
Pressure washers are loud, the water and other debris can splash back in your face, and you’ll be stepping around slick, soapy water. Always wear safety glasses, hearing protection and close-toe shoes with good traction. A powerful pressure washer can actually cut skin. Use it with caution, and keep it away from children.
BIGGER IS FASTER
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة October 2019 من Family Handyman.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة October 2019 من Family Handyman.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
7 Bicycle Maintenance Tips
Keep your bike in tiptop shape and ride safe!
SETTING FENCE POSTS WITH EXPANDING FOAM
Any fence builder knows you need strong posts for a strong fence, and that means backfilling the postholes with a dense, hard material other than dirt.
PEBBLE MOSAIC STEPPING STONES
COLLECT SOME RIVER ROCK AND MAKE YOUR OWN UNIQUE STEPPINGSTONE PATH
EARTH-FRIENDLY WEED KILLERS
HEALTHIER CHOICES FOR HUMANS AND THE ENVIRONMENT
DIY! HYDROPONIC GARDEN
FRESH VEGETABLES AT YOUR FINGERTIPS
GROW MINI VEGETABLES
GROW A GARDEN IN A TINY SPACE!
BUILD A VERTICAL GARDEN
TIME TO GROW UP!
MODERN WATER FOUNTAINS
A SPLASH OF PEACE FOR YOUR PATIO
9 ALTERNATIVE USES FOR SAWDUST
Every fully stocked wood shop has a table saw. You can usually find a pile of sawdust under it, even if it's used only occasionally. If a shop has a belt sander or band saw, there's probably another pile of finer sawdust under that. Even people without stationary tools have sawdust accumulation on their workbenches.
INSULATE WITH FOAM
IT'S A GREAT ALTERNATIVE TO FIBERGLASS