Asphalt cleaning is a task that many owners do once or twice a year. With a road trip, the process requires the use of the right combination of detergents to help clean oil and other types of surface stains and restore the appearance of the asphalt. Fortunately, this can be done with the tools that you have at home to make the process easier and less costly.
Steps
Step 1. Sweep whatever you can from the asphalt surface
Use a long broom to sweep away leaves, grass cuttings, and other debris that may not stick to the pavement. Getting rid of all the dirt and debris will make the cleaning task a lot easier.
Step 2. Wet the asphalt using a steady stream of water
Use a garden hose for this. Taking the time to thoroughly flush the asphalt before cleaning will help remove any debris that may be in crevices in the asphalt, making cleaning easier.
Step 3. Pre-treat oil stains and tire marks before attempting to clean the entire surface
This can be done by coating the stains with washing powder. Pour a generous amount of detergent directly onto the stain. Let the product soak for a few minutes, penetrate the asphalt and begin lifting oil and other contaminants from the top layer of the asphalt.
Step 4. Mix the detergent in a bucket
Mix 1 part powder with 3 parts water and 1 part bleach. Make sure the mixture is thoroughly mixed.
Step 5. Apply the mixture to the asphalt
Pour some of the cleaner onto the asphalt, then use a brush to rub the mixture into the asphalt. Use a combination of clockwise and counterclockwise, forward and backward strokes to rub the product into the asphalt. This will help completely remove stains that are deeply embedded in the surface.
Step 6. Flush the asphalt
As a final step in your work, use a high pressure water jet to rinse off the detergent and dislodge any dirt and dust. Check the pavement carefully and take note of any stains that remain. Use additional cleaning products or repeat the procedure on this area, only this time much more thoroughly.
Advice
- When cleaning driveways, use powerful cleaners to get the job done quickly. But powerful cleaners are not a good idea for shingles, they can damage them.
- Instead of mixing the mortar yourself with home-found products, you can purchase ready-made products made specifically for asphalt cleaning. The most popular products can be purchased at the store.