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Can Pressure Washing Remove Skid Marks from Driveways?

Wed, Nov 02, 2022 at 9:00AM

Can Pressure Washing Remove Skid Marks from Driveways?

Does your driveway have unsightly skid marks or tire scuffs? If so, you'll be happy to learn that pressure washing can indeed remove those stubborn streaks from your driveway to improve its appearance and enhance your home's curb appeal.

How Can Pressure Washing Remove Skid Marks from Your Driveway? 

Heavy-duty pressure washers can deliver up to 4,000 pounds of pressure per square inch. This is strong enough to cut through all sorts of stains and unwanted marks, including skid marks. 

However, for the best results, you should pretreat any skid marks with a powerful concrete degreaser to help penetrate and break down the oils and chemicals in the skid mark. To do this, you will need the following:

  • Concrete degreaser 
  • Stiff-bristle scrub brush 
  • Broom  
  • Gloves 

Once you have all of your supplies, you can continue. 

Remove Debris

First, remove any large debris from your driveway that may have accumulated over time. This includes fallen branches, leaves, trash, and rocks. If there are a lot of loose rocks or debris, you can quickly sweep these to the side using a regular broom. 

What's important is that the skid marks are unobstructed and fully exposed for the next step. 

Apply Degreaser

Apply your chosen degreaser directly onto the skid mark, according to the manufacturer's instructions. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes so it can start to break down the skid mark. 

Scrub 

Using your stiff-bristle scrub brush and a little bit of elbow grease, scrub the affected area to help loosen and lift the oils that make up the skid mark. 

This step is optional since a heavy-duty pressure washer can tackle most marks on its own. However, it is useful when removing very dark or very old skid marks. Once you pretreat any skid marks, you can let the pros take care of the rest. 

What Else Can Pressure Washing Remove? 

In addition to skid marks, pressure washing can remove a wide variety of blemishes from your driveway, including:

  • Stains and discoloration 
  • Calcium deposits
  • Lime deposits
  • Gum
  • Paint
  • Mold
  • Mildew
  • Oil
  • Grease 

If your driveway looks dull, pressure washing is a great way to refresh its appearance. 

How Often Should You Pressure Wash Your Driveway?

A trusted professional should pressure wash your driveway at least once a year. A thorough annual driveway cleaning is the best way to prevent dirt, grime, and mildew from building up and extend the life of your driveway. 

DIY vs. Professional Power Washer Services

Although it is possible to pressure wash your own driveway, it's always a better idea to schedule professional power washer services. Professionals have access to better, stronger equipment and cleaners to handle the toughest of messes. 

They also possess the necessary skills and knowledge to determine the perfect pressure settings and nozzle size to obliterate dirt and grime without damaging your driveway. Additionally, working with a professional means you can sit back and relax and still have a spotless driveway.  


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