Driveway Cleaning Tips to Improve Curb Appeal and Increase Property Value
Keeping your driveway clean can enhance safety and increase the value of your property. Cleaning stains and spills promptly prevents them from becoming permanent. More by clicking here.
If you have oil stains on your concrete or asphalt driveway, spray them with a degreaser or gentle cleaning solution and scrub them with an outdoor broom. Let the solution sit for 15 minutes and rinse the area with a garden hose.
1. Use a Power Washer
A clean driveway adds a great deal to curb appeal and is the first thing potential buyers see. Fortunately, it’s also one of the easiest things to improve or maintain, and can even increase your home’s value.
Start at the highest end of the driveway, near the house or garage, and work your way down. Use a surface cleaner on the entire area, but concentrate extra attention on tougher, dirtier areas. You can purchase a variety of detergents designed to be used with pressure washers, or make your own cleaning solution from common kitchen staples like baking soda.
Before you begin washing, cover nearby windows, doors, and plants with plastic sheets or garbage bags to prevent them from getting soaked or damaged by the high-pressure water spray. You can also try making a poultice to lift oil stains by mixing an absorbent substance (such as kitty litter or sawdust) with a solvent (acetone, xylene, or lacquer thinner). Apply the mixture to the stained area and let it sit for 24 hours.
2. Remove Oil Stains
Oil stains are one of the most unsightly messes that can appear on your driveway, whether from a leaky car or simply an old spill. They can leave your home looking unkempt and unwelcoming, so they should be removed promptly.
If the stain is fresh, soak it up with an absorbent material like clay-based kitty litter. Allow the cat litter to sit for an hour, then scoop it up and sweep. If the stain is more stubborn, use a commercial concrete cleaner that’s safe for your specific hardscape material.
You can also try a homemade poultice to draw out an oil stain. Mix an absorbent such as kitty litter or sawdust with a solvent such as paint thinner or acetone. Spread the paste over the stain and let it sit for 12 to 24 hours. The solvent will break down the oil, and the absorbent will suck it out of the driveway. Then scrub the area and rinse.
3. Remove Dirt and Mud
Mud and dirt from tires can be a huge problem for both asphalt and concrete driveways. If left unchecked, it can cause giant ruts that could become a safety concern for you and your family as you drive through them. Similarly, if a mud spill dries, it will harden and be very difficult to remove. To avoid this, try to clean the mud as quickly as possible.
The quickest way to do this is by using a power washer, but you can also use a stiff-bristled push broom or garden hose sprayer. Before you begin cleaning, sweep the entire driveway to remove surface dirt and cracks. This will prevent dirt from getting trapped in the cleaning process.
For oil stains, sprinkle sawdust or even kitty litter on the stain. Leave this for up to 24 hours to absorb the grease and oil before sweeping it away and rinsing it with a hose. For other stains, such as those caused by tree sap or gum, try applying an orange citrus degreaser and scrubbing it with a scrub brush.
4. Remove Mold and Mildew
Nothing ruins the look of a driveway like mold and mildew. If your driveway is in constant shade or you live in a damp climate, these stains will grow quickly and leave behind unsightly spots that are also a slip hazard.
To remove mildew and mold, start by scrubbing with a brush and hosing off with a power washer. Then, apply a commercial concrete cleaner that is formulated to eliminate mildew and mold stains. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for dilution and application to the affected areas. Then, allow the solution to soak into the stains for the recommended time before rinsing and scrubbing.
If you can’t get rid of stubborn stains, try using a chlorine bleach solution. This isn’t safe for pets or children and will require wearing rubber gloves, but it works well to kill mold spores on both concrete and asphalt. If the area smells musty afterward, wash the driveway with a non-toxic outdoor cleaner. Next article.