Concrete Driveway Cleaning (washers, Home Depot, Lowes, paint)

[Mig1980]

Good day everyone. I am looking at power washing my driveway, patio, and walkways in the next two weeks. I have been looking for a cleaner/degreaser that I could dilute with water, spray on the concrete, and then power wash it off.

I have the typical issues. Oil stains (a few here and there), some paint over-spray (rattle can paint), and just years and years of grime and dirt. The house is 13 years old and there are sections of the concrete that are only about a year old.

I have been looking at Home Depot and Lowes but want a tried and true product.

Any recommendations? Also, would prefer something that didn't kill my plants or harm the environment.


Thank you

[K'ledgeBldr]

Oil, trans fluid, and other liquids that penetrate or are otherwise absorbed by the concrete is there forever.

All that stuff on the market is just marketing trash! Muriatic acid is good for dirt stains, but that's about it.

Your best and environmentally safe is just water- get it as clean as possible and enjoy the results; for whatever they may be.

[Suncc49]

Carb cleaner can remove oil stains.....

[Girl]

I love pulling out our powerwasher to clean the driveway, sidewalks or back patio. I use just water and it always looks amazing when I'm done.

[phonelady61]

also in the water you can put some bleach in it to clean it really good and it may harm your grass a little but not a lot at all.

[historyfan]

Use Coca-Cola. Pour some on the spots and scrub with scrub brush & pour some more on & let soak in. You can make a cardboard dam to hold it if you wish...then power wash. Coca-Cola is a great grime remover.

[Tampaite]

You can add bleach to help remove the grime but it's best to use a high pressure washer.

I recommend Sun Joe SPX3000 2030 PSI 1.76 GPM Electric Pressure Washer

Link: Sun Joe SPX3000

[JL]

i need to get rid of dirt on my driveway...no oil stains, just dirt and stuff from the rain since my gutter had some leakage and it spilled over to my driveway over time. It is pretty dark and my HOA wants it cleaned as best as possible. Is there another alternative besides a pressure washer? maybe a big broom with thick brushes along with some cleaning product? then use garden hose to wash away? thanks.

[silibran]

Pressure Washer Safety Alert - Consumer Reports

I am linking to this article in case you aren't aware of the real safety risks of using power washers. My DH uses safety goggles and is careful where he points the nozzle. I had no idea of the risks until I read this article. He does like using his for cleaning our drive and sidewalk.

[gentlearts]

Wet and Forget is a great product for mold and mildew on driveways and patios, etc. It is safe for plants. Not meant to clean grease stains, though.
You spray it on dry pavement and the rain works on the solution. It might have been KledgeBldr who suggested it on another thread and the stuff is great.