How to Clean Your Concrete Driveway Like a Pro

Learn the best way to clean and maintain your concrete driveway for a fresh look.

Concrete driveways take a beating – oil spills, tire marks, dirt, and rogue weeds sprouting from cracks. If your driveway is looking less "nice and clean" and more "neglected parking lot," it's time for a refresh.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the best way to clean your concrete driveway so it looks as fresh as the day it was poured (well… as close as possible).

Step 1: Sweep Away Debris

Before you start spraying down your driveway, grab a stiff-bristled broom and get rid of loose dirt, leaves, and other debris. This step gives you a clear view of any stains or cracks that need special attention.

If you see weeds creeping up through cracks, yank them out now. After cleaning, seal cracks with concrete caulk to prevent weeds from making a comeback.

Step 2: Attack Stubborn Stains

Concrete is porous, meaning stains – especially from oil, grease, and rust – get absorbed deep into the concrete over time. Here’s how to handle them:

• Oil Stains: Pour cat litter, baking soda, or cornstarch over fresh oil spills to absorb excess grease. Let it sit for a few hours before sweeping it up. Then, scrub the area with a degreaser or a DIY mix of dish soap and warm water.
• Rust Stains: A commercial rust remover or DIY mixture of lemon juice or vinegar with a bit of scrubbing power can work wonders.
• Tire Marks: A little bit of TSP (trisodium phosphate) mixed with water and elbow grease will do the trick for stubborn rubber stains.

Pro Tip: Pressure washing with just water can remove a surprising amount of grime, so try that first before going heavy on chemicals!

Step 3: Prep for Pressure Washing

Before you start cleaning your driveway, cover any nearby surfaces that could be damaged, like garage doors, painted siding, or windows. Use heavy-duty plastic sheeting or tarps to keep everything protected.

Step 4: Configure Your Pressure Washer

A pressure washer is your best friend when it comes to giving your concrete driveway a deep clean. Follow these steps to set it up correctly:

1. Attach the Right Nozzle: A 25-degree nozzle is great for general cleaning, while a 15-degree nozzle can tackle tougher grime. Avoid zero-degree nozzles, as they can etch the concrete.
2. Adjust Pressure Settings: If your pressure washer allows, start at a lower pressure and test a small, out-of-sight area before cranking it up.
3. Use a Detergent (Optional): Some pressure washers allow for detergent. Use a concrete-safe cleaner for an extra boost on especially dirty driveways.
   
   

Step 5: Pressure Wash Like a Pro

Now, it’s time for the fun part! Start at the highest point of your driveway and work your way down to prevent dirty water from running over already-cleaned areas.

Use an overlapping pattern, keeping the nozzle moving to avoid etching the concrete. Maintain a steady distance from the surface to avoid steaks.

Step 6: Seal Your Concrete Driveway (Optional, But Recommended!)

Once your driveway is spotless and completely dry, sealing it can help protect against future stains, water absorption, and freeze-thaw damage. A high-quality concrete sealer acts as a barrier against oil, deicing salts, UV rays, and mold.

Pro Tip: If you’re in an area with harsh winters, a sealer can help prevent water from seeping into the pores of the concrete and causing cracks when it freezes.

Step 7: Keep Up with Maintenance

A little routine upkeep can save you from a full deep clean every year. Here’s how to keep your driveway looking great:

• Sweep regularly to prevent dirt buildup.
• Rinse off spills immediately to avoid stains setting in.
• Caulk cracks and joints to prevent weed growth and water infiltration.
• Lift sunken slabs with professional concrete leveling to maintain a trip-free surface.

Pro Tip: If your driveway slabs are settling near your garage entrance, they could be directing water under your garage foundation – concrete leveling can fix that before it becomes a bigger issue!

Cleaning Your Concrete Driveway

Cleaning your concrete driveway might not be the most glamorous task, but it’s well worth the effort. There’s nothing quite as satisfying as seeing years of grime wash away in a few swipes of the pressure washer!

If you’d rather skip the scrubbing and let the professionals handle it, A-1 Concrete Leveling offers expert concrete cleaning services to get your driveway looking like new. Request a free estimate from an A-1 Concrete Leveling location near you!