3 Tips To Prevent Stains On Your Concrete Driveway
Stains on your concrete driveway can make your driveway look dated and unattractive. It might seem inevitable that you will end up with a few oil stains and other types of stains on your driveway, but there are ways that you can prevent them from happening. By following these tips, you can help keep your concrete driveway looking great for as long as possible.
1. Have Your Driveway Sealed
If you haven't done so, it's smart to talk to a driveway paving contractor about sealing your concrete driveway. There are different sealants that you can choose from, such as those that will tint your driveway to give it a different look. On top of changing the way that your driveway looks, a good sealant will also help prevent stains and will protect your driveway from the elements, meaning that it can look good for longer without the need for as much maintenance.
2. Clean Up Oil Spills Immediately
If an oil spill lands on your driveway, it's important to work quickly to do something about it. The faster that you pay attention to the oil spill, the better chance that you will be able to prevent the oil from actually causing a permanent stain. Sopping up as much of the oil as possible with old newspaper or an old cloth can help, but make sure that you dab rather than rubbing the oil and spreading it across a larger surface. Then, sprinkle kitty litter on top and allow it to soak up as much oil as possible. After allowing it to work for a day or so, sweep it up. If there is still oil on your driveway, repeat the process again. Then, once you have swept the kitty litter away, you can use a bit of dishwashing liquid -- choose an option that is designed to cut through the grease on your dishes -- and water to scrub away the oil.
3. Power Wash Your Driveway Regularly
Even dirt and debris can cause stains on your driveway if you don't pay attention to them. Along with sweeping your driveway often, consider renting a power washer or hiring someone from a pressure washing company to come out and spray your driveway on a regular basis. This will help get rid of dirt and debris, preventing stains and making your driveway look great.
As you can see, you don't have to settle for having a stained concrete driveway. If you follow these tips, you can help prevent them from happening in the first place.