First impressions are important. When it is at the front, a driveway that is streaked with grease and grimy tire marks might make your property look uncared for. Improve the overall appearance of your home exterior and boost curb appeal when you clean your driveway this spring.
Clean Your Driveway According to Type
What kind of driveway do you have?
Asphalt
An asphalt driveway is typically low maintenance. It can be cleaned with a solution of mild detergent and water.
Cement
Driveways made of cement can be cleaned manually or with a pressure washer (more on that later). Since concrete is prone to cracking and pitting, in addition to regular cleanings, cement driveways should be sealed every two to three years to protect it from the elements and keep its curb appeal.
Gravel
The most effective way to spruce up a gravel driveway is to skip the pressure washer. Regularly remove debris using a leaf blower on a low setting, a rake, or a garden hose with a gentle spray nozzle. Whatever method you use, avoid displacing the gravel and creating “bald” spots.
Brick and Stone
Brick and stone are very porous materials. These types of driveways require special attention when cleaning with a pressure washer and certain chemicals/cleaning solutions that may cause damage. Harsh chemicals and industrial-strength cleaners will definitely remove stains, but can be absorbed by brick or stone, leaving surfaces patchy or “bleached” looking. Use a pressure washer on a low setting or scrub by hand. Remove stubborn stains with a non-evasive cleaning solution.
Before You Begin
Don’t skip the prep work. Before you begin actually cleaning the driveway, do the following:
- Remove any items illegally parked such as bicycles, toys, furniture, etc.
- Sprinkle saw dust or kitty litter on grease or oil stains – leave on for at least 12 hours before sweeping it up
- Sweep the entire surface to clear off loose stones and dirt
- For brick/stone/pavers pull any weeds that
- Use a garden hose with a spray nozzle to rinse off any remaining surface dirt
Manual Cleaning Method
Use a solution of mild dish detergent and hot water to remove surface stains. If the driveway has a lot of embedded stains, use a stronger solution of washing soda and hot water.
Apply the solution with a standard deck brush. Scrub small areas at a time, wetting the brush as needed.
Rinse the driveway clean using a garden hose with a spray or low-pressure nozzle.
Pressure Washing Cleaning Method
Because a pressure washer directs a stream of water with a lot of force on one small area at a time, it might do more harm than good.
On cement and asphalt driveways, a pressure washer could further embed stains into the surface or push water into cracks or pinholes.
On driveways with pavers, blocks, or bricks, pressure washing might force water into gaps, dislodging individual pavers or causing them to “float,” making the surface unstable.
When using a pressure washer to clean the driveway, select a lower setting. Move the hose from side to side. Do not stay on one spot for too long to prevent “flooding” the area.
