The secret to pressure washing for asphalt is using the right method, not the most pressure. In your area, we match the cleaner and pressure to the surface so it comes out clean without damage. With asphalt, the right approach is low-to-moderate pressure wash.
How we clean it
Cleaning solution: An asphalt-safe degreaser; avoid solvent-based products.
Cleaning asphalt safely
Asphalt is softer than concrete and is held together by its binder, so it is washed at lower pressure. Washing removes dirt and some oil staining before sealcoating, but old, absorbed oil stains rarely disappear completely.
Avoid: High pressure and harsh solvents that loosen the aggregate and break down the binder.
How often: Before sealcoating, typically every 2-3 years.
Signs you need pressure washing for asphalt
- Driveway or walkways look dark, gray or streaky
- Green or black growth in shaded areas and along edges
- Slippery surfaces after rain
- Oil, rust or tire marks you can't scrub out
- You're getting ready to sell, seal or paint
Where the grime comes from
- Dirt and pollen that settle into the pores of concrete
- Mold, mildew and algae in damp, shaded spots
- Oil and fluid drips from vehicles
- Rust from sprinklers, furniture and fertilizer
- Tire marks and general foot traffic
Safe steps for homeowners
- Sweep off leaves and loose debris so they don't stain
- Blot fresh oil drips with cat litter or an absorbent right away
- Point sprinklers away from walls and walkways to cut down on rust and hard-water stains
- Rinse pollen off with a garden hose during heavy pollen season
Not sure what you're looking at? The free stain identifier and safe pressure guide explain each stain and surface.
What can go wrong with DIY pressure washing
- Etched lines and 'zebra stripes' from holding a narrow tip too close
- Water forced into window frames, door sills and siding laps
- Damaged plants and lawns from chemical runoff
- Injuries: a zero-degree tip can cut skin, and wet surfaces are slippery
How we handle pressure washing for asphalt
- Walk the property and note surfaces, stains and anything fragile
- Protect plants, outlets, lights and doors, and move small items
- Pre-treat organic growth and degrease oil spots
- Clean with the right pressure and a surface cleaner for even results
- Rinse, post-treat to slow regrowth, and walk the job with you
Pressure Washing for Asphalt cost in your area
What moves the price:
- Size: square footage of siding, roof or flatwork
- Condition: heavy growth, old stains and peeling finishes take longer
- Access: number of stories, roof pitch, slopes and how close we can park
- Add-ons: sealing, gutter brightening and other services done in the same trip
These are typical U.S. ranges, not a quote. You get an exact price before any work starts. For a quick estimate, try the pressure washing cost calculator.
Other services for asphalt
Pressure Washing for Asphalt in your area
We provide pressure washing for asphalt across all 50 states, Washington, DC and Puerto Rico. Pick your state to see local details:
- Pressure Washing for Asphalt in Alabama
- Pressure Washing for Asphalt in Alaska
- Pressure Washing for Asphalt in Arizona
- Pressure Washing for Asphalt in Arkansas
- Pressure Washing for Asphalt in California
- Pressure Washing for Asphalt in Colorado
- Pressure Washing for Asphalt in Connecticut
- Pressure Washing for Asphalt in Delaware
- Pressure Washing for Asphalt in District of Columbia
- Pressure Washing for Asphalt in Florida
- Pressure Washing for Asphalt in Georgia
- Pressure Washing for Asphalt in Hawaii
- Pressure Washing for Asphalt in Idaho
- Pressure Washing for Asphalt in Illinois
- Pressure Washing for Asphalt in Indiana
- Pressure Washing for Asphalt in Iowa
- Pressure Washing for Asphalt in Kansas
- Pressure Washing for Asphalt in Kentucky
- Pressure Washing for Asphalt in Louisiana
- Pressure Washing for Asphalt in Maine
- Pressure Washing for Asphalt in Maryland
- Pressure Washing for Asphalt in Massachusetts
- Pressure Washing for Asphalt in Michigan
- Pressure Washing for Asphalt in Minnesota
- Pressure Washing for Asphalt in Mississippi
- Pressure Washing for Asphalt in Missouri
- Pressure Washing for Asphalt in Montana
- Pressure Washing for Asphalt in Nebraska
- Pressure Washing for Asphalt in Nevada
- Pressure Washing for Asphalt in New Hampshire
- Pressure Washing for Asphalt in New Jersey
- Pressure Washing for Asphalt in New Mexico
- Pressure Washing for Asphalt in New York
- Pressure Washing for Asphalt in North Carolina
- Pressure Washing for Asphalt in North Dakota
- Pressure Washing for Asphalt in Ohio
- Pressure Washing for Asphalt in Oklahoma
- Pressure Washing for Asphalt in Oregon
- Pressure Washing for Asphalt in Pennsylvania
- Pressure Washing for Asphalt in Puerto Rico
- Pressure Washing for Asphalt in Rhode Island
- Pressure Washing for Asphalt in South Carolina
- Pressure Washing for Asphalt in South Dakota
- Pressure Washing for Asphalt in Tennessee
- Pressure Washing for Asphalt in Texas
- Pressure Washing for Asphalt in Utah
- Pressure Washing for Asphalt in Vermont
- Pressure Washing for Asphalt in Virginia
- Pressure Washing for Asphalt in Washington
- Pressure Washing for Asphalt in West Virginia
- Pressure Washing for Asphalt in Wisconsin
- Pressure Washing for Asphalt in Wyoming
Pressure Washing for Asphalt: frequently asked questions
How much does pressure washing for asphalt cost?
Pressure Washing for Asphalt typically costs $150-$600 for a typical home's driveway, walkways and patio, and usually takes 1-4 hours. The exact price depends on the size and condition, and you get it before any work starts. Call (555) 010-0000 for a free quote.
Do you use high pressure for pressure washing for asphalt?
For asphalt: usually 1,500-2,500 PSI; hot water helps with oil. What we avoid: high pressure and harsh solvents that loosen the aggregate and break down the binder. The cleaning solution does most of the work, followed by a gentle rinse.
Is pressure washing for asphalt safe for my plants and pets?
We pre-wet plants and lawns, keep cleaning solutions diluted to what the surface needs, and rinse landscaping again when we finish. Keep pets and children inside until surfaces are rinsed and dry.
How often should I schedule pressure washing for asphalt?
Before sealcoating, typically every 2-3 years. Shade, nearby trees, humidity and heavy traffic mean more frequent cleaning; sunny, dry spots can go longer. Our free cleaning frequency tool gives a recommendation for your climate.
What if it rains on the day?
Light rain doesn't stop most washing, but heavy rain, high wind, lightning and freezing temperatures do. If the weather isn't right, we reschedule at no charge. Our work is backed by a satisfaction guarantee.