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How To Clean Dirt And Stains In The Driveway

How to clean dirt and stains in the driveway

Driveways serve as the connection between the gateway and the home’s main door. It should not be neglected as it receives a lot of traffic and is often exposed to different elements. Moreso, it should promote a welcoming vibe for guests and reflect the positive mood and the warm accommodation that the homeowners offer.

That is why regular driveway cleaning is a task that no homeowner should forget. Just like any nook or cranny in the house, it requires maintenance to keep it clean and long-lasting. A clean and presentable driveway does not only improve a home’s curb appeal, but it also increases property value.

Common Dirt And Stains On The Driveway

Automobile-related spills and leaks - Motor oil, beak fluid, and gasoline spills and stains are almost inevitable on driveways. Depending on the type and color of the driveway’s surface, these stains can be more visible to some than to others. However, it still needs proper cleaning to avoid serious stains and early surface deterioration.

An old-fashion way to clean fresh oil spills is to soak it up by putting any absorbent materials like clay-based kitty litter or fresh sawdust over the spill. Let it sit overnight, sweep the area and wash it down with a water hose after. Baking soda, powder laundry detergents, dishwashing liquid, and even oven cleaners can be used for tougher stains. For older stains, commercial stain-removing agents are available in the market such as concrete cleaner and degreaser.

Rust Stains - Driveways are prone to rust stains. Paint can or steel tools left in the area, wet with the rain and moisture can cause rust stains to form on the surface. Many suggest using cleaners with oxalic acid to solve the problem. Muriatic acid diluted in water can also be an effective rust cleaner. A safe guide for this is one part of muriatic acid to 10 parts of water. 1:10. But still, cleaning always depends on how deep the rust stains have penetrated the surface. Be sure to observe the necessary precautions when doing this. Use rubber gloves and protective eyewear. If the solution splashes on your skin, immediately rinse it off with water to avoid irritation.

Soil and Mud - Soil and dirt that shoes and vehicle tires carry can make the driveway dirty. This is not just unsightly and messy, it can be dangerous and may cause accidents like slip and fall. the dirt can be brought inside the house when shoes and slippers are not removed before entry.

When left uncleaned, the hot sun can harden soil and mud requiring more effort to clean it. However, when it began to rain, it can be muddy and very dirty.

Water Marks or Hard Water Stains - After a heavy downpour, rainwater may be trapped in some parts of the driveway, especially on the crevices. Retained water can leave unsightly marks. A simple way to avoid excess water in the driveway or any other surface is by making a trench. It is a narrow channel that extends the length of the driveway and helps water to escape.

However, if water stains are already present, you can remove them by spraying a solution made by mixing equal parts of white vinegar and water. Allow it to soak for twenty minutes. Spray the solution on the stain once again before brushing. Rinse well.

Mold and Mildew - Mold and mildew grow in damp and shaded areas. Driveways are no exemption as they have nooks and pores that do not receive a lot of sunlight. to grow. Wet, humid weather with warm temperatures also encourages mold and mildew growth. These are slippery in nature, thus can cause slip and fall that can lead to injuries.

There are different ways to remove mold and mildew on the driveway. One effective way is by scrubbing it with a solution made from household bleach and water. Be sure to get down into the pores or holes of the concrete. Store-bought mold-killing detergent can also be used. Rinse the area with an ample amount of water after scrubbing. Be sure that you do not contaminate your plants or the grass when you do this. Also, it is advisable to do the procedures on a warm day so that the concrete will completely dry.

Decomposing Organic Matter - Once neglected, decomposing mulch, fallen leaves, or fruits can leave unsightly brown stains or marks. These can be very visible on concrete surfaces like the driveway. These spots may eventually fade. However, if you want to remove them right away, you can just sweep the surface and wash the area with water using a garden hose. You can also dilute half a cup of dishwashing detergent in three gallons of hot water. Pour the solution over the stain and scrub using a stiff-bristle nylon brush. Rinse with water using a garden hose.

Paint - Paint splatters can leave tough and unsightly stains. Latex-based paint spill can be removed by sprinkling household scouring powder and scrubbing it with a stiff nylon brush. Rinse it off with water. Meanwhile, oil and acrylic-based paint stains can be removed using a paint-stripping solution. Proceed by scrubbing it with a stiff nylon brush and rinsing it off. However, be careful in treating asphalt driveways since some cleaners and solvents can actually damage the asphalt surface.

Need some help with cleaning your driveways? Make your life easier and opt for a professional pressure washing service to assist you. Serving Portland Metro Area, HydroCleaning NW LLC always aims to give excellent outdoor cleaning services at reasonable prices.

We understand every surface material used in residential and even commercial driveways. We strive to give your driveway the proper method of cleaning and the care that it deserves. We use the latest pressure washing machine and equipment to accomplish the job with safety in no time without sacrificing quality. This, coupled with years of experience in the pressure washing business and the proper training can give you an assurance of satisfying results with every driveway cleaning service that we offer. Call us now for more information.

Contact Us

If you are looking for driveway cleaning in the Portland Metro area, please call 971-284-7241 or complete our online request form.