How to Clean a Concrete Driveway 

The best way to clean a concrete driveway depends on the type of dirt and stains you’re dealing with. For general cleaning, a pressure washer with a 3000 PSI setting works well, but for tough stains like oil and rust, you’ll need degreasers or specialized cleaners. Even without a pressure washer, scrubbing with soapy water and a stiff brush can be surprisingly effective.

At my family home, we never had a pressure washer. Instead, Saturday mornings meant buckets of soapy water, stiff brushes, and old towels. It took effort, but it got the job done. I’ll walk you through that process and other cleaning methods, so you can find the best approach for your driveway.

How to Remove Stains from Concrete

Before cleaning your whole driveway, it’s best to tackle the toughest stains first. Different stains need different approaches, so here’s a step-by-step guide for handling the most common culprits you’ll find on concrete.

Oil and Grease Stains

What You’ll Need

Cat litter or baking soda (for fresh oil stains)
Cola or vinegar and baking soda (for grease stains)
Concrete degreaser or heavy-duty detergent (for older stains)
Stiff-bristled scrub brush (nylon, not metal)
Garden hose or pressure washer (for rinsing)

How to Clean

1. Blot fresh oil: If the spill is fresh, your first job is to soak up as much as possible. Cover it with cat litter or baking soda to absorb the oil. Let it sit for 30 minutes, then sweep it up.
2. Try household solutions: For grease stains, you don’t need a fancy cleaner right away. Consider the following methods:
   • Cola method: Try pouring cola directly onto the stain. The acids help break down grease. Let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes, scrub with a stiff brush, and rinse with water.
   • Vinegar and baking soda method: Sprinkle baking soda over the stain, then pour vinegar on top. Let it fizz and sit for 10 to 15 minutes, scrub, then rinse thoroughly.
3. Apply a degreaser: For older or deeper stains, you’ll need something stronger. Spray a concrete degreaser (or a heavy-duty detergent as an alternative) evenly over the stain and let it work for 3 to 5 minutes.
4. Scrub thoroughly: Use a stiff-bristled brush to work the cleaner into the stain. The harder you scrub, the better the results, so give it a good effort.
5. Rinse completely: Use a garden hose or pressure washer to rinse. Make sure to get rid of any remaining cleaner to avoid any residue.

Paint Spills

What You’ll Need

Paint stripper or solvent (designed for concrete)
Stiff-bristled brush or old rag
Garden hose 

How to Clean

1. Apply paint stripper: Choose a paint stripper or solvent made specifically for concrete. Pour or spray it directly onto the paint stain, making sure to follow the instructions on the label. Let it sit for the recommended time so it can break down the paint.
2. Scrub the spill: Once the paint has softened, use a brush or rag to scrub the area. Work in circular motions to apply pressure to lift the paint from the concrete. If the stain is stubborn, you may need to repeat the process.
3. Rinse with water: Thoroughly rinse the area with a garden hose to remove residue. If necessary, scrub it again while rinsing to ensure no residue is left behind.

Rust and Dirt Stains

What You’ll Need

Rust remover containing oxalic acid (specifically designed for concrete)
Stiff-bristled brush
Garden hose or pressure washer 

How to Clean

1. Use a rust remover: Choose a rust remover that contains oxalic acid, as it’s highly effective on concrete. Pour or spray the remover directly onto the stain, making sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Let it sit for the recommended time so it can break down the rust.
2. Scrub the area: Using a stiff-bristled brush, scrub the stain in circular motions to help lift it from the surface. Apply firm pressure for better results, especially on deep stains.
3. Rinse well: Once the stain is loosened, rinse the area thoroughly with a garden hose or a pressure washer if you have one. Make sure all of the cleaner is washed away to prevent any residue from lingering on the concrete.

Mildew Stains

What You’ll Need

Trisodium phosphate (TSP)
Powdered laundry detergent
Chlorine bleach (optional for stubborn stains)
Stiff-bristled brush
Garden hose 

For an eco-friendly method, you’ll need:

• White vinegar
• Baking soda 
• Dish detergent

How to Clean

1. Mix a cleaning solution: In a bucket, combine two tablespoons of TSP and two tablespoons of powdered laundry detergent with one quart of water. Stir well until dissolved.
2. Scrub the stain: Dip your stiff-bristled brush into the solution and scrub the mildew stain thoroughly. Focus on any dark or heavily affected areas.
3. For stubborn mildew: If the mildew is deep-set, you can clean the driveway with bleach. Mix one cup of chlorine bleach with one gallon of water. Apply this solution to the stained area, let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes, then scrub again and rinse well with a garden hose.
4. Rinse thoroughly: Use a garden hose to wash away the cleaner and any loosened mildew. Make sure no residue is left behind.

Eco-friendly alternative: If you prefer a non-chemical approach, you can get rid of mildew stains and clean the driveway with vinegar. Mix equal parts water and vinegar (or water and baking soda) in a spray bottle. Add a few drops of dish detergent, shake well, and spray the affected area. Let it sit for 30 minutes, then scrub and rinse thoroughly.

How to Pressure Wash a Driveway

Pressure washing is the fastest way to clean a concrete driveway. With a 3000 PSI pressure washer and the right nozzle, you can remove dirt, stains, and grime in no time. You can use plain water or add detergent for a deeper clean.

