While concrete is considered low maintenance, it doesn’t mean you don’t need to clean and keep it in the best condition. Cleaning your driveways and patios periodically will improve not only the overall aesthetics of your home but also their longevity.
So, how do you clean and seal concrete driveways? Find out some useful tips below!
Get Rid of Debris and Oil Spots
First, remove dirt and debris with a broom. Get rid of the weeds from the cracks and apply a weed killer. For oil and grease stains, use a spill absorber, and then spray a degreaser. Let it soak for up to five minutes. Then get a brush to scrub the stains.
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If there’s spilled paint on the concrete, use a paint stripper and remover, then scrub with a brush. Read the instructions carefully. You’ll likely need to soak the cleanser into the concrete for a few hours. For rust stains use a high-quality rust remover. Rust removers that contain oxalic acid remove the rust effectively.
Eliminate Mold and Mildew
In addition to taking care of the stains and rust, you’ll remove mold and mildew using water. If water alone is not enough, mix bleach and water well, spray the stained part, and let it sit for about 10 minutes. Wear a mask to avoid inhaling the bleach and gloves to protect your skin.
Fix Cracks
If you see some cracks, make sure to repair them first. Use a crack sealant and wait for about four hours. Drought or too much water can cause larger cracks and create more problems. In this case, it’s best to contact a trusted company offering quality concrete repair.
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Use a Pressure Washer
Use a pressure washer to clean the whole surface thoroughly. Wear goggles and gloves, long pants, long sleeves, and closed shoes as a precautionary measure while pressure washing. Let the area dry for 24 hours first before proceeding to the next step.
Seal the Surface
Once your concrete driveway or patio is dry, you can now add a sealant to avoid future damage. Note that other concrete includes a sealer, so test it out first by sprinkling drops of water on the surface. If the water is absorbed, then you can apply the sealant.
Add a Second Coat
Concrete sealers can have a glossy, semi-glossy, or matte finish. If you want to ensure a shiny finish, you can apply a second coat two hours after the first one. Then let the sealer sit for 24 hours.
Hire a Cleaning Professional
If you want to keep your concrete driveways and patios clean, protected, and beautiful for years to come, hire cleaning and sealing experts like Professional Surface Restoration. Our certified technicians conduct a careful and thorough assessment of your concrete surfaces and use cutting-edge tools and equipment so you can be confident that your concrete floors remain spotless.
Cleaning and sealing your driveways and patios will help protect one of your biggest investments. Give us a call at (419) 705-8693 or contact us to schedule an appointment.
Visit https://prosurfacerestore.com to find more ways to keep your concrete surfaces and your home lovely and well-maintained.
