Maintaining an asphalt driveway is essential for a clean and attractive outdoor space. Washing an asphalt driveway can be done the eco-friendly way, without sacrificing the appearance of the driveway. With a few supplies and some simple steps, your asphalt driveway will look like new.
Protect your eyes and hands with safety glasses and protective gloves before beginning. Start by using a push broom to sweep the asphalt driveway of any dirt, dust, debris, or oil spills.
For a basic soap solution, fill a one-gallon bucket with warm water and add a ½ cup of laundry soap. Mix the water and soap until the solution is bubbly. Use the push broom to scrub the asphalt and apply the solution to the driveway, particularly in any cracks and holes. Allow the soap to sit for a few minutes and then spray the asphalt with a garden hose to rinse the residue away.
To address any tough stains, use a one-gallon bucket of warm water with two cups of trisodium phosphate cleaning agent. Apply the solution to the stained area and scrub with the push broom. Let the solution sit for 20 minutes before rinsing the area. If there are still stains, apply a small amount of bleach to the area for an additional five minutes, before rinsing to remove the bleach residue.
For best results, finish by applying an eco-friendly, water based asphalt sealer. Apply the sealer to the driveway following the manufacturer’s instructions.
An asphalt driveway can look like new with a little effort and the right supplies. By following these simple steps, your driveway will look great while being friendly to the environment. By keeping up with regular maintenance, you can prevent any further discoloration and oil-stains.
