Outdoor

How to Clean Driveway

Outdoor surfaces take a beating from weather, dirt, and use. Here's how to clean your driveway and keep them looking great.

What You'll Need

  • Soap-Man Turbo Clean Degreaser
  • Pressure washer or stiff broom
  • Garden hose
  • Baking soda or cat litter (for oil stains)
  • Stiff brush

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. 1

    Clear and sweep

    Remove vehicles, debris, and loose dirt. Sweep the entire driveway with a stiff broom.

  2. 2

    Treat oil stains

    Cover oil stains with baking soda or cat litter for 24 hours to absorb the oil. Sweep up and apply Turbo Clean Degreaser.

  3. 3

    Scrub or pressure wash

    Scrub the driveway with a stiff brush and degreaser solution. Or use a pressure washer with a 25-degree nozzle.

  4. 4

    Rinse thoroughly

    Rinse from the top of the driveway down, directing dirty water toward the street drainage.

Pro Tips

  • TIPTreat oil stains within 24 hours. Fresh oil absorbs into concrete and becomes permanent if left untreated.
  • TIPPressure washing on a consistent pattern prevents zebra striping (visible lines from uneven cleaning).
  • TIPSeal concrete or asphalt driveways after cleaning for protection against stains, cracks, and weather damage.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • XUsing a zero-degree pressure washer nozzle on concrete, which etches the surface and leaves visible marks.
  • XPressure washing in a random pattern, which creates visible clean/dirty stripes.
  • XDirecting runoff toward landscaping beds, as degreaser and oil residue can kill plants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Full cleaning once or twice a year. Treat oil stains immediately as they occur.