The quick answer: Clean a tarmac driveway by sweeping loose debris, applying a tarmac-safe detergent, scrubbing stubborn areas with a stiff broom, and rinsing with a pressure washer set below 2000 PSI (140 bar). Use a wide fan nozzle or rotary surface cleaner to avoid damaging the bitumen binder. For best results, seal the surface afterwards to restore colour and protect against future staining.
Tarmac (also called asphalt or blacktop) is one of the most common driveway surfaces in the UK, prized for its durability and relatively low cost. However, it does require the right cleaning approach. Unlike concrete or block paving, tarmac has a bitumen binder that can be damaged by excessive pressure, harsh chemicals, or the wrong technique. This guide covers everything you need to know about cleaning and maintaining a tarmac driveway safely.
What Cleaning Methods Work Best for Tarmac?
The best approach depends on the level of soiling and whether you have access to a pressure washer. Here are the main methods ranked by effectiveness.
Pressure Washing (Most Effective)
Pressure washing is the fastest and most thorough method for cleaning tarmac driveways. However, the key difference from cleaning concrete or block paving is that tarmac requires lower pressure settings. High pressure strips the bitumen binder from the aggregate, leaving a rough, grey surface that deteriorates quickly.
- Maximum pressure: 2000 PSI (140 bar) — ideally 1500-1800 PSI
- Nozzle: 25-degree or 40-degree fan nozzle, or a rotary surface cleaner
- Distance: Keep the lance at least 30cm from the surface
- Technique: Work in overlapping passes, moving steadily — never hold in one spot
A rotary surface cleaner attachment is ideal for tarmac because it distributes pressure evenly and prevents the striping or etching that a direct lance can cause. Professional cleaners almost always use surface cleaners on tarmac for this reason.
Manual Scrubbing with Detergent
For light soiling or if you don't own a pressure washer, manual cleaning works well. Mix warm water with a tarmac-safe detergent (or standard washing-up liquid for light dirt) and scrub with a stiff bristle broom. This method is slower but carries zero risk of pressure damage.
For moss and algae, apply a diluted bleach solution (1:10 ratio with water) or a proprietary outdoor cleaner. Leave it for 20-30 minutes to kill the growth, then scrub and rinse with a garden hose.
Chemical Treatment
Dedicated tarmac cleaners and degreasers are available from most DIY stores. These are formulated to cut through oil, grease, and biological growth without damaging the bitumen. Apply according to the manufacturer's instructions, agitate with a broom, and rinse off. Chemical treatment is particularly useful for oil stains and heavy algae.
Important: Never use petrol, white spirit, turpentine, or solvent-based cleaners on tarmac. These dissolve the bitumen binder and cause permanent damage. Similarly, avoid acidic cleaners designed for natural stone — they can discolour and weaken tarmac.
What Pressure Settings Should You Use on Tarmac?
Getting the pressure right is the single most important factor when cleaning tarmac. Too much pressure causes irreversible damage; too little won't clean effectively.
| Tarmac Condition | Recommended PSI | Nozzle |
|---|---|---|
| New tarmac (under 12 months) | Do not pressure wash | Manual clean only |
| Good condition (1-5 years) | 1200-1500 PSI | 40-degree fan or surface cleaner |
| Average condition (5-15 years) | 1500-1800 PSI | 25-degree fan or surface cleaner |
| Heavy soiling / embedded moss | 1800-2000 PSI max | Surface cleaner recommended |
Never exceed 2000 PSI on tarmac. By comparison, concrete driveways can handle 3000+ PSI. If your pressure washer only has a turbo nozzle (0-degree), do not use it on tarmac — the concentrated jet will gouge the surface instantly. For more on pressure settings for different surfaces, see our guide to whether pressure washing can damage your driveway.
How Do You Remove Stains from a Tarmac Driveway?
Tarmac is more prone to staining than concrete because its dark surface shows marks clearly and the bitumen can absorb certain substances. Here are the most common stains and how to tackle them.
Oil and Fuel Stains
Oil stains are the most common tarmac driveway problem, especially from parked cars with minor leaks. The approach depends on how old the stain is:
- Fresh spills (within hours): Cover with cat litter, sand, or sawdust immediately. Press down and leave for 24 hours to absorb the oil. Sweep up and treat the residual stain with washing-up liquid and hot water.
