Even with meticulous care and proper usage, your driveway is bound to lose its original lustre over time. Exposure to the elements, fluid leaks and regular use are just some of the things that will cause the surface to depreciate and eventually starts detracting from the kerb appeal of your home. When these stains and debris are left accumulate on the surface of your driveway, not only do they cause permanent discolouration, but the decrepit appearance of the driveway can also affect the value of the property as a whole. Fortunately, driveway cleaning is not a complicated task when you know what measures to carry out. The following is a simple guide to effective driveway cleaning that any homeowner can use.
Step 1: Stain removal
The first thing to do before bringing out the big guns is to tackle all the stains that are present on your driveway. A multitude of things can cause stains, so what was once a monochrome driveway can quickly become a rainbow of discolouration. Since the most common stains tend to be grease based, you should try to eliminate these first. All you need is a solution containing some bleach and baking soda. The baking soda acts as a degreaser, while the bleach functions to restore the original colouring of your driveway. Leave the solution to sit for a while on the stains before scrubbing the driveway with a stiff bristled broom. Rinse off the driveway with clean water and repeat the process if necessary.
Step 2: Pressure washing
The second step in driveway cleaning is to pressure wash the surface. Pressure washing is convenient in a couple of ways. Firstly, it does not require any use of chemical compounds, so you do not have to be concerned about toxins seeping into your garden or lingering on the driveway. Secondly, pressure washing saves you the trouble of having to expend excessive energy trying to eliminate detritus that has become compacted into your driveway and will probably require scraping to get off. If you do not have a pressure washer, you should contemplate hiring one out on occasion for this specific task, as it goes a long way in maintaining the beauty of your driveway. Moreover, you can also use the pressure washer to clean your walls, too, so you get to boost the visual appeal of your exterior in one go! Remember to seal coat the driveway once done with the cleaning process so that its surface is protected from future stains.
