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You should always power wash your driveway before applying a sealant. At any given time, your driveway could be covered with algae and moss, tire residue, oil and rust stains, and any combination of leaves, twigs, and dirt. If you skip power washing, you’ll be trapping the dirt and grime beneath the sealant and lowering its chance of cementing itself to your driveway. While you can expect the cost to pressure wash your driveway to average between $100 and $350, the few hundred dollars beats an unattractive driveway or paying extra to reapply your driveway sealer.

The ideal frequency for pressure washing depends on the surface being cleaned and your local environmental conditions. For a home's exterior with siding that is safe to wash (such as vinyl, cement, or aluminum), a full wash once or twice a year is a good guideline to remove accumulated dirt, grime, mold, and mildew. You may need to wash more frequently if you live in an area with heavy rain or snow, near a dirt road, or if you notice excessive buildup. Other surfaces have different schedules; for example, a frequently used driveway may need cleaning more often, while outdoor patio furniture might only need to be washed every few years. Use your discretion based on how dirty the area gets.

The best ways to increase the lifespan of your driveway are to carry out proper maintenance and get repairs done quickly. First, reseal your driveway every one to three years to protect it from the elements. If you start to notice significant cracks, hire a professional to diagnose the problem before it gets more serious. You can also use sand instead of salt when de-icing your driveway (since salt is corrosive) and clean your driveway annually using a pressure washer to keep it in tip-top shape.

Jet washing can wash away weeds without bending or kneeling to pull them. However, the results will likely be fleeting because the weeds will return unless you use a stronger method that takes them out at the root. Use a jet washer for short-term weed removal, but use a stronger method if you want to get rid of weeds for good.