Learn how to get rid of dirt, oil stains and everything in between
Apart from the exterior walls of your house, your driveway is often the first thing your visitors will see when they pull up to your home. With constant vehicle and foot traffic as well as being exposed to the elements with little to no protection, your driveway is incredibly vulnerable to a number of different issues that can make it appear old, dirty and decrease the overall look and value of your entire house.
This article will address some of the most common nuances, and what steps can be taken to get your driveway sparkling again.
How to remove oil stains from your driveway
Oil stains are one of the most common problems that people experience on their driveways, and often isn’t something that can easily be fixed. It can be particularly troublesome for renters who need to address this in order to get their bond back. How to remove the oil stains depends on how long the stain has been there, and how large it is.
The first solution is to start with a steel or stiff bristled scrubbing brush and baking soda or dish washing detergent. Allow the baking soda or detergent to sit in the stain for 15 minutes then pour hot water over it. Firmly scrub in a circular motion and rinse off with water.
If the oil stain is too large or set in for this to be effective, the second step is to use a degreaser that can be purchased from hardware stores, following the individual instructions that come with the degreaser chosen. Again, success of this method will depend on the stain itself, and the degreaser used. It’s important to note that protective gloves and glasses should be worn when using a degreaser.
The most effective process for removing oil stains from your driveway however is through high pressure cleaning. It’s recommended that a professional is called in as incorrect use of the pressure washer can result in the stain being pushed deeper into the concrete, escalating the problem. Affordable driveway cleaning companies in Perth such as DJL Services use the latest and most high-tech pressure washers to ensure that the oil stain is fully removed without hours of scrubbing or further damage to your driveway.
Getting rid of mildew, grime and dirt
It’s very common for mildew, grime and dirt to build-up over time on all driveways. This can be the result of daily use from cars and foot traffic, ineffective water drainage or water running from rusty down-pipes across the driveway, and even pot plants sitting in the same spot for extended periods of time. Without regular attention, nearly every driveway will display signs of grime and appear dirty.
To remove mildew and driveway mould, it’s recommended that a combination of chlorine bleach and water is used. Making sure that proper protective gloves and clothing is worn, apply the solution to the mildew spots and leave for several minutes to allow it to soak in. Then using a stiff brush, scrub at the mildew spots until they’ve disappeared, finally rinsing the area with water. It’s very important to ensure that the bleach and water solution doesn’t get onto any lawn or plants however, and those who have many mildew spots over large areas of their driveway will find that several hours of scrubbing on a regular basis will be required.
This is why many people turn to professional driveway pressure cleaners to help remove the mildew effectively without the back ache or the use of chemicals that can affect the natural area surrounding the driveway. Dirt and grime removal is the same – one option is to use detergent and a scrubbing brush to clean the driveway, however if it’s large areas that are affected, the most cost effective (and least painful and time-consuming) option is to get it pressure cleaned by a local professional who knows how to safely remove build-up and stains without damaging your driveway.
When your driveway looks faded and worn, bringing down the appearance of your whole house
If left unattended, your driveway will naturally appear faded and dirty over time as a result of weather and traffic. Whether it’s paling in comparison to your neighbours’ driveways, you’re preparing for a rent inspection or the sale of your property, or you just want a cost-effective way to increase the value and appearance of your overall front yard, high pressure cleaning can get fantastic results easily and quickly. Servicing the whole Perth area, DJL Services use high pressure cleaning to safely remove all stains and build-up, helping your driveway appear clean, vibrant and looking as good as new again.
Tips for maintaining a clean driveway all year round
As mentioned previously, maintaining the clean appearance of your driveway needs to be a task completed on an ongoing basis. Some tips for keeping your driveway clean year-round include:
Regularly sweeping your driveway, particularly after storms or wet weather.
Keeping oil buckets or containers under cars, particularly older ones, to prevent any stains from accumulating.
If spills do occur on your driveway, address it immediately to prevent the stain from spreading and setting into the concrete or pavers.
Avoid using harsh chemicals that can strip the surface of your driveway, making it look discoloured and uneven.
Ensure your driveway is cleaned and sealed regularly.
Driveway cleaning and sealing in Perth
Driveway sealing is critical to keep it looking its best – it protects your driveway from the elements and prevents stains from setting in, saving you money and time later down the track. Note that your driveway needs to be completely clean before sealing so book a high pressure cleaning appointment first to ensure that there are no stains that will get trapped under the sealant. Then apply a high quality sealant to the entire area, repeating every two to three years, depending on a number of factors such as the amount of weather exposure and driveway use. Driveway sealing is also a solution offered by Perth’s DJL Services, who use a West-Australian product that is designed specifically for local conditions to make sure your driveway can withstand the test of time.
Whether you need a once-off cleaning solution to transform the look of your driveway for rent inspections and property sales, or are looking for a protective treatment and ongoing maintenance of one of your biggest assets to give your whole house a mini face-lift, contact high pressure cleaning professionals DJL Services, who offer an obligation free quote and can guarantee the highest quality service at the best price in Perth.
Contact us today and see how your driveway can be restored quickly and easily.