Best Pressure Washers and Cleaners for Concrete and Asphalt Driveways
A clean driveway looks better, and it's the first step before any sealing job. But concrete and asphalt need different treatment. Blast asphalt with a narrow tip and you'll strip the surface and loosen stone; treat concrete too gently and the stains stay. Here's the gear we'd buy for a homeowner's driveway, and how to use it on each surface.
Pricing a pro instead? Our sealcoating cost calculator gives you a ballpark in seconds, or get free quotes from local pros.
Comparison table
| Product | Approx. price | Why pick it |
|---|---|---|
| Sun Joe SPX3000-XT1 XTREAM Electric Pressure Washer | ~$119.99 | Best value; huge track record |
| Westinghouse ePX3100 Electric Pressure Washer | ~$130.66 | Strong all-rounder with good flow |
| Greenworks 2000 PSI Electric Pressure Washer | ~$152.42 | Compact and easy to store |
| Kärcher K5 Power Control Pressure Washer | ~$337.07 | Premium build, made for heavy use |
| Westinghouse Universal 15 in. Surface Cleaner Attachment | ~$39.99 | Streak-free concrete cleaning, much faster |
| Oil Eater Original Cleaner/Degreaser (32 oz) | ~$17.97 | Lifts oil spots before washing |
| Simple Green Oxy Solve Concrete and Driveway Cleaner (1 gallon) | ~$23.99 | Brightens concrete with a pressure washer |
Approximate Amazon prices when we checked in November 2026. Prices change often; click through for today's price.
Concrete vs. asphalt: clean them differently
| Surface | Pressure | Best approach |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete | 2,000–3,000 PSI | Surface cleaner attachment, concrete cleaner for stains |
| Asphalt | Under 2,000 PSI | Wide 25–40° tip, kept back from the surface; degreaser on oil spots |
Asphalt is softer and held together by a binder that degrades with harsh chemicals and high pressure. Keep the wand moving, use a wide fan tip, never a zero-degree tip, and let the driveway dry for at least 24 hours before you sealcoat.
Electric or gas?
For a typical home driveway, a good electric pressure washer around 2,000 to 2,300 PSI is plenty, and it's quieter, lighter and easier to store. Gas machines are faster on huge concrete areas but are more than most homeowners need.
Our picks, with pros and cons
Sun Joe SPX3000-XT1 XTREAM Electric Pressure Washer
- Tens of thousands of reviews; proven design.
- Dual detergent tanks and quick-connect tips.
- Long driveways may need an extension hose.
- Not as fast as gas on big concrete pads.
The Sun Joe is the easy recommendation for a home driveway: enough pressure for concrete, gentle enough with the right tip for asphalt, and a fair price.
Westinghouse ePX3100 Electric Pressure Washer
- Up to 2,300 PSI and about 1.76 GPM, good flow for an electric.
- Onboard detergent tank, anti-tip design.
- Bulkier than the Sun Joe.
- Electric models still work slower than gas on very large pads.
A little more flow than most electrics, which means faster cleaning. A great pick if your driveway is concrete or you also wash a patio and siding.
Greenworks 2000 PSI Electric Pressure Washer
- Compact upright design.
- Plenty of pressure for asphalt cleaning.
- Lower flow than the Westinghouse.
- Small detergent tank.
If storage space is tight, the Greenworks is the one. 2,000 PSI is right in the safe range for asphalt.
Kärcher K5 Power Control Pressure Washer
- Up to 2,500 PSI with a water-cooled induction motor.
- Long 32 ft hose and two wands.
- Expensive.
- More power than asphalt needs.
The pick for homeowners who clean a lot of concrete every year. The motor is built for long run times.
Westinghouse Universal 15 in. Surface Cleaner Attachment
- Spinning bar cleans a 15-inch path evenly, no stripes.
- Universal 1/4 inch quick connect fits most electric washers.
- Not ideal on soft or loose asphalt.
- Adds weight to the wand.
A surface cleaner is the biggest upgrade for concrete. It turns a striped, tiring job into an even, fast one. On asphalt, use it only on a low setting, or skip it.
Oil Eater Original Cleaner/Degreaser (32 oz)
- Non-toxic, biodegradable degreaser.
- Safe to use on asphalt when diluted.
- Old, set-in stains need several treatments.
- Concentrate; dilute as the label says.
Spray or brush it on oil spots, let it work, scrub, then rinse. For deep stains, see our oil stain remover guide.
Simple Green Oxy Solve Concrete and Driveway Cleaner (1 gallon)
- Made to run through a pressure washer's detergent system.
- Unscented, safe on most outdoor surfaces.
- Works best on concrete; less noticeable on asphalt.
- Not a heavy oil remover.
Run it through the detergent tank to lift general grime and mildew from concrete before rinsing at higher pressure.
How to clean a driveway before sealing
- Blow off leaves and loose dirt. Our blower and broom guide has picks.
- Treat oil spots with degreaser and scrub.
- Wash with a wide fan tip, moving steadily from the high end to the low end.
- Let it dry for a full 24 hours, longer in shade.
- Prime any oil spots that remain, then seal.
Want it done for you? A sealcoating crew cleans, fills cracks and seals in one visit. See our cost calculator or get free quotes.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to pressure wash an asphalt driveway?
Yes, with care. Stay under about 2,000 PSI, use a wide 25 or 40 degree tip, keep the nozzle a foot or more from the surface and keep it moving.
What PSI do I need for a concrete driveway?
2,000 to 3,000 PSI works for most home concrete driveways. A surface cleaner attachment makes it faster and avoids stripes.
Should I pressure wash before sealcoating?
It helps, as long as the driveway dries completely before sealing, usually 24 hours or more.
Related: Oil stain removers · Blowers and brooms for prep · How to sealcoat · Sealcoating cost calculator