An exposed aggregate concrete driveway is a prime choice for many homeowners because of its durability and skid-resistant texture. The rugged surface is also unyielding toward heavy foot traffic and volatile weather conditions, making it a perfect choice. Above all, it makes your driveway look stunning!

However, it is essential to note that an exposed aggregate surface requires slightly more upkeep than a regular concrete surface or a coloured concrete driveway because of its composition. Material of this type is created by blending concrete with stones, making it easier for dirt to infiltrate its top layer.

Understandably, you’ll want to clean your driveway now and then to keep it looking as good as new. We recommend you follow certain do’s and don’ts to preserve your investment’s longevity, which is why we have put together this guide on the right way to clean exposed aggregate driveways safely.

The following are some general pointers for cleaning a driveway with exposed aggregate. Make sure to read and adhere to the product’s directions if you’re using a chemical cleaning product purchased from a store.

Keep yourself safe

Safety first! Since this is probably a DIY job, it’s essential that you protect yourself with the right equipment – we suggest goggles and gloves at the very least.

Remove dirt

Use a brush or broom to clear any muck or debris off your driveway’s surface. This may take some time as the crevices on the surface will require extra attention, given that dirt can easily get lodged between them. Ideally, you would sweep your driveway at least once every couple of days to keep it dust-free, but oil stains and tyre marks will require a more vigorous cleaning.

Use water

You can use your regular gardening hose to spray down your driveway – make sure it is fully wet before any cleaning. You may want to avoid using high-powered devices to get the job done, as an exposed aggregate surface contains loose stones that can get dislodged if exposed to too much pressure.

Apply cleaner

Pour a driveway cleaning solution onto the surface and allow it to absorb into the concrete. We recommend doing a patch test on a small area of your driveway beforehand to ensure that the concrete does not react adversely to the chemicals in your cleaner of choice. It’s always best to use a water-based cleaner as these are the most gentle; however, more stubborn stains may require a chemical-based solution to get the job done.

Scrub away

You can use a hard bristled brush to scrub off extra stubborn stains; you may also need to apply added pressure depending on how deeply these stains are engrained.

Rinse and dry

Wait about ten minutes or so before hosing down your driveway with water to remove any traces of cleaning solution and muck, then allow it to dry for as long as necessary.

How To Get Rid Of Tougher Stains

For tougher stains caused by moss or oil, you can try the following techniques.

Moss

Moss can leave unsightly stains on the surface of an exposed aggregate surface and can encourage the growth of fungi due to its moisture trapping characteristics. For stubborn patches that won’t seem to go away with your usual cleaning routine, you can use the following DIY method.

Mix one part vinegar and one part water in a spray bottle and spritz generous amounts of the solution onto areas of moss growing on your exposed aggregate driveway. Leave your homemade dissolvent to soak in for at least 24 hours before scrubbing it off.

Oil-based stains

Brown or black splotches on your driveway can be hard to ignore. Oil-based stains are usually more difficult to remove, but there are simple ways to remove them using everyday household products. Here is an easy way to remove oil stains from your driveway with laundry detergent.

Fill a container with generous dashes of your favourite laundry detergent, then add warm water to create a thick paste. Scoop some of this mixture onto a stiff-bristled brush and scrub the stain vigorously. Let the formula sit on the spot for 15 minutes before rinsing off. It’s best to wash off the residue with hot water as it will help lift the oil off the exposed aggregate surface.

Get In Touch With The Experts

Want to find out more about caring for an exposed aggregate driveway or looking to get a new concrete driveway? Get in touch with the expert team at Simply Driveways with any questions or enquiries! As a highly-skilled and reputable concreter in Melbourne,  we will be happy to point you in the right direction!