Last Updated on March, 2025
Concrete driveways are popular among homeowners for a reason–they are durable, low-maintenance, and cheaper in the long run.
However, that doesn’t mean your concrete floors cannot get dirty, which is why you need to clean your driveway every so often.
Whether you wish to clean your concrete driveway well or remove stains, we’re here to help! In this article, we’ll discuss the different ways to clean your driveway, detail the cleaning process for removing stains, and so much more!
Let’s get cleaning.
Quick Summary
- Various methods to clean a concrete driveway are discussed, including using a pressure washer, a garden hose with a spray nozzle, or hiring a professional driveway cleaner.
- Regular cleaning enhances curb appeal, extends the lifespan of the driveway, and prepares it for sealing, reducing the likelihood of costly repairs.
- Specific techniques are provided for removing stains like oil spills, tire marks, mold, mildew, and rust from concrete driveways.
Concrete Driveway Cleaning Methods
Regardless of the tool or cleaning method you choose, you should first sweep or blow away any debris on the concrete surface.
Pressure Washer With Surface Cleaner Attachment
Pressure Washers are recommended for the most effective driveway cleaning. A pressure washer with 3,000 PSI and 3GPM with a surface cleaner attachment delivers the perfect water pressure and water flow, effectively removing dirt and grime from your concrete floors.
To pressure wash your driveway, start near the garage and work your way down to the end of your driveway. Move the surface cleaner across the driveway in overlapping lines to ensure thorough pressure washing.
Garden Hose With Spray Nozzle
If you want to clean your concrete driveway without a pressure washer, you can use a garden hose with a spray nozzle instead.
Start at the highest point of your driveway and work your way down to the lowest.
Professional Driveway Cleaner
These professionals have the tools, and the best products in terms of household cleaners and expertise to remove anything from mildew stains to oil and grease stains.
A professional service can also clean other outdoor areas such as concrete patios and porches, and they often offer discounts for multiple projects.
Why You Should Clean Your Concrete Driveway?
Having clean concrete floors offers more than just aesthetic benefits. Here are some of the primary advantages of cleaning your entire driveway:
- Enhances your home’s curb appeal and property value.
- It keeps your driveway in good condition.
- Safeguards and extends the lifespan of your driveway.
- Reduces the likelihood of costly repairs.
- Gets your driveway ready for a concrete sealer.
Items You Will Need
There are various methods to clean a concrete driveway, each suited to different types of messes.
Here’s what to use based on the type of stain, as well as some additional items you may need:
- For general cleaning: basic concrete cleaner or homemade cleaning solutions.
- For organic stains from leaves, tree sap, or fertiliser: organic detergent (some may also be treated with a 50:50 mixture of clean water and white vinegar solution).
- For grease and oil stains: sawdust or cat litter, and concrete degreaser.
- A stiff bristled brush or stiff broom.
- A power washer to remove dirt completely from your concrete floor.
- Safety glasses.
- Rubber gloves.
Now, let’s look at how to remove stubborn stains and clean fresh spills off your driveway.
Other useful guides:
How to Remove Stains from Your Driveway?
In addition to routine driveway cleaning, it’s crucial to address stains caused by your vehicle, brake fluid, or gasoline spills promptly. Try to clean them off within the first hour to prevent them from setting in and causing deeper damage.
Here’s how to tackle driveway stains:
Oil Spills
Apply sawdust or cat litter to the spill, ensuring it is completely covered to soak up as much of the oil stain as possible. Let it sit for a few hours, then carefully scoop it up and dispose.
Next, spread a concrete cleaner or degreaser over the stained concrete surfaces and use a scrub brush to work it into the driveway.
After letting the product sit on the driveway for some time, wet the area with a hose and scrub one last time to remove any remaining residue.
Tyre Marks
Apply a degreaser (or mix bleach and water to make a solution) to the tyre marks. Allow it to sit for 15 minutes to break down the stains. Then, scrub the area with a nylon brush. Finish up by pressure washing your concrete floor thoroughly or using a garden hose with a nozzle.
Mould And Mildew
Spray an outdoor mould killer (or a distilled white vinegar-water solution) on the affected area and allow it to sit for 5 minutes. Rinse the surface area thoroughly with a garden hose or pressure washer.
Rust Stains
To remove rust stains, you can use muriatic acid or a biodegradable efflorescence cleaner. Remember to use safety gear such as rubber gloves and protective eyewear when handling these products.
For muriatic acid, mix a ¼ cup of the acid with two cups of cold water in a bucket. Pour the mixture over the rust stain and let it sit for 5 minutes. Scrub the area with a stiff brush, then rinse thoroughly.
FAQs
Conclusion
Concrete patio and driveway cleaning may seem like a chore, but it’s one of those household duties to uphold, for a clean, grime-free driveway that functions well and is pleasant to look at. It is definitely worth it in the long run.
Happy cleaning!
