Your driveway is the first thing people see when they arrive at your home or business, and it takes more punishment than any other surface on the property: cars, foot traffic, oil, leaves and, in Powys, a great deal of rain. This guide covers how each common driveway surface should be cleaned, what can and can’t be done about stains, and how to keep a driveway looking good once it’s clean.
Why do driveways get so dirty?
Three things build up on a driveway:
- Organic growth. Moss and algae grow in shaded areas and in the joints of block paving. Weeds follow.
- Staining. Oil and fuel drips, tyre marks, rust from garden furniture, and tannin from fallen leaves.
- Ground-in dirt. Soil and grit carried in on tyres and shoes, which darkens the surface over time.
Apart from looking tired, a dirty driveway is slippery in wet weather and wears out sooner, because moss and weeds open up the joints and hold water against the surface.
How each driveway surface is cleaned
There’s no single setting that suits every driveway. The pressure and method have to match the material.
Block paving
Block paving is hard-wearing and responds well to pressure washing, but the joints between the blocks matter. Moss and weeds root in the jointing sand, so a thorough clean removes some of that sand along with the growth. We re-sand the joints afterwards, which locks the blocks back in place and slows regrowth.
Tarmac
Tarmac is softer than it looks. Too much pressure can loosen the stones in the surface, so tarmac driveways are cleaned at a lower pressure, with care around worn or crumbling edges.
Concrete and pattern imprinted concrete
Plain concrete is tough and can take higher pressure to lift ground-in dirt. Pattern imprinted concrete is usually sealed, and the aim is to clean the surface without stripping the sealer.
Resin-bound and natural stone
Resin-bound surfaces and natural stone are cleaned more gently, so the resin and the stone itself aren’t damaged.
Can oil stains be removed from a driveway?
Often, but not always completely. Fresh oil stains lift well. Oil that has soaked into porous concrete or block paving over months or years can usually be greatly reduced, but a faint mark may remain. We’ll tell you honestly what to expect when we look at your driveway, rather than promise a result we can’t deliver.
Pressure washing a driveway yourself
A domestic pressure washer can freshen up a small driveway, but it’s slow on a large area and it’s easy to go wrong: too much pressure on tarmac, striping on concrete, and jointing sand blasted out of block paving. A professional clean uses commercial equipment and a flat surface cleaner to give an even finish in a fraction of the time.
How often should a driveway be cleaned?
Every one to two years keeps most driveways in good order and stops moss getting established. Driveways in shade, under trees or with heavy traffic may need it more often. In between:
- sweep regularly, especially in autumn when leaves stain the surface
- deal with oil drips quickly, before they soak in
- pull out weeds and moss from the joints as soon as they appear
Selling or letting a property?
A clean driveway makes a noticeable difference to kerb appeal in sale and letting photos, and it’s one of the quickest, cheapest ways to improve a first impression. We clean driveways for homeowners, landlords, letting agents and housing associations, as well as forecourts and access areas for businesses.
Driveway cleaning across Powys
Williams Jet Wash Services is based near Builth Wells and cleans driveways throughout Powys, including Brecon, Llandrindod Wells, Rhayader, Newtown and Welshpool. Find out more about our driveway cleaning service, or request a free, no-obligation quote.