A clean driveway transforms the look of a home. It’s the first thing visitors and potential buyers see, and it says a lot about how a property is cared for. But driveways face constant abuse from tyres, dripping oil, weather, leaves and the damp North Somerset climate, which is perfect for moss and algae.
In this guide we’ll look at the three most common driveway problems: oil stains, moss and algae, and weeds, and how to deal with each without damaging the surface.
Know your surface first
Different driveways need different approaches:
- Block paving: very popular on newer homes around Worle, Locking and Haywood Village. Durable, but joints fill with weeds and the sand gets washed out during cleaning.
- Tarmac: affordable and common. Too much pressure can loosen the surface stones.
- Concrete and imprinted concrete: tough, but imprinted concrete relies on a sealer coat for its colour and shine.
- Resin-bound: smooth and permeable. Needs gentle cleaning to avoid damaging the resin.
- Gravel: the main issue here is weeds and moss growing through.
How to remove oil stains
Oil is the stain we’re asked about most often. Here’s how to approach it:
- Act quickly. Fresh spills are much easier to deal with. Cover them with cat litter, sawdust or sand to soak up excess oil, leave for a few hours, then sweep it up.
- Use a degreaser. Apply a driveway-safe degreaser, work it in with a stiff brush and leave it for the recommended time.
- Rinse thoroughly. Rinse with plenty of water, or with a pressure washer on suitable surfaces.
- Repeat if needed. Older stains may need several treatments.
Be realistic: old, deep oil stains on porous concrete or block paving may never vanish completely, but they can usually be lightened considerably. Avoid harsh chemicals such as neat bleach, which can discolour paving and harm plants and wildlife.
How to deal with moss, algae and black spot
Moss and green algae thrive in shady, damp areas, which is why the side of the drive next to a hedge or fence turns green first. Black spot (a type of lichen) shows up as small black dots on paving and is very stubborn.
- Scrape and sweep heavy moss first.
- Pressure wash with a rotary surface cleaner for an even finish. Hand-held lances often leave stripes and can blast out jointing sand.
- Treat with a biocide after cleaning. This kills spores left in the surface and slows down regrowth. Black spot usually needs a specialist treatment and can take a few weeks to fade fully.
How to stop weeds coming back
Weeds love the sand-filled joints in block paving. Pulling or scraping them out is a temporary fix, because seeds blow in and roots remain.
The long-term answer is:
- Clean out the joints thoroughly.
- Re-sand with kiln-dried sand, brushing it well into the joints.
- Apply a joint-stabilising sealer. This binds the sand so weeds and ants struggle to get a foothold, and it won’t wash out as easily.
Should you seal your driveway?
Sealing isn’t essential, but it has several benefits, especially for block paving and imprinted concrete:
- Locks jointing sand in place
- Reduces weed growth
- Makes oil and dirt easier to clean off
- Restores and enhances colour
- Protects against frost and water damage
A sealed drive typically needs cleaning less often and stays looking fresh for longer.
DIY pressure washing: common mistakes
Pressure washers are widely available, but they can cause damage if used badly:
- Too much pressure can damage tarmac, resin and the surface of softer paving.
- Holding the lance too close creates stripes and gouges.
- Not re-sanding block paving afterwards leaves joints open for weeds.
- Spraying towards the house can force water under doors and into airbricks.
- Forgetting the mess. Pressure washing throws dirt over walls, cars and windows, so you’ll need to rinse everything afterwards.
When to call a professional
For a quick rinse, a domestic pressure washer is fine. For a full clean that restores the surface evenly, re-sands joints and treats growth properly, professional equipment makes a big difference. A rotary surface cleaner covers ground quickly and evenly, while commercial machines deliver the right flow and pressure for each surface.
TIME2SHINE provides professional driveway cleaning in Weston-super-Mare and North Somerset, including re-sanding, sealing and biocide treatments. We can also clean your patio and paths on the same day with our garden cleaning service.
Want your driveway looking new again? Click Get a Quote, send a photo and we’ll give you a clear price.