How to Clean a Driveway

Clean driveways make positive first impressions on guests.

Driveways are overlooked aspects of properties that require regular maintenance. Clean driveways make home exteriors look inviting, while dirty driveways cause properties to appear neglected. Driveways become dingy from accumulated vehicle fluids, dirt and road salt. Stains become more difficult to remove the longer they remain on driveway surfaces. Regularly cleaning a driveway preserves its aesthetic appeal and allows it to last longer. Asphalt, concrete, stone and brick driveways can be cleaned with a few basic items.

Things You'll Need

• Broom
• Garden hose
• Spray nozzle
• 2 tbsp. liquid dish soap
• 2 buckets
• Long-handled scrub brush

Instructions

1. Sweep the driveway with a broom to remove leaves, branches and debris.

2. Spray water from a garden hose onto all grass, plants and shrubs surrounding the driveway to protect the vegetation from runoff.

3. Screw a spray nozzle onto the garden hose. Spray the driveway with water to wash away dirt and wet the surface.

4. Combine 2 gallons of warm water and 2 tbsp. of liquid dish soap in a clean plastic bucket. Thoroughly mix the solution.

5. Fill another plastic bucket with warm water for rinsing the scrub brush.

6. Dip a long-handled scrub brush in the soapy water. Scrub a five-foot-square section of the driveway with the soapy scrub brush. Frequently rinse the scrub brush in the bucket of warm water to prevent reapplying dirt to the driveway.

7. Spray each section with water from the garden hose to wash away the soapy water and grime.

8. Clean the remaining sections of the driveway using the same process. Refill both plastic buckets with fresh soap solution and rinse water as needed.

9. Hose the entire driveway with water to wash away any remaining soap and grime. Allow the driveway to air-dry.

Tips & Warnings

• You can substitute a commercial driveway cleaner for the soapy solution. Use a cleaner designed specifically for your driveway surface. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.

• For oil stains, crush some clay cat litter into the stain or sprinkle baking soda on it and let it absorb. Wash the stain with liquid laundry detergent and scrub with a brush. Rinse and let dry.

• Wire brushes can damage driveway surfaces.

References

• Home Tips: Cleaning an Asphalt Driveway
• REMR Research Program: Cleaning Concrete Surfaces