Concrete driveways can accumulate tough stains, dirt, and grime over time. They are porous; hence they can absorb rain showers with dirt and oil spills that a garden horse cannot wash away. Because of its nature, concrete driveway owners find it challenging to remove the grime and discolorations from it.
But this situation should not worry you anymore as there are various cleaning options you can try. Since the most common stains are from the ground in dirt and mildew, the pressure washer can become one of the easiest ways to make your driveway fresh again.
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Furthermore, below are other tips for cleaning your concrete driveway:
1. Hire Professional Cleaners
This approach is the most convenient way to clean your concrete driveway as you let professionals handle all the work. Hence you don’t have to worry about your time and the result.
You can hire power washing services in Jacksonville, FL, if you live in Florida, to help you clean tire marks, oil spills, and grime on your driveway. They have enough knowledge and skills to execute this task properly.
Moreover, professional cleaners often have the equipment and chemicals needed to remove any dirt or stains on your driveway. They use a machine called a pressure washer. It is a machine hooked to the hose and shoots water out of the trigger. The water comes out at a speed exceeding 100 miles per hour. It is that speed that enables the easy removal of dirt and stains.
Furthermore, these professionals can spot discolorations easier and remove them earlier. And since cleaning can be hassling due to the lack of time to get into it in a day, they can apply a sealer to fill the pores and keep the driveway off stains.
2. Use Cola
Cola contains two primary components (acid and carbon) that can fight stains. The acid can break down the fluid that causes these stains. And the debris can be lifted to the surface by carbonation to make cleaning easier.
To start this method, allow the cola cans to reach room temperature. Then pour the cola into the stained concrete and leave it for 24 hours. After then, you can use a stiff brush to scrub the stains. Lastly, rinse the area with water.
3. Use Cat Litter
Cat litter is a natural absorbent that you can use to absorb fluids that have seeped through the pores of your driveway. To use this effectively, place it on the entire concrete driveway and leave it for an hour to soak up the fluid. After soaking up the dirty water or oil, sweep the litter away using a brush. This method works for stains and spills that are fresh and damp.
However, if the stains have dried up, you can cover them with litter, wet them with water, and then leave it for an hour. The water will likely dissolve the stains for easy absorption by the cat litter. To remove tougher stains, you may mix the water with chemicals or household items such as baking soda or dish soap.
4. Use Chemical Cleaning Products
Using chemical cleaners is the best way since it cleans with more oomph than household items such as cola and soap. These chemicals can also be combined with some household items to make a more powerful cleaning agent. For instance, you can make homemade sawdust poultice and chlorine bleach.
This combination works such that the chlorine breaks the stain, and the sawdust absorbs it. To use this method, begin by combining the two products to form a thick paste and smear it over the stained area. Lay a plastic wrap over the solution and leave it for 24 hours, after which you can wash it away with water.
Alternatively, you can mix chlorine with water in equal proportions and pour it onto the concrete; the chlorine will bleach the area. After 20 mins, scrub and rinse the solution with water from a garden hose.
5. Use Soapy Water To Remove Stains
Regardless of how old-fashioned this may seem, the soap and water combination remains the most popular. Dish soap contains agents that can remove grease without damage to other materials. Also, soaps are available in most homes, making them convenient. It is simpler to clean your concrete driveway using this remedy.
This method is usually done by pouring warm water into a bucket and squeezing a small amount of soap into it till suds form. A stiff brush is dipped into the soapy water and scrubbed against the floor in a circular motion, lifting the stain off the concrete. The area is then rinsed with fresh water from a garden hose. Unfortunately, this remedy is only effective for spillages that occur within 24 hours. More stubborn stains will require more efficient solutions.
Conclusion
Since the concrete driveway serves as the entry and exit path for your car to and from the garage, you must look for the best tips for keeping it clean. Depending on the situation, you may decide to use soapy water or sawdust poultice with chlorine if available. You may opt for pressure washing for those in urban places or places near the hardware. It depends on you.
