How to clean and restore a new concrete driveway?

KevinPlant

Hi everyone,

We had a new concrete driveway installed about a month ago. A few days after the concrete was poured, the contractor used a high-pressure washer to clean the surface.

Since then, there are very noticeable water marks, cleaning patterns and tyre marks left on the driveway (see photos). The surface now looks patchy, dirty and unattractive, even though it is relatively new.

I'm wondering if there is a recommended way to remove or reduce these water marks and tyre marks?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

JacobZ

Hi @KevinPlant,

When your contractor returned to pressure clean the surface, did they apply a sealer of any kind? If you pour a small amount of water on the surface, does it bead or soak in?

It's tough to tell from the photos but the amount of visible marking makes me wonder if the surface is sealed or not as sealed concrete generally doesn't mark as easily as your concrete seems to be.

At this stage, I'd suggest giving the surface another clean with a pressure washer. If there are residual marks from the initial pressure clean, then going over it again would help to even out those marks and will help to remove the dirt and tyre marks.

Using a pressure cleaner with a patio cleaner attachment such as this https://www.bunnings.com.au/ryobi-pressure-washer-surface-cleaner_p0743377 will help to speed up the process. You can also use some https://www.bunnings.com.au/gerni-1l-concrete-and-stone-cleaner_p0417769 to help with the tougher stains.

If the concrete is unsealed, applying a quality penetrative sealer such as this https://www.bunnings.com.au/crommelin-10l-natural-diamondtough-concrete-and-paving-clear-sealer_p1560267 would certainly help to reduce future staining.

That said, with any driveway, some dirt build-up and occasional tyre marks are to be expected over time.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob