We often get this question: “What are the best ways to clean a concrete driveway?” 

Since we consider ourselves experts in concrete, we wanted to provide tips for getting those tough stains out, such as paint, motor oil, dirt, and grease. Read on for some of the best advice on cleaning your driveway. Remember, a little elbow grease is required! 

Please remember that new concrete does not need to be cleaned/pressure washed within the first year of pouring. After that, it must be soft-washed, not high-pressure washed. 

Cleaning a concrete driveway is a straightforward process that can be done using several methods. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean your concrete driveway effectively:

1. Gather the necessary supplies:

• Garden hose with a soft-pressure nozzle or pressure washer
• Broom or stiff brush
• Mild detergent or concrete cleaner
• Bucket
• Safety goggles
• Protective gloves

2. Clear the driveway:

• Remove any vehicles or objects from the driveway.
• Sweep the surface thoroughly to remove loose dirt, leaves, or debris.

3. Pre-treat any stains or oil spots:

• If you notice any stubborn stains or oil spots on the concrete, pre-treat them before proceeding with the general cleaning.
• Apply a commercial concrete cleaner or a mixture of water and mild detergent directly onto the stains.
• Allow the cleaner to sit for the recommended time specified on the product label.
• Scrub the stains with a brush to loosen the dirt or oil.

4. Prepare the cleaning solution:

• Fill a bucket with warm water.
• Add a mild detergent or a concrete cleaner according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Mix the solution thoroughly until it creates a soapy mixture.

5. Apply the cleaning solution:

• Wet the entire concrete driveway with a garden hose or pressure washer.
• Start at one end of the driveway and pour the cleaning solution evenly across the surface.
• Use a stiff brush or broom to scrub the concrete, paying extra attention to heavily soiled areas or stains.
• Work in small sections to ensure thorough cleaning.

6. Rinse the driveway:

• Once you have scrubbed the entire driveway, rinse off the cleaning solution.
• Use a garden hose with a soft-pressure nozzle or a pressure washer to remove the soap and dirt.
• Start from the top of the driveway and work your way down, ensuring the cleaning solution is thoroughly rinsed off.

7. Allow the driveway to dry:

• Let the concrete driveway air dry naturally.
• Avoid walking or driving on the driveway until it is completely dry.

Additional tips:

You may need to repeat the cleaning process or use a specialized concrete stain remover for tough stains. Avoid harsh chemicals or acids on your concrete driveway, as they can damage the surface. Also, regularly sweeping your driveway and promptly removing any oil or fluid spills can help prevent staining and make cleaning more manageable.

Remember to prioritize safety by wearing protective goggles and gloves while handling cleaning chemicals or using a pressure washer.

Can Kitty Litter Help with the Cleaning Process?

Using kitty litter is one way to quickly get to work on those tough stains. Kitty litter is primarily designed for absorbing liquids, particularly cat urine, commonly used in litter boxes. But did you know that it can help absorb fresh oil or grease stains on a driveway? For this method to produce effective results, you must put the kitty litter on the oil and grease as soon as possible before they have time to set in deep into your concrete.

Contact Your Savannah and Bluffton Concrete Experts 

There’s nothing more frustrating than having a spotless concrete driveway only to find an oil or grease stain wreaking havoc on your pristine driveway. Contact us if you’ve tried the above steps and still have stains. We love helping our customers preserve their concrete driveways for years to come. With decades of experience, we know how important it is to maintain your concrete driveway. 

We proudly serve Coastal Empire cities, including Richmond Hill, Savannah, Rincon, Midway, Statesboro, and Lowcountry cities, such as Bluffton and Beaufort.