We’re sure your spring cleaning is well underway, but don’t forget about your asphalt driveway. Despite popular belief, your driveway can, and should, be cleaned just like any other part of your home or commercial property. Cassidy Paving is here to provide you with helpful tips and tricks to keep your asphalt looking new. There are things you can do and professional services you can schedule that leave your property looking its best.
Why Bother?
Keeping your asphalt clean has more than just appearance benefits. Keeping it looking its best also helps it perform its best. Removing dirt and grime regularly helps extend the life of your driveway. Especially if you have porous asphalt, you need to have a plan in place to remove anything that can permeate the surface. Proper care also helps cut down on chances of erosion over time.
Sweep It!
Sweeping isn’t just for porches and inside the house; we suggest sweeping your asphalt driveway as well to remove any residue or debris. Even leaves can stain your driveway or cause mold to build up if left to sit. It is easier to just sweep them away with a push broom about once a month. It may be required more often in the fall months when the leaves begin to collect.
Use Water – Sustainably!
One tried and true way of cleaning your asphalt is with just plain water. It is even more efficient if you have a pressurized nozzle attachment that can act as a pressure washer for those hard to clean areas. You will want to use just any regular garden hose and thoroughly soak the entire area. Oftentimes, water will be enough to remove any filth or grime. Please take caution with power washing because you can unintentionally damage the asphalt by loosening stone from the asphalt mix. Light pressure is recommended. Furthermore, check with local ordinance to ensure you are following water use recommendations and don’t waste water on the surface if a broom can perform the same function.
Soaps and Detergents
If you have hard to clean areas of your driveway, there are some great soap and detergent options that are safe and effective for asphalt. You may even have some in your house already! According to WonderHowTo, laundry detergent, baking soda, and even dishwashing liquid have been known to treat tough stains. Even if you don’t have any hard-to-treat spots, these options are safe to use to get your driveway shining. All you need to do is apply the cleaning treatment liberally to the area. You can let it soak in for up to 30 minutes. Then you can either rinse it off with your hose or use a stiff cleaning brush to scrub the affected areas. Use caution with the type of brush used as steel bristles could scratch the surface. There’s also a lot of options on the market made specifically for asphalt cleaning such as Krud Kutter and Purple Power Driveway Cleaner, although special cleaners are not really necessary. Please consult the cleaning manufacturer recommendations and test on a small and inconspicuous space on the surface.
Professional Help
If you need professional help getting your asphalt driveway clean, Cassidy Paving can help. Give us a call today at 866-978-9788 to inquire about our maintenance plans that include a deep clean for your driveway. You can also complete an online request form to have one of our expert team members reach out to you. We service residential and commercial asphalt needs across Massachusetts and pride ourselves on providing the best customer service in the area.
