A homeowner periodically attends to a number of maintenance details to keep the house looking its best but the driveway doesn't always get the attention it deserves. It is one of the first things a casual observer notices and it won't give a good impression if it is oil-stained and cracked. The task may seem daunting but it is not really difficult to keep your driveway clean and in good repair
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Removing Oil Stains
Driveways without some oil stains are rare. If they are still close to the surface, several products can soak them up, including cat litter, sawdust, hydrated lime or cement powder. You can also scrub them with a nylon brush and soap and water. Don't use a wire brush--it will wear away the surface. For deeper stains, try a degreaser, commercial emulsifier or weak solution of muriatic acid and water. You may be able to lighten stubborn stains that won't come out with a solution of bleach and water.
Power Washing
Dirt gets engrained in the surface of a driveway over time and a garden hose won't remove it. Rent a power washer to throughly wash it out.Its high pressure works dirt out of the pores of the concrete and you'll notice the driveway change color as soon as you start using it. It may be tempting to hold the nozzle close to get out the deepest dirt but remember the high pressure can actually chip or gouge concrete, especially around cracks. It's better to keep the nozzle at the recommended, moderate distance from the concrete.
Sealing Cracks
Cracks inevitably develop in a concrete driveway over time and if you do nothing about them they can widen until whole sections of concrete begin to chip away. Patch hairline cracks with a concrete patching compound, available in a tube so that it can be applied with a caulking gun. Trowel on mortar or patching compound to repair cracks wider than 1/4 inch. Chip away the edges of the crack with a cold chisel and wet the concrete first. Periodically spray water on it for a week until it sets completely.
Sealer Protection
Concrete is very porous and, if left untreated, will begin to collect dirt as soon as you are finished cleaning it. Brush or roll on a sealer to prevent this. Most sealers are clear and leave your driveway with a semi-gloss patina. Water may puddle and create stains if drainage is a problem on your driveway. You may not be able to do much about this short of a major repair. If the water puddles close to the edge, correct the slope of the driveway with mortar so that it drains away.
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