What You’ll Need

• Pressure washer (at least 3000 PSI)
• Garden hose (for rinsing)
• Spray nozzles (soap nozzle for detergent, 25-degree for cleaning)
• Concrete cleaner or degreaser (for tough stains)
• Stiff brush (to scrub problem areas)
• Safety gear (goggles, gloves, closed-toe shoes)

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Get the driveway ready.
   • Move cars, furniture, and anything in the way.
   • Sweep off dirt and leaves.
   • Apply degreaser to oil stains and scrub with a stiff brush.
2. Set up the pressure washer.
   • Attach the spray wand and garden hose.
   • Pick the right nozzle:
     • Soap nozzle for detergent
     • 25-degree nozzle for general cleaning
   • If using detergent, place the siphon tube in the detergent container.
3. Apply detergent. (optional)
   • Hold the spray wand 8 to 18 inches from the surface.
   • Spray detergent over the driveway, starting at the highest point.
   • Let it sit for 5 to 15 minutes, but don’t let it dry.
4. Pressure wash the driveway.
   • Switch to the 25-degree nozzle for rinsing.
   • Start at the top of the driveway and work your way down.
   • Use slow, even strokes to ensure even cleaning.
   • For stubborn stains, hold the nozzle 3 to 4 inches from the surface and go over the area slowly.
   • Be careful with high pressure. Getting too close can damage concrete.
5. Rinse and let it dry.
   • Wash away all detergent and dirt.
   • Let the driveway dry for 24 to 48 hours before parking or sealing.

To get it right, check out our full guide: How to Pressure Wash a Driveway

See Related:

• How Much Does It Cost to Pressure Wash a Driveway?
• How Much Does Pressure Washing Cost?
• The Benefits of Pressure Washing
• Power Washing vs. Pressure Washing

My Experience: How to Clean a Concrete Driveway Without a Pressure Washer 

At our family home, we don’t own a pressure washer, so cleaning the driveway is a hands-on job — no fancy equipment, just good old-fashioned scrubbing. Every weekend, we follow a simple routine to keep our driveway looking fresh. It’s not always easy, but it’s effective and budget-friendly (and honestly, a bit of a workout). 

What We Use

Broom (for sweeping debris)
Bucket filled with hot, soapy water (laundry detergent or dish soap)
Stiff nylon-bristled scrub brush, old towel, or coconut husk (for scrubbing)
Heavy-duty degreaser (for stubborn stains); crushed charcoal if no degreaser
Vinegar and baking soda (for treating stains) 
Garden hose

Our Steps

1. Clear the driveway: We start by sweeping away leaves and dust using a sturdy broom.
2. Pre-treat stains:
   • For oil and grease stains, we apply a heavy-duty degreaser and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing. If we’re out of degreaser, we crush charcoal into a powder, sprinkle it on the stain, and let it absorb the oil before sweeping it away.
   • For general stains, we mix vinegar and baking soda, letting it bubble before scrubbing.
   • Laundry detergent mixed with hot water is another go-to, especially for built-up dirt and grime.
   • Using a stiff brush or old towel (or even a coconut husk), we work the cleaning solution into the concrete.
3. Scrub in sections: We work in sections, pouring more soapy water (laundry detergent or dish soap) as needed. It takes effort, but with teamwork, it goes faster.
4. Rinse thoroughly
   • After scrubbing, we rinse everything off with a hose. My mom always reminds us to clean early in the morning or late in the afternoon to prevent soap from drying too quickly under the sun.
   • We also make sure to direct the water flow toward the street or a drain, so we don’t end up with puddles of dirty water sitting in the driveway. If there’s still some leftover soap, we use an old towel to mop the driveway dry.
5. Repeat if necessary: If we see any lingering stains, we go over them again with more detergent or degreaser.

My Tip: When cleaning your driveway, always wear flip-flops or old shoes — never barefoot. Driveways get hot, and you don’t want soapy, dirty feet.

What to Do After Cleaning a Concrete Driveway

Sealing the Concrete

Cleaning your driveway is only half the battle. If you want to keep it looking fresh and protect it from future stains, apply a concrete sealer. You can think of it like applying sunscreen — you don’t always see it, but it works in the background to prevent long-term damage.

What You’ll Need

• Concrete sealer: acrylic, water-based, or penetrating type
• Paint sprayer, roller, or large brush (for application)
• Protective gear: gloves, goggles, and a mask

Choosing the Right Sealer

Not all concrete sealers are the same. The best one depends on your budget, preference, and how much maintenance you’re willing to do.

How to Apply a Concrete Sealer

1. Wait for dry conditions: Make sure the driveway is completely dry before applying the sealer. It’s best to do this on a warm, dry day (above 50°F) with no rain in the forecast. If the surface is damp, the sealer won’t stick properly.
2. Evenly apply the sealer: Use a paint sprayer, roller, or brush to apply a thin, even coat of sealer over the entire surface. If you’re using a roller, work in small sections to avoid streaks or uneven spots.
3. Let it cure: Drying time varies, but most sealers need at least 24 hours before you can walk on the driveway and up to 72 hours before driving on it. Be patient as rushing this step can ruin the finish.

A Clean Driveway, Your Way

Concrete driveways take a beating from oil stains to dirt buildup, but keeping them clean doesn’t have to be a struggle. Whether you go the fast route with a pressure washer or the hands-on approach with scrubbing and homemade solutions (like my family does), the key is using the right method for the mess. 

Stubborn stains? Treat them first. Scrubbing by hand? Work in sections and rinse well. No matter how you tackle it, a little effort keeps your driveway fresh, durable, and ready for whatever life (or your car) throws at it.

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Main Image Credit: Tomasz Zajda / Adobe Stock Free / License

Aly Narvaez

Aly is a writer with a DIY obsession and a mission to make her home both fabulous and feline-friendly. She’s constantly cooking up new ideas to infuse her space with personality while outsmarting her cat’s latest antics. For Aly, home projects are less about perfection and more about creating a cozy, creative nest that’s as stylish as it is cat-proof.

Posts by Aly Narvaez