A clean driveway makes the whole house look better, and a dirty one makes even a freshly washed home look tired. Here is how to clean a concrete driveway yourself, what to use on common stains, and when it makes sense to call a professional.
What You Need
- A stiff push broom and a leaf blower or regular broom
- A concrete cleaner or degreaser made for driveways
- A garden hose with a spray nozzle, or a pressure washer
- A surface cleaner attachment if you use a pressure washer (it prevents stripes)
- Safety glasses, gloves, and closed-toe shoes
How to Clean a Concrete Driveway, Step by Step
1. Clear and sweep
Move cars, trash cans, and planters. Sweep or blow off leaves, dirt, and loose debris so the cleaner reaches the concrete.
2. Pre-treat stains
Oil, rust, and tire marks need their own treatment before the main wash. Apply a degreaser to oil spots and a rust remover made for concrete to orange stains. Follow the product label and test a small area first. See our guides to removing oil stains and removing rust stains from concrete.
3. Wet the surface and apply cleaner
Wet the driveway and any nearby plants, then apply the concrete cleaner in sections. Do not let it dry on the surface, especially in Texas heat. Early morning or evening works best.
4. Scrub
Work the cleaner in with a stiff broom. Pay extra attention to expansion joints, tire paths, and the area where the driveway meets the street.
5. Rinse or pressure wash
Rinse from the top of the driveway down toward the street. If you use a pressure washer, a surface cleaner gives even results; a bare wand held too close can etch the concrete and leave lines.
6. Rinse plants and let it dry
Give nearby grass and beds a final rinse. Wait until the concrete is fully dry before judging the results or applying a sealer.
Cleaning a Driveway Without a Pressure Washer
A degreaser, a stiff broom, and a garden hose will handle routine dirt and light stains. It takes more scrubbing, and deep stains or black mildew in the pores of the concrete usually will not come out fully without pressure and the right treatment.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Holding a pressure washer wand too close, which can leave permanent lines
- Letting cleaners dry in direct sun
- Mixing cleaning chemicals, especially bleach with ammonia or acids
- Skipping stain pre-treatment and expecting pressure alone to fix it
More on this in driveway cleaning mistakes in Texas heat.
When to Call a Professional
If the driveway has years of buildup, large oil or rust stains, or you would rather not rent equipment, professional driveway cleaning is usually faster and more even. In Arlington, driveway cleaning typically runs $150 to $300 depending on size and staining. You can also bundle it with house washing in one of our packages.
Want it done for you? Call 817-580-9881 or request a free quote. We serve Arlington, Fort Worth, Grand Prairie, Mansfield, and all of our DFW service areas.
FAQs
What is the best way to clean a concrete driveway?
Sweep it, pre-treat oil and rust stains, apply a concrete-safe cleaner, scrub, then rinse with a pressure washer and a surface cleaner or a stiff brush and garden hose. Work in sections so the cleaner does not dry on the surface.
Can I clean a concrete driveway without a pressure washer?
Yes. A concrete cleaner or degreaser, a stiff push broom, and a garden hose will lift most dirt and light stains. Heavy oil, rust, and years of buildup usually need pressure washing and spot treatment.
How often should a driveway be cleaned?
Most North Texas driveways look best with a professional cleaning every 12 to 24 months, with spot treatment for oil or rust stains as they appear.
