Driveway Cleaning: Best Techniques on How to Clean a Concrete Driveway

A clean driveway can do much more than improve the overall appearance of your home front. Did you know that a dirty driveway can result in the growth of mold, algae, and moss, all of which can result in damages that can require extensive repairs? Therefore, having a clean driveway makes sure you save up on the time and cash you spend on repairs and rebuilding.
There’s a night and day difference between a clean driveway and one that has not seen a good driveway cleaning in years. Furthermore, in tropical climates, the weather conditions and humidity contribute to algae and mold growth. In addition, wheel marks, oil stains, and other chemicals tend to leave behind filthy-looking stains all over your driveway.
Are you wondering how to remove all those stains, so your driveway looks squeaky clean and presentable again? Continue reading to find out some tried and tested methods by the experts that will guarantee a spotless clean concrete driveway.

Driveway Cleaning Basics

There are a few straightforward techniques you can use in cleaning driveways. Let’s take a look at a step-by-step approach to cleaning concrete driveways.

Step 1: Clear out the area before pressure washing driveways

Remove any loose debris, such as dirt, stone, and other particles, from the driveway surface. You can brush or use a leaf blower for this purpose. Additionally, ensure that the driveway is free of other objects such as toys or bicycles. Also, don’t forget to remove any furniture or potted plants from the area you will be pressure cleaning.

Step 2: Decide on the right cleaner that can tackle the stains in your driveway

What is the best cleaner for a concrete driveway?

It is preferable if you use a specialized product to tackle the specific types of stains in your driveway. Cleaning concrete driveways become much easier once you identify the types of stains you must remove.
For general cleaning purposes, you can use a concrete driveway cleaner available in your local home improvement store. Let’s take a look at how you can deal with different types of stains.

How to clear mold and mildew from your concrete driveway

If your driveway is located in a shaded area, you will likely encounter an issue with mold and mildew. Furthermore, this is a reality when humidity exists, and the air is moist. Therefore, you may use a mold-killing detergent to get rid of these. Another trick is to make a solution by combining a cup of bleach with a gallon of water and applying it to the surface. Then, scrub the area thoroughly. This is one of the easiest ways to get rid of mold and mildew.

How to get rid of tire marks from your driveway

The unsightly skid marks you notice on most driveways are a result of the concrete surface getting exposed to wheels for long periods in hot weather. The rubber’s polymer constituents react or adhere to the concrete when heated. Unfortunately, these marks are water-resistant and won’t come off with a quick wash.
In this case, you will have to apply a degreaser and scrub it to loosen the stains. After that, you have to pressure wash the driveway. If you plan to use a pressure washer just a few times a year, it’s best you rent one or hire a professional. Additionally, an expert pressure washer driveway cleaner can save you more money and time than buying your own pressure washer and learning how to use it safely.

How to eliminate fertilizer stains from your concrete driveway

Applying an acidic solution is the key to getting rid of these stains. Therefore, a quick remedy is to mix equal volumes of white vinegar and water and apply the solution to the stains. You might have to apply the vinegar to the stain more than once and scrub hard to remove fertilizer stains completely.

How to clean leaf and other organic stains from your driveway

Organic stains such as leaf stains, tree sap, and other organic material are some of the hardest stains to remove when cleaning a concrete driveway. Therefore, these stains require cleaners and detergents that specifically target organic material.
However, the first step is to get a driveway pressure washer and get rid of all the solid particles and debris from the area that needs cleaning. Afterward, you can apply a detergent that specifically targets organic stains. Allow it to sit for a few minutes, and scrub thoroughly. The final step is to rinse away the detergent.

Are you still finding it challenging to rid your driveway of dirt and stains?

If all else fails, don’t lose hope. We have a few last tips that might be helpful regarding cleaning driveways. Check out the tips below before you resort to replacing your driveway entirely. That should be one of the last resort.

Tips for concrete driveway maintenance

1. Reseal your driveway by reapplying the sealer.
2. Remove any dirt, grease, or organic matter as soon as they fall on the driveway.
3. Do not use deicing chemicals.
4. Refill the sand in the small area between pavers on your concrete driveway.

Step 3: If all else fails, that might be an indication that your driveway needs an expert’s touch.

Need Expert Help? Call Aspen

Sometimes cleaning a concrete driveway is not as simple as you might think. When all the DIY methods fail, it’s best to call upon the experts to handle the situation. This is especially true when it comes to driveway pressure cleaning. If you are a novice using a pressure washer, it’s wise to consult a professional before taking matters into your own hands.
When it comes to Gold Coast driveway cleaning and cleaning concrete driveways in Brisbane and surrounding areas, Aspen has years of professional experience. Therefore if you are seeking an expert driveway cleaning service, give Aspen cleaning services a call today to get a quotation.

Concrete driveways are beautiful additions to any home, but they are also among the most difficult surfaces to clean and seal properly. Follow this concrete driveway cleaning and sealing guide to keep your driveway looking good as new even after years of sun exposure, rain, mud, and dirt.

Concrete Driveway Cleaning and Sealing Guide

1: Prepping the Surface

When you do your concrete driveway cleaning, it’s important to make sure that everything is prepared correctly. To prepare your driveway, first, remove any loose debris from your driveway using a broom or blower. Then remove the old sealant and any dirt, grease or grime that has built up over time.

2: Clean the Surface

Once the old sealant has been removed, wash the surface of the driveway thoroughly. You can use a pressure washer for larger areas, but most homeowners will want to rent a concrete cleaner from their local home improvement store instead. A concrete cleaner is a liquid that you apply to your driveway with a garden sprayer. The water quickly penetrates into cracks in the driveway and loosens embedded grime that’s trapped between the driveway surface and the overlying sealant. Most cleaners are heavy on detergent, which is why they can’t be used on most driveways until they’ve been stripped down to bare concrete. Once you apply the cleaner, let them soak on the surface for a few minutes then rinse them thoroughly with clean water.

3: Apply Sealer

Applying sealer to a concrete driveway is a crucial step in getting your driveway ready for winter. Like many other surfaces, a concrete driveway also should be sealed every year after it has been cleaned thoroughly. When you are applying sealer to your concrete driveway, here’s what you need to do: First, use a leaf blower or garden hose with a nozzle to clean off all debris from your driveway. Next, spread out an even layer of newspaper that will lie flat on top of your driveway; most sealers say that newspapers are one of the best materials for protecting areas from overspray. Now carefully spray on two coats of sealer; wait at least five minutes between each coat so that it can dry properly.

Conclusion

There are many different methods for concrete driveway cleaning and sealing. Here we shared some of our best recommendations. Hope you found this guide helpful! However, it will be easier if you find an expert who can do the cleaning and sealing of your concrete driveway for you. With proper care, your concrete driveway will give you many years of enjoyment. Once a year, take out time to do your concrete driveway cleaning and sealing in order to keep your driveway looking its best.