Last weekend I decided my driveway in Sioux Falls looked awful after winter, covered in grime and dirt stains. I thought about renting a pressure washer myself but quickly got overwhelmed by all the choices.

Research First

I grabbed my laptop and searched local pressure washing services while drinking coffee. So many companies popped up! Everyone claimed they were the best, which wasn't helpful.

Checking Real Reviews

I focused on Google reviews instead of flashy websites. Scrolled past generic 5-star ratings and looked for specific comments about reliability and damage claims. Found three companies with multiple reviews mentioning "showed up on time" and "didn't ruin my siding".

Asking The Right Questions

Called each place asking:

• What PSI settings you using? (One guy immediately said "the strong one" - crossed him off)
• Got proof of insurance? (Made one company stall for 10 minutes)
• Can you do Tuesday morning? (Only Joe's Wash Crew gave exact arrival window)

The Deal Breaker Moment

Asked Joe to walk me through their process before booking. He explained how they test water pressure on a hidden spot first and adjust nozzles for different surfaces. That attention to detail sold me.

Results Day

Two guys showed up Tuesday 8:15 AM exactly. Watched them section the driveway, start low pressure near the garage door, methodically work outward. Took 2 hours but zero damage - even got oil spots near my toolbox that I'd given up on.

My Big Takeaways

• Reviews matter but read between the lines
• Phone calls reveal more than websites
• Insurance papers better be ready when you ask
• Specific cleaning plan = professional attitude

Honestly didn't expect choosing a pressure washer service would need this much homework. But seeing my driveway look brand new without repair bills? Worth every minute of research.