How Driveway Cleaning Can Enhance the Look of Your Driveway
A well-maintained driveway can help prevent costly repairs and extend its lifespan. Regular sweeping and deep cleaning using environmentally friendly products is one way to do this.
Before you can start scrubbing, make sure the area is clear of any rocks or other debris that could scratch the concrete when scrubbed. Next, wet the ground and get ready to add your chosen detergent. Read this first!
Debris Removal
Over time, cars and foot traffic stir up dust, dirt, leaves, and other organic material that eventually collects on the surface of your concrete driveway. While it might seem like no big deal, this buildup can actually damage your driveway if not removed regularly.
To start your driveway cleaning, first sweep away any loose debris, using either a push broom or leaf blower on a low power setting. This will remove any dirt or organic material that can interfere with the effectiveness of cleaners and pressure washing machines.
Next, tackle any stains that are visible on the surface of your concrete driveway. For example, latex paint splatters can often be removed by wetting the area with water, sprinkling on household scouring powder, and scrubbing with a stiff-bristle nylon brush before rinsing it off with a garden hose. If your stain is caused by oil, you can use a heavy-duty cleaner, such as trisodium phosphate (TSP), which has a degreasing effect on concrete.
Power Washing
Your driveway is a major focal point of your home. It’s where you show off your car, it’s a place for entertaining guests and it helps maintain your property value. But a dirty, stained, or unsightly surface can leave the wrong impression on others. Keeping your driveway clean removes eyesores and prevents dangerous materials from absorbing into the surface, like anti-freeze or oil.
If your driveway has a lot of grease or oil stains, a simple power washing may be enough to remove them. A professional can also help you with tough stains like tannin blotches from tree sap, yellow-orange fertilizer stains, or dark rust spots. A pressure washer can also be used to eliminate mold, mildew, and fungus growth on your driveway and around your home. If you use a pressure washer, it’s important to follow safety precautions such as wearing a face mask and using plastic sheets to protect nearby plants from spray.
Oil Stain Removal
Whether you have an older car with leaky engine parts or just used your lawn mower to add oil, the spilled petroleum-based liquids are unsightly, slippery, and difficult to remove from asphalt and concrete. While sweeping and detergents work well to treat fresh oil spills on a concrete driveway, they do little to absorb what sinks into the surface of your drive. Cat litter, sawdust, or baking soda can help, but they are only temporary solutions.
Fortunately, hardware and big-box home improvement stores sell concrete cleaners that are specifically designed to break down and remove oil spills without damaging your driveway. These cleaners are usually formulated to be diluted before application but may also be used full-strength for tougher stains. If you choose to use one of these specialized products, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for applying it to your driveway and cover nearby plants and grass to protect them from runoff or errant spray. Using a chemical cleaner can also create noxious fumes that are hazardous to breathe for prolonged periods of time.
Additional Finishing Touches
When it comes to driveway cleaning, you can always take steps to further enhance its look and improve your home’s curb appeal. These improvements can include borders, staining, or even landscaping. They can also add a lot of value to your property.
Before commencing the cleaning process, a technician will carefully prepare the surrounding area. They will move any furniture or objects to prevent damage from the high-pressure water stream, and they will pre-wet or cover delicate plants or garden areas with plastic sheeting. They will then use the specialized cleaning solution to break down and remove dirt, grime, oil, grease, moss, lichens, and more from the surface of your driveway.
Using the proper technique, they will work in sections and employ overlapping strokes to ensure that all areas receive equal attention. They will also pay special attention to oil stains and may use targeted treatment methods to address stubborn marks. Once the cleaning is complete, they will rinse the surface thoroughly and remove excess water. Next blog post.