One of the first things that people notice when they visit your home is your driveway. Other than a nice lawn, a neat and clean concrete driveway always creates a great first impression. However, Â your driveway is constantly exposed to several factors that make it dirty. Knowing how to clean your driveway is an important part of maintaining its appearance for the long term.
There are many issues that can make your driveway dirty such as oil stains and moss. Also, weeds and other debris can cause problems and may damage your or a visitor’s vehicle. By itself, concrete is a tough material that is extremely durable and with proper maintenance and regular cleaning, it can last for over 25 years—especially if it has been installed and sealed properly with a quality concrete driveway sealant.
You are probably aware of the strengths of concrete and are more interested in keeping your driveway in top condition. Here are some tips and tricks that will ensure your concrete driveway is as clean as the rest of your beautiful home.
Table of Contents
Effective Ways of Cleaning Your Concrete Driveway
Soap and Water
If you have the time to clean it regularly, then all you have to do is wash it with soap and water. Add a few drops of dishwashing soap into a large bucket of water. Dip a stiff bristle brush into the soapy water and scrub your driveway clean using a circular motion.
To start your cleaning efficiently, begin at the end of the driveway and work towards the street. Using a garden hose, rinse the soapy water away with clean water.
Trisodium Phosphate
Trisodium phosphate (TSP) is a heavy-duty cleaning agent that is available at most home improvement and hardware stores. However, when cleaning concrete with TSP, ensure that you wear rubber gloves and protective eyewear. To use this as a driveway cleaner, add a cup of TSP for every gallon of hot water.
Using a sprayer, saturate the concrete of the driveway with the TSP cleaner and allow it to sit for around 15 to 20 minutes. Using a stiff bristle brush, scrub the concrete and then rinse the driveway with clean water using a garden hose.
Power Washing
Using a power washer is an excellent and effective way to clean your concrete driveway and remove stains. Set your power washer to a low setting and begin at the rear end of the driveway. Hold the cleaner wand around 12 inches from the surface and start washing by moving the wand from one side to another until finished.
You must use the power washer with caution as it can be dangerous and you must never point the wand of the power washer at any person because they can get seriously injured. Also, avoid pointing the power washer at a single spot over 10 seconds while cleaning concrete to avoid damages on the cement surface.
Bleach
Bleach is a commonly used household cleaner product that is not only effective to do your laundry but also can clean and brighten concrete too. Mix 1-part water with 1-part chlorine bleach to make the cleaning mixture. Put the solution into a garden sprayer and spray the mixture onto your driveway.Â
Let the solution sit for around 10 to 15 minutes and then scrub using a stiff bristle brush. Next, rinse the concrete clean with water using a garden hose.Â
Chlorine bleach is quite harsh and can irritate your eyes and skin. So, it is recommended that you wear rubber gloves, protective eyewear, and clothes that cover your arms and legs to protect yourself and prevent any damage while using it as a concrete cleaner.
You can also use poultice and lime as cleaners, which act in a similar manner as bleach, and can help in cleaning your concrete driveway.
Removing Oil Stains
Oil and other fluids from your vehicles can stain concrete. You can use clay-based cat litter or sawdust for your driveway cleaning. These materials can absorb the oil and remove the stain. Place the sawdust or cat litter over the stain and stomp on it. Let it rest on the stain overnight and sweep clean the area on the next day. Then, rinse the area with clean water.
You can also use other common items from your home like laundry detergent, oven cleaner, baking soda, and even Coca Cola to remove oil stains and clean concrete for your driveway. These are particularly effective cleaners to remove newer stains. For older stains that may be tougher to remove, you may need to clean with more powerful commercial stain removal agents and cleaners.
Removing Mildew
If there are water deposits on your driveway that are not cleared out, over time, they can cause the growth of mildew in the cracks and crevices of the cement. Mildew also grows in unlit and damp areas. Mildew is very slippery and can result in accidents if you step on it. This poses as a serious health risk.
However, mildew is treatable and to get rid of it, simply apply a cleaning solution of water and bleach on the affected areas. Wait for a few minutes and sweep the area and then, rinse with clean water. It is ideal to clean the mildew on a warm, clear day so that your driveway can dry completely. This can help to prevent any future mildew growth.
Concrete Driveway Maintenance Advice
The best part of using concrete for your driveway is that it does not need a lot of maintenance and care. However, no driveway material, including concrete, is completely maintenance-free. So, apart from keeping it clean, you should also know how you can preserve its life and appearance.
Your driveway is the part of your home that greets your visitors and a well-kept driveway is not only aesthetically appealing but also functional too. So, it may be worth your time, effort, and money to invest in cleaning your driveway as it only adds to the value of your property, especially if you plan to sell your home in the future. A clean driveway just shows how much love and effort you put into your home.
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