Okay, let me tell you about tackling the driveway the other day. It was getting seriously embarrassing. You know how it gets – dirt, green stuff growing in the cracks, couple of oil spots from my old pickup truck that seems to leak everything.

Getting Started

So, Saturday morning, I decided enough was enough. Pulled the pressure washer out from the back of the garage. Had to untangle the darn hose, which is always a battle. Checked the oil, filled it with gas. Thing sputtered a bit but kicked into gear eventually. Good old machine.

I had bought some of that pressure wash driveway cleaner stuff last time I was at the hardware store. Honestly, I just grabbed a bottle that looked like it meant business. Said it would lift grease and grime. We’ll see, I thought.

The Actual Work

First, I swept the whole driveway. Got rid of leaves, twigs, loose stones. Didn't want that stuff flying around.

Then, hooked up the water hose to the pressure washer. Made sure all connections were tight. Last time I did this, one popped off and soaked me. Not fun.

I read the instructions on the cleaner bottle – well, skimmed them mostly. Said to apply it neat or diluted to the surface first. I have one of those detergent tanks on my pressure washer, so I just poured some in there, guessing the mix ratio. Seemed easiest.

• Sprayed the cleaner mix all over the worst spots first, then gave the whole driveway a quick coat.
• Let it sit for maybe 10 minutes? Instructions said 5-10. Went inside, grabbed a drink.
• Came back out, switched the nozzle on the pressure washer to a wider spray pattern to start.

Fired up the washer. Man, these things are loud. Started working my way from the top near the garage down towards the street. Made overlapping passes, nice and slow. You see that dirt just peeling away. It’s kinda satisfying, not gonna lie.

The cleaner seemed to help a bit on the general grime, the surface looked brighter where I'd used it. But those old oil stains? Honestly, they barely budged. Maybe needed something stronger, or maybe those stains are just part of the family now.

Finishing Up

It took a while. Longer than I thought. Back started complaining a bit. You get into a rhythm, though. Spray, move, spray, move. Got the whole thing done eventually.

Did a final rinse with just water, getting all the loosened dirt and leftover cleaner washed away down the street. Let it dry in the sun for a bit.

The difference was pretty noticeable. Much cleaner, brighter. Not brand new, don't get me wrong, but way better. Felt good to have it done. It’s like mowing the lawn – a chore, but satisfying when you see the result.

Cleaning the pressure washer and rolling up the hoses afterwards is the part I hate most. But gotta do it. Put it all back in the garage, ready for the next battle. At least the driveway looks decent again, for now. We'll see how long it lasts!