Having a driveway means additional responsibilities for you—as the homeowner. This is because you need to clean and maintain them to avoid accidents and other unexpected health hazards. With that said, you must learn how to deep clean your driveway. To do that effectively, check out the tips below:

Check What Your Driveway Is Made Of

Before you start cleaning your driveway, you need to know what it’s made of. You should be aware that different methods are being followed for different kinds of material. This will help you determine the proper cleaning and maintenance strategy moving forward.

Asphalt or Concrete

If your driveway is made from asphalt or concrete, you can easily use a pressure washer or hire a pressure washing Sarasota, FL services to clean the surface. Remember to keep your washer in a low-pressure setting to maintain the quality of your driveway. There are higher chances of damaging your driveway’s sealant if you use a high-pressure setting.

Paved Driveway

You need a brush and a mild soap solution to clean the surface of paved driveways. Instead of using a pressure washer, you must use a power washer to wash off the solution and eliminate stains. A power washer helps since it uses hot water to clean or disinfect the surfaces.

Remove Dirt and Debris

Before cleaning the surface with a pressure or power washer, you must first remove any dirt and debris scattered on your driveway. You can use a rake, broom, or even a leaf blower to remove all the things that are making your driveway look unpleasant.

You can also water them out but make sure that once you’re sweeping, you’re pushing them in the direction of the drainage. You don’t want the mess and the water to accumulate at the top of the driveway. Clearing these things out could help you focus on cleaning the surfaces.

Eliminate Stains

There are various products that perfectly handle different kinds of stains. So, make sure you pick the right product that your driveway needs.

Worker cleans the sidewalk in front of a street cafe

Grease Stains

You can usually use a degreaser to wash off grease stains on your driveway. Before scrubbing and brushing the degreaser, make sure that you let the product soak for about three to five minutes. This will make it easier for you to scrub and wash off the grease or the spills from your swiggy food.

Rust Stains

Apply a rust cleaner to the affected areas of your driveway. It depends on the product or brand that you are using, but it is usually recommended that you should dilute the product first with water before applying it to the driveway. After applying the rust cleaner, scrub the stains off with a brush. In the future, to avoid any rust stains, make sure to not leave anything rust-prone or metallic on your driveway.

Paint Spills

Get a solvent or a paint stripper to remove any paint spills on your driveway. Apply them and let them soak based on the instructions of the brand. Afterward, you can clean it up using a brush or a rag.

Mildew

Mildew doesn’t just make your driveway look dingy, but it also poses a health hazard. If unnoticed, these can cause accidents since it makes your driveway slippery. The good news is, mildews are easy to clean. The safest way to get rid of mildew is to make a water-bleach solution and apply it to contaminated areas before brushing them off. This method also helps disinfect and decontaminate your driveway.

Use A Pressure Or Power Washer

After removing all the dirt, stains, or mildew from your driveway, finish off with a pressure or power washer. This will help make sure that there won’t be anything left on your driveway. Again, you have to be mindful of what your driveway is made of. If it’s made from concrete or asphalt, pressure washing at low pressure is recommended. If you have a paved driveway, using a power washer is better to avoid damage.

Add A Sealant

After cleaning your driveway, you need to add a sealant to protect it. This helps prevent water and dirt from accumulating in them. This also prevents future stains and potential damage from any harmful items. If you’re worried that the sealant will make your driveway look slightly different, you can choose one with a natural finish.

Takeaway

Deep cleaning your driveway isn’t an easy task. But with the right process, tools, and cleaning products, you can keep your driveway clean and in good condition for years to come. This can reduce the need for repairs while keeping your property polished at the same time. Moreover, it can also help keep your driveway safe for daily use.