Finding the right schedule for driveways, patios, and walkways
Keep your concrete, stone, and pavers looking clean year after year
Most driveways, patios, and walkways in Central Texas should be pressure washed once every 1-2 years. This frequency keeps surfaces clean without unnecessary expense.
Annual pressure washing works well for:
Every 2 years works for:
Several factors determine how often your concrete needs professional pressure washing:
This is the #1 factor. Shaded driveways develop algae, mold, and mildew much faster than sunny areas. If your driveway is shaded by trees, a roof overhang, or your home, expect to need cleaning more frequently.
Trees drop leaves, sap, pollen, and seeds that stain concrete. They also create the shade that promotes biological growth. More trees = more frequent cleaning needed.
Areas that stay damp longer—poor drainage, sprinkler overspray, or natural water runoff—grow algae faster and need more attention.
Why shaded driveways need more frequent pressure washing
Algae, mold, and mildew thrive in shaded, damp conditions. A driveway in full sun might stay clean for 2+ years, while a heavily shaded driveway can turn green within 6-12 months.
The problem is both cosmetic and functional. Green, slimy algae doesn't just look bad—it makes surfaces slippery and can degrade concrete over time if left untreated.
Large oak trees and other mature trees create permanent shade that keeps concrete damp and promotes rapid algae growth.
The north side of homes gets less direct sunlight. Driveways on this side often need annual cleaning instead of bi-annual.
Wet algae creates a slip hazard, especially on walkways and porch areas. Regular cleaning prevents accidents.
While pressure washing can remove years of buildup, it's easier and more cost-effective to clean surfaces before they become severely stained.
Organic growth spreads. What starts as a small green patch in a shaded corner can spread across your entire driveway within a season.
Stains set in. The longer oil, rust, or organic matter sits on concrete, the deeper it penetrates and the harder it becomes to remove completely.
When done correctly with proper technique and pressure, annual pressure washing won't damage concrete. The key is using the right pressure level and keeping the nozzle moving. Professional equipment and experience prevent surface damage while still removing buildup effectively.
Your driveway will still clean up, but it may take more time and effort to remove deeply set stains. Algae and organic growth can become more established, and some staining may become permanent. Regular maintenance is always easier than restoration work.
Look at your driveway one year after cleaning. If it's noticeably dirty, green, or stained, switch to annual cleaning. If it still looks relatively clean, you can stick with every 2 years. Shade is the biggest predictor—heavily shaded areas almost always need annual service.
Soft washing is excellent for killing algae and organic growth on concrete. However, it's less effective on heavy dirt, oil stains, and embedded grime. Many driveways benefit from a combination approach: soft washing to kill biological growth, followed by pressure washing for deep cleaning.
Spring and fall are most popular, but pressure washing works year-round. Spring cleaning removes winter grime and prepares for summer. Fall cleaning handles summer growth before winter. Some homeowners prefer winter cleaning when algae is less active, making it easier to prevent regrowth.
You can, but spot cleaning creates uneven appearance—the cleaned sections will look noticeably brighter than untreated areas. For best results and uniform appearance, it's better to clean the entire surface at once. Most of the cost is in setup and equipment, so partial cleaning doesn't save much.
We'll assess your property and recommend the right cleaning schedule
