Asphalt paving is commonly found in driveways. It is functional, aesthetically pleasing, and easy to maintain. Still, it requires routine cleaning in order to maintain its beauty and strength. Fortunately, cleaning asphalt is easy to do.
Materials Needed
Like any cleaning routine, you'll need to have specific tools and materials on hand. For this cleaning method, you will need:
Powdered laundry detergent
Large bucket
Water
Scrub brush
Broom
Instructions
Use a broom to remove any excess dirt and debris. This includes leaves, dirt, grass cuttings, and garbage.
Thoroughly rinse the asphalt. Spray the asphalt with water from the hose for about 15 minutes, or until thoroughly soaked. This will help prepare the surface for cleaning. It will also remove dirt and debris from cracks or crevices.
Pre-treat any stains. If you have any stains on your driveway, pre-treat by sprinkling powdered laundry detergent on them. Once all stains are covered, let the detergent sit on the stain for at least 10 minutes.
Mix the cleaner. Fill a large bucket with water. Combine 1-cup laundry detergent with 1-cup bleach. Finally, add 3-cups of water and mix well.
Scrub the asphalt. Using a stiff bristled scrub brush, scrub the surface of the asphalt with the cleaner.
Rinse the driveway. When you are finished, rinse your driveway with clean water from the hose.
Although this cleaning method is effective for routine cleaning, it may not remove tough stains.
How to Remove Tough Stains
If you still have stains after cleaning your driveway with powdered detergent, try a more powerful cleaning method. Two effective methods are: the cat litter method and the coca-cola method.
To remove stains with cat litter:
Apply cat litter to stains. Apply a thick coating of cat litter to the stain. Press the cat litter into the stain by stepping on it.
Let it sit overnight. Let the cat litter sit on the stains overnight.
Sweep. Use a broom to sweep away the excess cat litter the next day.
Rinse. Finally, rinse the driveway clean.
If this method doesn't work, try the coca-cola method. To remove stains with Coca-Cola:
Apply Coca-Cola to the stains. Pour 1-6 cans of regular Coca-Cola onto the stains. The amount you need to use will depend on the size and number of stains you have. In general, one can works for one large stain.
Let it sit. Let the Coca-Cola sit on the stains overnight.
Rinse. Use clean water from the hose to rinse away the Coca-Cola, and the stains, the next day.
There you have it-- simple cleaning guidelines for asphalt driveways. If you tried these methods and your driveway is still stained, contact a paving professional for help.