Driveway Cleaning: DIY Expert-Led Tips to Clean Different Surfaces

Cleaning a driveway of your house on your own is always possible when you follow the right steps. This starts with removing loose waste, treating oil stains, and using the right pressure to clean the dull appearance of the driveway. 

Whether the surface on your driveway features concrete, asphalt shingles, paver, or brick, cleaning them becomes a challenge. Particularly when you are clueless of the specific cleaning solutions and right techniques. And to prevent potential problems, you should realise the surface-specific driveway cleaning tips. 

In this blog, you will walk through the expert-driven step-by-step process of cleaning various driveway materials. So, continue reading it till the end.  

Concrete Driveways

Concrete is a porous building material which shows stains from vehicle leaks, chemical spill, hard water, or decomposed leaves. Tire marks, mold growth on shaded areas, and efflorescence residue also look unattractive on these driveways. Here is how to get rid of these signs.

Steps to Follow:

1. Sweep your driveway daily to blow out the loose leaves, metal objects, and mud buildup. 
2. Use a degreaser for deep oil stains and allow it to dry completely. Also, you must use vinegar acid for rust and efflorescence. The mix of baking soda and dish soap works well for treating mild organic stains. Allow any of these cleaners some time before scrubbing. 
3. Wet the surface area using a garden hose with high-pressure nozzle. 
4. Apply dish soap or DIY baking soda and vinegar mix to the entire surface. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes, rinse with clean water, and let it dry. 
5. Use concrete sealer to protect against future stains. 

If a problem persists, it is best to call in professional concrete driveway cleaning experts. 

Asphalt Driveways

Asphalt is a delicate black material with heat retention properties. Yet still, it is possible to notice signs of oil stains, tire streaks, or fertilizer spills after lawn maintenance.  Here is how to clean an asphalt driveway. 

Steps to Follow:

1. Sweep or blow away leaves, dirt, and debris. Rinse the surface wet. 
2. Mix warm water, dish soap, or mild detergent well enough to pour on the surface. Scrub gently and rinse well after 10 minutes. 
3. For tire marks, use a degreaser while a mixture of baking soda and water breaks down the fresh oil spills.

While high-pressure washers can be unsafe for asphalt surfaces, you can still use a pressure washer at low-pressure settings. It is best to have professional driveway cleaning services for even cleaning.

Brick Driveways

Brick driveways displace sand over time with no proper maintenance. This happens due to weed growth, prolonged exposure to UV rays, and hard stains. 

Steps to Follow:

1. Sweep dust, leaves, and loose particles between the bricks.
2. Mix vinegar and boiling water, pour on the weed spots, and remove weeds using weed remover kit. 
3. Apply brick cleaning detergents all over the surface, scrub over gently, and rinse with clean water thoroughly.
4. Use vinegar or baking soda with water to treat the tough and difficult spots. 
5. Finally, wash away everything with clean water and let the driveway dry for 24 hours before sealing or sanding. 

Experts of driveway cleaning use pressure washers at low settings which prevents brick or sand from shifting during the cleaning process. Consult about one of their cleaning measures to clean sensitive brick surfaces efficiently. 

Gravel Driveways

Gravel driveways also show similar signs of damage but require a thoughtful cleaning procedure for long-term maintenance. 

Steps to Follow:

1. Rake the gravel prevents ruts, low spots and clear the debris. 
2. Use weed barriers and apply weed killer to prevent their growth.
3. Spray the surface lightly to settle the dust, however you must use calcium or magnesium chloride for heavy dirt buildup. Remove gravel stones from blocked drainage areas. 
4. Add more gravel in a fine line to keep the driveway in good condition.

While gravel driveways require less intensive cleaning, professional driveway cleaning services in Melbourne help with weed control and gravel raking process. 

Paver Driveways

Paver driveways are another common type of surface which requires cleaning to remove tough stains, moss, and weed growth. 

Steps to Follow:

1. Sweep the dirt and debris carefully. 
2. Pressure wash the weed roots to remove them completely. 
3. Pre-treat black, green, and brown patches with warm water mixed in vinegar, degreaser, or baking soda. 
4. Apply a sealant to protect the pavers from stains and weather damage.

Professional driveway cleaners use the right pressure settings and cleaning solutions. They can also apply sealants to protect the surface and keep it in excellent condition for years.

When to Consider a Professional Driveway Cleaning?

1. Expertise:

Professionals have the knowledge and experience to handle the composition of stains and bacteria on different driveway materials. As a result, they use appropriate techniques to avoid damage.

2. Advanced Equipment:

Professional cleaning services use advanced equipment for a deeper clean which is sometimes not possible with regular household tools.

3. Eco-Friendly Solutions:

Many professional cleaners use eco-friendly solutions that are effective yet safe for the environment. 

4. Time and Effort Saving:

Hiring professionals saves your time and effort. Cleaning a driveway with DIY approaches can be labour-intensive but professionals do it conveniently.

5. Enhanced Curb Appeal:

A neat and stain-free driveway creates a positive first impression and increases the value of your home.

Final Words

We hope you found this blog useful. As you see, DIY driveway cleaning is effective for routine maintenance. However, you must consider professional services when DIY solutions fail to work for a long time. 

Whether you have a concrete, asphalt, brick, gravel, or paver driveway, professional cleaners have the expertise, equipment, and solutions to keep your driveway in the best condition. Consider professional driveway cleaning from ABS Cleaning, an Australian-owned company with over 6 years and strict compliance with Australian safety standards. 

Did you learn something new from this article? If so, be sure to check out our blog for more educational content.