The importance of a neat and tidy concrete driveway should never be underestimated. It is one of the first areas of your home visitors and passers-by will see, so if it is untidy or unsightly, it could lead to a poor impression of your home.
There are a number of issues that can creep up on your concrete driveway, including oil stains, moss, dirt and other marks. Additionally, debris or weeds can cause problems for anyone using your drive – unmaintained concrete could potentially cause damage to your or a guest’s car! Some issues can be trickier to address than others, but hopefully these helpful hints and tips will ensure your driveway is as smart and tidy as any other space in your home.
Concrete itself is a very durable, tough material which can last for 25 years or more, depending on temperatures and use, particularly if it has been professionally installed with the correct sealing methods and regular maintenance. However, if you’re reading this article, you will likely already be aware of the strengths of concrete, and will be more interested in finding out how to keep it in tip top condition.
If you have oil stains on your drive, you should seek to address those before anything else. There are specific oil stain removing products available on-line or in any good hardware store, so if the stain is fresh, first soak it up with a rag or paper towels (make sure you wear some old clothes for this task!) and then apply the oil removing product, rub, then allow it to dry. Keep applying the product until you are happy with the results. Other ways of removing the stain include using cat litter on the stain, allowing it to absorb the oil, then thoroughly sweeping the area, and another trick is to pour coco-cola on the spot before giving it a good scrub!
Once your drive is free from any oil stains, you should sweep the area of all dirt and debris. For this task, you should use a strong push broom, ideally with stiff polypro bristles to make the job easier! Even just a regular sweep of your drive can ensure it appears well kept.
If you want to ensure a squeaky clean place to park your car, then consider applying a special driveway cleaner to your drive. Look out for the products that are environmentally friendly and which will protect your drive from salt/thaw damage. Often these products are provided in concentrated form, so be sure to read instructions when applying. It’s best to try and protect any metals or glass when applying these products, so get an old metal sheet to stop the cleaner from spreading to undesired areas, and apply the cleaner evenly across the entire surface of your drive.
Once the cleaner has been applied, it is recommended that you should wash down your drive with a hose. A pressure washer will also help immeasurably on a dirtier surface, so if it has been a while since your last spring clean, consider trying to get your hands on one of those instead (though keep in mind no more than 3,000 PSI pressure should be applied). Remember though, it’s the cleaner that does the work, and not necessarily the hose.
Of course, there may be cases where your drive is beyond just a thorough clean. In cases like this, it is best to contact a professional and have them look into either restoring or resurfacing your concrete driveway completely.