Asphalt and concrete have exceptional durability and long lifespans, but like any asset, these two surfaces need occasional upkeep, maintenance, and cleaning. To get the best use from your asphalt and concrete surfaces, it’s very important to keep them clean! The more you take care of them, the better they’ll take care of you. Here are 3 steps to keep your asphalt or concrete paving clean and debris-free.
How to Clean Your Asphalt or Concrete Paving
1. Remove Dirt and Debris
Keeping debris, pebbles, dirt, and leaves off your asphalt or concrete surfaces is the first step to keeping your paving clean. Sweeping with a regular broom and dustpan may seem like a perfect cleaning method, but it isn’t thorough enough to get into the cracks and striations of your surfaces in order to really brush away the unwanted debris.
First, use a leaf blower to get rid of any bulky objects, like leaves, sticks, or wood chips. Then, use a stiff bristled push broom with a long handle to get rid of the smaller and more stubborn pebbles, dirt, and other debris that may be hiding. The stiff bristles make for a more invasive sweep that catches debris even in the hard-to-reach places.
2. Pressure or Soft Wash
It’s not uncommon for asphalt and concrete surfaces to accrue a light layer of algae or mud, depending on the area you live in. You can get rid of this within minutes by using a pressure washer or soft washing system. These are easy to find and rent, or you can hire a professional service to wash your surfaces for you. Washing your concrete or asphalt helps to thoroughly clean every pore and crevice of your surface – leaving no room for any potential growth of mold, mildew, algae or moss. When left unwashed and open for growth, your surface is exposed to damage such as cracking or lifting.
3. Remove Grease or Oil Stains
Lastly, be sure to keep an eye out for any grease or oil stains on your surface, as this can easily damage your concrete or asphalt. To get rid of these spots and stains, you can use a simple cleaner that you already have at home: baking soda! Dampen the stain and sprinkle a layer of baking soda over top. Then, scrub in the baking soda with a stiff bristled brush. Rinse and repeat until the spot is gone.
Another easy method of removing oil spots is using soft drinks. Pour 1-2 cans of soft drinks onto the stain, and scrub with a stiff bristled brush. Once again, rinse and repeat until you reach your desired results.