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A new decorative concrete driveway is a bit like a new car. It looks great for the first year or two, but will eventually lose its luster if you don’t clean and maintain it on a regular basis.
Stains from hot tire marks, oil leaks, mold and mildew, and chemicals (such as lawn fertilizer and deicing salts) are bound to happen. But they don’t have to ruin your curb appeal if you know the best methods and cleaning materials to use to remove them. Here are some tips for cleaning your concrete driveway and how to protect and preserve it for years to come.
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How to clean a concrete driveway with a hose or pressure washer
Here's what you'll need for cleaning everyday dirt and grime from a concrete driveway:
- A garden hose with a spray nozzle
- A concrete driveway cleaner
- A stiff broom to scrub the driveway
To remove stubborn dirt and stains, a pressure washer is often more effective, but you need to know what you’re doing. A power washer blasts water at anywhere from 1500 to 3300 psi, more than 50 times the force of a typical garden hose with a sprayer. If you use a setting that is too high or range that is too close, you could actually etch the concrete. See these tips for power washing concrete.
Tip: If you only plan to use a pressure washer once or twice a year, renting one may be cheaper than buying one. And you won’t need to worry about storing or maintaining it. If you've never used a pressure washer, you may want to hire a professional who knows exactly how to clean concrete driveway surfaces without doing damage.
What is the best cleaner for a concrete driveway?
When cleaning your driveway, it is best to use a specialized product. For general cleaning, you can find concrete driveway cleaner at your local home improvement store or online.
If you're trying to remove a specific type of stain, you'll need one of the following:
- For oil, grease, grime and dirt use a concrete degreaser (try BLUE BEAR® Emerge™ 700DG Degreaser).
- For efflorescence, salt deposits, lime or rust stains, use a cleaner made with non-corrosive or biodegradable acid (try RadonSeal Efflorescence Cleaner).
- For paint, sealers, epoxy or other topical contaminants, use a coatings remover or stripper (try Soy Gel 600GL from Franmar).
You may have something on-hand already that can be used to clean your driveway. Be careful though, if your driveway has a decorative finish or color, these may not be the right option. Do your research and test a small, out-of-the-way spot before cleaning the entire driveway.
Here are a few common household cleaners that can be used on a concrete driveway:
- Bleach and water solution
- Diluted vinegar
- Liquid dish detergent
- Baking soda
- Cat litter
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How to clean oil and grease stains from a concrete driveway
Small oil spills or spots can sometimes be removed with nothing more than a strong detergent and a scrub brush. But a more effective method is to use a concrete cleaner or degreaser, a concentrated alkaline soap that will loosen up the oil to permit easier removal. For fresh spills, cover the stain with cat litter, sawdust, baking soda, or another absorbent material before cleaning. See How to Remove Oil Stains from Concrete.
How to clean mold and mildew from a concrete driveway
If your driveway is in a heavily shaded spot, you may have issues with mold and mildew growth, especially if weather conditions are damp and humid. Scrub the area with a mold-killing detergent or a solution of bleach and water (about 1 cup bleach per gallon of water). If you’re worried about damage to nearby plant life, distilled white vinegar can also be effective. Learn more: How to Clean Mold Off Concrete.
Safety tips: Always wear gloves when scrubbing with bleach to protect your hands. And never mix bleach with other household cleaners because the chemical reaction could produce toxic fumes.