Without a Scratch: 4 Tips for Cleaning Your Driveway

A home’s concrete driveway is one of the first things that people see when they pull up to the house. If the driveway is stained or dirty, it may affect the curb appeal of the home. The driveway is exposed to an array of sources of stains and dirt, including everything from leaky vehicles to falling leaves and more.

Cleaning the driveway at least one time a year will get rid of any debris before it penetrates the cement and becomes permanent. There are several ways to clean a driveway and some tips that will make methods more effective. Keep reading to learn more.

1. Soap, Water, and Elbow Grease

When it comes to cleaning a driveway, there’s no question that calling the professionals, such as A Plus Soft Wash, is a smart option. While this is true, it’s also possible to make a simple cleaner from a mixture of basic dish soap and water. This will usually work well. All that a person has to do is to put a few squirts of regular dish soap into a big bucket and add water. Once the mixture is made, put a stiff scrub brush in the soapy water and begin scrubbing the driveway. Use a circular motion over stains and a lot of elbow grease to get the desired results.

It’s a good idea to begin with the rear of the driveway (near the garage door) and work toward the street. This is going to ensure the dirty water runs off the driveway. Be sure to rinse away the soapy water on the concrete with a garden hose so it won’t leave any dirt or spots behind.

2. Power Washing

The power produced by a power washer will effectively clean debris and stains from a concrete driveway. For the driveway, a fan tip is going to work best. Also, using hot water will improve the cleaning power behind the power washer.

Make sure to set the power washer on a lower setting and make sure it doesn’t exceed 2,500 psi. Again, start at the back of the driveway and keep the wand a minimum of 12 inches away from the surface. To effectively clean the driveway, move the wand from one side to another.

3. Trisodium Phosphate

TSP, or trisodium phosphate, is a very heavy-duty cleaner that can be found at most home improvement and hardware stores. It is an effective degreaser, which makes it the best chemical for driveway cleaning when dealing with oil spills or similar stains. Trisodium phosphate will break up the oil, the solvents, and an array of other stains from the driveway’s surface.

4. Chlorine Bleach

This is a product that is used in most houses for cleaning, but it can also clean concrete. All a person has to do is mix one-part chlorine bleach and one-part water. This can then be put in a garden sprayer and sprayed on the driveway.

Remember, any time a homeowner is trying to clean a driveway, using caution is a must. However, those who don’t want to try to handle this process alone should call the professionals for help. Keep in mind though, finding the right professional service is going to be important, so put time and effort into this important decision.