The quick answer: Clean a concrete driveway by pre-treating stains with a degreaser, applying a biocide to kill moss and algae, then pressure washing at 2500-3000 PSI using a rotary surface cleaner. Concrete is one of the most durable driveway surfaces and handles high-pressure cleaning well, making it straightforward for both DIY and professional cleaning. Seal afterwards for long-lasting protection.
Concrete driveways are the most common hard surface in UK homes. They're tough, long-lasting, and relatively affordable to install. The good news for cleaning is that concrete can withstand much higher pressure than tarmac, block paving, or natural stone, which makes the cleaning process faster and more forgiving. This guide covers everything from basic washing to stubborn oil stain removal, sealing, and professional costs.
What Is the Best Way to Clean a Concrete Driveway?
The best approach combines chemical pre-treatment with mechanical cleaning. Here's the process that professional cleaners follow, and the one that gets the best results for DIY too.
Step 1: Clear and Pre-Treat
Remove all vehicles, plant pots, and loose items. Sweep the entire surface to remove leaves, dirt, and loose debris. Then pre-treat problem areas:
- Oil stains: Apply a concrete degreaser and scrub with a stiff brush. Leave for 15-30 minutes.
- Moss and algae: Apply a biocide or diluted bleach solution (1:5 ratio). Leave for 20-30 minutes to kill growth at the root.
- Rust stains: Apply an oxalic acid-based rust remover and leave according to instructions.
Step 2: Pressure Wash
Concrete handles high pressure well, making this the most effective cleaning method:
- Pressure: 2500-3000 PSI for standard cleaning. Up to 3500 PSI for heavy soiling.
- Nozzle: Rotary surface cleaner gives the most even finish. A 15-degree or 25-degree fan nozzle works as an alternative.
- Technique: Work in sections, moving in overlapping passes. Start from the highest point and work downhill to let dirty water drain away.
- Distance: Keep the lance 15-30cm from the surface.
A rotary surface cleaner is strongly recommended for large areas. It cleans faster, prevents streaking, and gives a professional-quality finish. These can be hired from most tool hire shops for £30-50 per day.
Step 3: Rinse and Inspect
Rinse the entire driveway with clean water to remove residual chemicals and loosened dirt. Inspect for any remaining stains. Stubborn oil stains may need a second treatment — apply more degreaser, scrub, and rinse again.
Step 4: Seal (Optional but Recommended)
Once the concrete is completely dry (allow 24-48 hours), apply a concrete sealant. This is optional but significantly extends the time before your driveway needs cleaning again.
How Do You Remove Oil Stains from Concrete?
Oil stains are the number one complaint from concrete driveway owners. Concrete is porous, so oil soaks into the surface and becomes harder to remove the longer it sits. Here are the methods ranked by stain severity.
Light Stains (Days to Weeks Old)
- Apply washing-up liquid directly to the stain
- Scrub vigorously with a stiff bristle or wire brush
- Rinse with hot water and repeat if needed
- For better results, use a dedicated concrete degreaser from a DIY store
Medium Stains (Weeks to Months Old)
- Apply a commercial concrete degreaser (available from Screwfix, B&Q, Toolstation)
- Scrub with a wire brush and leave for 30 minutes
- Pressure wash at 2500+ PSI
- Repeat if stain remains — each application draws more oil out of the concrete
Deep, Set-In Stains (Months to Years Old)
Old oil stains that have fully penetrated the concrete need a poultice treatment:
- Mix cat litter (or diatomaceous earth) with a strong degreaser to form a thick paste
- Apply a 1cm layer over the stain
- Cover with plastic sheeting and tape down the edges
- Leave for 24-48 hours — the poultice draws oil out of the concrete
- Remove, scrub, and pressure wash
- May need 2-3 applications for very deep stains
For our complete stain removal guide including rust, paint, and tyre marks, see how to remove oil stains from a driveway.
How Much Does Professional Concrete Driveway Cleaning Cost?
Concrete is one of the cheapest driveway surfaces to have professionally cleaned because it handles high pressure and cleans quickly.
| Driveway Size | Clean Only | Clean + Seal |
|---|---|---|
| Small (20-30 sqm) | £60-120 | £130-260 |
| Medium (30-50 sqm) | £90-200 | £200-420 |
| Large (50-80 sqm) | £150-320 | £320-650 |
| Extra large (80+ sqm) | £250-500 | £500-900+ |
These prices are based on UK national averages for 2026. Surrey and South East prices sit at the upper end due to higher labour costs. Oil stain pre-treatment may add £20-50 depending on severity. For a full breakdown by region, see our driveway cleaning cost UK guide.
Should You Seal a Concrete Driveway?
Sealing isn't strictly necessary, but it's the single best thing you can do to protect a concrete driveway and reduce future maintenance. Here's what sealing does:
- Stain resistance: Oil, fuel, and other liquids bead on the surface instead of soaking in
- Freeze-thaw protection: Prevents water penetrating the concrete, reducing frost damage and cracking
- Easier cleaning: Sealed concrete resists dirt adhesion, making maintenance much simpler
- UV protection: Prevents surface chalking and colour fading
- Weed prevention: Fills micro-pores where moss and weeds take root
Types of Concrete Sealant
- Penetrating sealers: Soak into the concrete and protect from within. Invisible finish, natural appearance. Best for most residential driveways. Last 5-10 years.
