Let’s be honest — most people forget about their driveway until it’s covered in oil, cracking at the edges, or turning green with moss. But it’s the first thing people see when they pull up to your place. And when it’s clean, it makes your whole property look sharper.
Here’s a straightforward guide to looking after your driveway, avoiding damage, and keeping it safer (and better looking) all year round.
Why Bother?
Because:
- It’s cheaper to maintain than repair
- A clean driveway boosts kerb appeal — especially if you’re selling
- Oil stains, moss, or cracks can actually damage the surface long-term
- Slippery concrete? That’s a liability waiting to happen
Quick Wins You Can Do Yourself
🧹 1. Regular Sweeping
It sounds basic, but brushing off leaves, dirt, and gravel once a week stops them from staining the surface or building up in cracks. Use a stiff outdoor broom — not your kitchen one.
🧼 2. Deal With Oil Spills Fast
Fresh oil spill? Here’s a DIY mix that actually works:
- A scoop of baking soda
- A few drops of dishwashing liquid
- Hot water and a scrubbing brush
Let it sit for 10–15 minutes before rinsing. It won’t lift everything, but it can fade light stains. (We’ll take care of the deep ones.)
🌿 3. Weed the Cracks
Those little weeds in the joins or along the edges? They’re more than just annoying. They spread roots that widen cracks. Pour boiling water on them — works better than weedkiller and is pet-safe.
☀️ 4. Don’t Park in the Same Spot Every Time
Sounds odd, but constantly parking in the exact same place can create stress points in your concrete over time — especially if it’s older or hasn’t been sealed. Shift a bit left or right if you’ve got the room.
Pro Tips That Make a Big Difference
🧽 Pressure Washing (The Right Way)
We’re not talking blasting your driveway with a rental unit from Bunnings — that can actually damage the surface if you’re not careful. We use commercial-grade equipment and the right pressure for your surface, so we lift stains without etching the concrete.
🧪 Concrete Sealing
You only need to seal every 2–3 years, but it’s worth it. Sealing makes your driveway:
- Easier to clean
- More resistant to oil and UV damage
- Less likely to crack or wear unevenly
Think of it like sunscreen for your concrete.
FAQs You Actually Want Answered
How often should I clean it?
Give it a basic sweep weekly, and a proper clean every 6–12 months (or after winter).
Does sealing really help?
100%. Especially with WA sun and rain. It keeps stains from sinking in and slows down wear and tear.
Is it safe to use bleach?
Nope. It can discolour your driveway and damage nearby plants. There are better ways.
What if my driveway’s already stuffed?
Don’t panic. A deep clean and reseal can work wonders — we’ve seen some shocking driveways come back to life.
The Bottom Line?
You don’t need to go overboard. A bit of DIY care plus a professional clean now and then will keep your driveway in top shape for years. If you’re prepping your home for sale, want to make a better first impression, or just don’t want your property looking tired — start with the ground you drive on every day.
📞 Want us to take care of it?
Call Reliable Property Maintenance Solutions on 0400 134 439 — or send a message for a free quote.
We’ll get your driveway looking like it hasn’t seen a single tyre mark.
