Driveway & Concrete Cleaning
Remove oil stains, tire marks, moss, and years of buildup from driveways, sidewalks, and patios
Typical cost
$100–$300
Job duration
1–2 hours
How often
Every 1–2 years
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Professional driveway and concrete cleaning uses high-pressure equipment (2,000–3,500 PSI) with rotating surface cleaning attachments to remove oil stains, tire marks, moss, mildew, and embedded dirt. The result is often dramatic — concrete that looks permanently stained frequently comes back close to its original color.
How Professional Driveway Cleaning Works
Most pros use a rotating surface cleaner attachment rather than a hand wand. Surface cleaners create an even, circular cleaning pattern that eliminates the streaky lines you get from wanding by hand. Pre-treatment degreaser is applied to oil stains and allowed to dwell for 10–15 minutes before the main pass.
After the surface cleaner makes its passes, a hand wand is used along edges, corners, and along the house foundation where the machine can't reach. The whole process for a standard two-car driveway typically takes 45 minutes to an hour.
What Can (and Can't) Be Removed
Power washing removes most organic staining (moss, mildew, algae, tire rubber, general dirt) completely. Old, deep-set oil stains can be significantly reduced — especially with hot-water machines — but may not disappear 100%. Set that expectation with your contractor before booking.
- Moss, algae, and mildew: removes completely
- Tire marks and rubber deposits: removes completely
- Surface dirt and general weathering: removes completely
- Fresh-to-medium oil stains: significant improvement, often near-complete removal
- Years-old oil soaked deep into concrete: reduced but may not disappear entirely
- Rust stains from metal furniture or irrigation: requires rust remover pre-treatment
Surfaces That Can Be Pressure Washed Safely
Different concrete finishes and paving materials have different tolerances:
- Standard concrete driveways and sidewalks: any pressure, minimal risk
- Brick pavers: medium pressure — avoid disturbing joint sand
- Exposed aggregate: medium pressure — avoid stripping the surface matrix
- Stamped or decorative concrete: low-medium pressure to protect sealers
- Asphalt: low pressure only (under 1,500 PSI) — high pressure damages the binder
Should You Seal After Washing?
Sealing is optional but significantly extends the time between cleanings and protects against oil and staining going forward. A freshly washed driveway is the ideal prep surface — sealer bonds far better to clean concrete than dirty.
Budget separately: concrete sealer typically adds $100–$300 for an average driveway depending on the sealer type. Ask your washing contractor whether they offer sealing, or book it as a follow-up service.
Common Questions About Driveway & Concrete Cleaning
Why does my driveway have black streaks?
How often should I have my driveway cleaned?
Will pressure washing damage my concrete?
What's the best way to get old oil stains out?
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