- Film-forming sealers: Create a visible coating on top. Available in matte or gloss finish. More visible protection but can become slippery when wet. Last 1-3 years.
- Acrylic sealers: Mid-range option with good UV resistance. Easy to apply and relatively affordable. Last 2-5 years.
For comprehensive sealing information and costs, see our driveway cleaning and sealing cost guide.
Concrete Driveway Maintenance Schedule
Regular maintenance keeps your concrete driveway looking good and prevents the buildup that makes deep cleaning necessary.
- Weekly: Quick sweep to remove leaves and debris (2 minutes)
- Monthly: Spot-clean any new oil stains or spills immediately
- Every 3-6 months: Check for and treat any early moss or algae growth
- Annually: Deep clean with pressure washer or professional service
- Every 3-5 years: Reseal the surface (if previously sealed)
- As needed: Fill any cracks with concrete filler to prevent water ingress and weed growth
This schedule is based on an average UK concrete driveway. Driveways under trees, in heavily shaded areas, or in damp microclimates (common in Surrey's Mole Valley around Dorking) may need more frequent attention.
DIY vs Professional: Which Is Better for Concrete?
Concrete is the most DIY-friendly driveway surface because it's extremely durable and hard to damage with a pressure washer. That said, professional cleaning still has advantages.
| Factor | DIY | Professional |
|---|---|---|
| Cost (40sqm driveway) | £50-100 (hire + chemicals) | £120-200 |
| Time required | 4-6 hours | 2-3 hours |
| Finish quality | Good (with surface cleaner) | Excellent |
| Oil stain removal | Moderate | Very good (industrial products) |
| Damage risk | Very low | Minimal |
Concrete is one of the few surfaces where DIY is genuinely a viable option for most homeowners. The main advantage of professional cleaning is speed, convenience, and access to commercial-grade degreasers for stubborn stains. For more detail on this comparison, see our DIY vs professional pressure washing guide.
Common Mistakes When Cleaning Concrete Driveways
Even though concrete is forgiving, there are still mistakes that can lead to poor results or unnecessary damage:
- Skipping pre-treatment: Pressure washing alone won't remove oil stains or kill moss at the root. Always pre-treat before pressure washing.
- Using a turbo nozzle carelessly: While concrete handles high pressure, a turbo nozzle held too close can etch circular patterns into the surface. Keep at least 20cm distance.
- Cleaning in direct sun: Hot concrete causes cleaning chemicals to evaporate too quickly, reducing their effectiveness. Clean on an overcast day or in the shade.
- Not rinsing thoroughly: Chemical residue left on the surface can discolour concrete over time. Always finish with a thorough clean water rinse.
- Sealing wet concrete: Apply sealant only when the concrete is completely dry (24-48 hours after washing). Moisture trapped under sealant causes peeling and white hazing.
For a comprehensive guide to avoiding pressure washing damage on all surfaces, see can pressure washing damage a driveway.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to clean a concrete driveway?
Pre-treat stains with a degreaser and biological growth with a biocide, then pressure wash at 2500-3000 PSI using a rotary surface cleaner. Work in overlapping passes and rinse with clean water. This combination of chemical and mechanical cleaning gives the best results on concrete.
How do you remove oil stains from a concrete driveway?
For fresh stains, absorb with cat litter for 24 hours. For set-in stains, apply a concrete degreaser, scrub with a wire brush, and pressure wash. Very old stains may need a poultice treatment — mix cat litter with degreaser, cover with plastic, and leave for 24-48 hours to draw out the oil.
How much does professional concrete driveway cleaning cost?
Professional cleaning costs £3-5 per square metre in the UK in 2026. A typical 40sqm driveway costs £120-200 for cleaning only, or £240-420 including sealing. Concrete is one of the cheapest surfaces to clean professionally.
Should you seal a concrete driveway after cleaning?
Sealing is recommended but optional. It protects against oil stains, freeze-thaw damage, and makes future cleaning much easier. DIY sealing costs £2-5/sqm, professional sealing £4-8/sqm. A sealed driveway stays cleaner for 18-24 months compared to 12 months unsealed.
Can you use bleach to clean a concrete driveway?
Yes, diluted bleach (1:5 with water) effectively kills moss, algae, and mildew on concrete. Apply, leave 15-20 minutes, scrub, and rinse thoroughly. Bleach won't remove oil stains. Protect nearby plants by wetting them before and after application.
How often should you clean a concrete driveway?
Most concrete driveways need a deep clean every 12-18 months. Shaded driveways or those under trees may need annual cleaning. Sealed driveways can go 18-24 months between cleans. Spot-treat oil stains and spills as they occur to prevent them setting in.
Get Your Free Quote
We professionally clean concrete driveways throughout Surrey using commercial-grade pressure washers and industrial degreasers. Whether you need a standard clean or heavy oil stain removal, we have the equipment and experience to restore your concrete driveway.
We serve Redhill, Reigate, Horley, Dorking, Banstead, Epsom, Crawley, and all areas within a 20-mile radius of RH1.
Related guides: Driveway Cleaning Cost UK | Remove Oil Stains from Driveway | Tarmac Driveway Cleaning | Resin Driveway Cleaning | Block Paving Cleaning Cost | Is Pressure Washing Worth It?