Use a mix of sweeping, targeted stain removal, and a good rinse (or pressure wash) to clean a concrete driveway, then consider sealing it so it stays cleaner longer. The exact steps depend on whether you’re dealing with basic grime, oil, rust, or mold.

Quick Scoop

  • Time needed: 1–3 hours for a typical driveway, longer if there are many stains.
  • Best basic method: Sweep, pre-treat stains, scrub with concrete cleaner, then rinse or pressure wash.
  • Biggest mistakes: Using too much pressure and etching the concrete, letting harsh chemicals run into lawns or drains, skipping protective gear.

Step‑by‑step basic clean

  1. Clear and sweep
    • Move cars, pots, toys, and furniture off the driveway.
 * Sweep thoroughly with a stiff broom to remove leaves, gravel, and loose dirt.
  1. Pre-rinse the surface
    • Use a garden hose with a spray nozzle to wet the entire driveway; this helps loosen surface grime and prevents cleaners from soaking in too fast.
  1. Apply a concrete cleaner
    • Use a driveway or concrete cleaner (or a mild detergent solution) mixed as directed on the label.
 * Work in sections, spreading cleaner evenly with a pump sprayer, watering can, or mop so it doesn’t dry in patches.
  1. Scrub the concrete
    • Use a stiff‑bristle brush or deck brush to scrub in overlapping strokes, focusing extra effort on dark streaks and high‑traffic areas.
 * Let the cleaner dwell for the recommended time, but do not let it dry out; lightly mist with water if needed.
  1. Rinse thoroughly
    • Rinse with a hose, working from the highest end of the driveway down to the street so dirty water flows away.
 * Check for remaining stains, re‑treat those spots, and rinse again until runoff is clear.

With & without pressure washer

Using a pressure washer

  • Choose a medium setting and a 25‑degree or similar fan tip for general cleaning; test in a small, inconspicuous patch first.
  • Keep the nozzle about 8–24 inches from the surface and keep it moving to avoid gouging or striping the concrete.

Without a pressure washer

  • Scrub in 3–5‑foot sections with a deck brush dipped in a bucket of warm, soapy water after pre‑treating stains.
  • Rinse each section before moving on so cleaner doesn’t dry and leave residue.

How to remove common stains

Oil and grease

  • Apply a concrete degreaser or driveway cleaner directly to spots and let it sit per directions.
  • Scrub vigorously with a stiff brush, then rinse; older stains may need repeated applications or a stronger product like TSP (trisodium phosphate), used with proper safety gear.

Tire marks and road grime

  • Use a heavy‑duty degreaser or specialized tire mark remover and scrub in circular motions.
  • Rinse with a strong spray or pressure washer after dwell time.

Leaf, rust, and fertilizer stains

  • Leaf/organic stains: Use an “organic” or oxygen‑based cleaner; some can lift stains with a vinegar‑and‑water solution, then scrub and rinse.
  • Rust/fertilizer spots: Use a rust remover rated safe for concrete, following label directions carefully and rinsing thoroughly.

Tree sap, tar, and sticky spots

  • For sap, rub with rubbing alcohol or a pumice‑containing cleaner, then scrub and rinse.
  • For tar or similar residue, a solvent‑based cleaner formulated for concrete may be needed, used in small amounts with good ventilation and rinsing.

Safety, eco tips, and sealing

  • Protect yourself: Wear safety glasses, long sleeves, long pants, and chemical‑resistant gloves when using cleaners or TSP, and avoid breathing in spray mist.
  • Protect plants and drains: Choose biodegradable, plant‑safe products where possible and divert runoff away from garden beds and storm drains.
  • Avoid damage: Do not use maximum pressure or very narrow nozzles on old or cracked concrete; this can etch or spall the surface.

Sealing after cleaning

  • Once the driveway is fully dry, applying a concrete sealer can help resist stains and make future cleaning easier.
  • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for temperature, drying time, and number of coats, and keep cars off the driveway until the sealer cures.

TL;DR: Sweep, pre‑rinse, pre‑treat stains with the right cleaner, scrub well, then rinse or pressure wash, and seal once dry for longer‑lasting results.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.