Last updated: October 2026
Can you surface clean asphalt?
Yes, you can surface clean asphalt, but at lower pressure than concrete. We run a surface cleaner near 2000 PSI with a 20 inch deck on sound asphalt and stay off new seal coat for 90 days. Cracked or oxidized asphalt can ravel, so we test a small corner first.
Asphalt is oil and aggregate held together by a binder. Too much pressure strips the binder and leaves loose stone behind.
What PSI is safe on San Diego asphalt?
On a Clairemont-style cul-de-sac driveway we ran last month, the asphalt was eight years old and gray from sun. We kept the surface cleaner at about 2000 PSI and 4 GPM, moved slowly, and overlapped each pass by two inches. A wand with a 15 degree tip would have cut stripes into it in seconds.
Our San Diego sun oxidizes asphalt fast. Oxidized surfaces lose binder first, so they need the gentlest pass.
| Surface | Our PSI | Tool | Typical price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete driveway | 3000 | 20 inch surface cleaner | $150 to $300 |
| Sound asphalt driveway | 1800 to 2200 | 20 inch surface cleaner | $150 to $275 |
| Oxidized or cracked asphalt | 1200 to 1500 | Surface cleaner, wide fan tip at edges | $175 to $325 |
When should you skip pressure washing asphalt?
New seal coat. Wait 90 days at least, and longer in cool months when it cures slowly.
Also skip it where the surface is crumbling at the edges. We pull back and tell the owner, because a wash will only make the raveling visible.
Oil is the other problem. Asphalt already contains petroleum, so a degreaser can dissolve the surface along with the stain. We use a mild dwell and hot water at 180 degrees on fresh drips, and we do not chase old stains.
What does asphalt cleaning cost in San Diego?
Most residential asphalt drives of 500 to 800 sq ft run $150 to $325 and take 45 to 90 minutes. Commercial lots price by the square foot, usually $0.08 to $0.15, with a minimum for the rig setup.
If your drive is concrete instead, see our services page and the driveway cost breakdown. For painted surfaces we use soft washing.
If we cleaned your driveway, we would love a Google review that names the service and your neighborhood.