- Recent stains (days to weeks): Apply a specialist tarmac degreaser, leave for the recommended time (usually 15-30 minutes), scrub with a stiff brush, and rinse.
- Old, set-in stains (months+): These may need multiple degreaser applications or professional treatment. The oil penetrates deep into the bitumen, making complete removal difficult. Professional steam cleaning can help for severe cases.
For more detailed oil removal techniques, see our dedicated guide on removing oil stains from driveways.
Moss, Algae, and Green Growth
Moss and algae thrive on tarmac driveways, especially in shaded or north-facing areas. The porous texture of weathered tarmac provides excellent grip for biological growth.
- Apply a moss killer or diluted bleach solution (1:10 ratio)
- Leave for at least 30 minutes (overnight is better for heavy growth)
- Scrub with a stiff broom to loosen dead moss
- Pressure wash or hose off the debris
For persistent algae problems, our algae removal guide covers prevention strategies and long-term treatments.
Tyre Marks
Black tyre marks on tarmac are mostly cosmetic and often fade naturally over a few weeks. For stubborn marks, scrub with a stiff brush and hot soapy water. Avoid using tyre mark removers designed for concrete, as these may contain solvents that damage bitumen.
Rust Stains
Rust from metal furniture, tools, or fence posts can stain tarmac orange-brown. Apply a non-acidic rust remover (check the label for tarmac compatibility), scrub, and rinse. Oxalic acid-based cleaners work but should be used cautiously and rinsed thoroughly.
Should You Seal a Tarmac Driveway After Cleaning?
Sealing is one of the best things you can do for a tarmac driveway after cleaning. A tarmac sealant (also called tarmac restorer or blacktop sealer) provides several benefits:
- UV protection: Prevents the sun from breaking down the bitumen binder, which causes the grey, faded appearance
- Water resistance: Reduces water penetration that causes frost damage in winter
- Fuel resistance: Creates a barrier against oil and fuel spills
- Colour restoration: Brings back the deep black finish of new tarmac
- Easier cleaning: Sealed surfaces resist staining and are simpler to maintain
Sealing Costs
| Method | Cost per m² | Typical Driveway (40m²) |
|---|---|---|
| DIY tarmac sealant | £2-4 | £80-160 |
| Professional sealing | £4-8 | £160-320 |
| Professional clean + seal | £6-12 | £240-480 |
Wait at least 12 months before sealing new tarmac — it needs time to fully cure. After that, reseal every 3-5 years depending on traffic and exposure. For comprehensive cost information, see our driveway cleaning and sealing cost guide.
How Much Does Professional Tarmac Cleaning Cost?
Professional tarmac driveway cleaning is generally cheaper than cleaning block paving or natural stone because the process is more straightforward.
| Driveway Size | Clean Only | Clean + Seal |
|---|---|---|
| Small (20-30 sqm) | £60-150 | £140-300 |
| Medium (30-50 sqm) | £90-250 | £210-480 |
| Large (50-80 sqm) | £150-400 | £350-750 |
Prices in Surrey and the South East tend toward the higher end of these ranges. For area-specific pricing, see our driveway cleaning cost UK guide. Professional cleaning is particularly worthwhile for tarmac because incorrect DIY pressure washing can cause expensive damage that's difficult to repair.
DIY vs Professional Tarmac Cleaning
Tarmac sits in the middle ground between surfaces that are easy to DIY (concrete) and those that really need a professional (Indian sandstone). Here's when each approach makes sense.
When DIY Makes Sense
- Light soiling with minimal moss or algae
- You own a pressure washer with adjustable pressure (not just a turbo nozzle)
- Small driveway under 30sqm
- Tarmac is in good condition with no existing damage
- You're comfortable keeping pressure below 2000 PSI
When to Call a Professional
- Heavy moss, algae, or weed growth covering large areas
- Oil stains that won't shift with DIY products
- Tarmac showing signs of wear (loose aggregate, cracking, potholes)
- You want cleaning and sealing done together
- Large driveway (50sqm+) where DIY takes a full day or more
- You don't have a pressure washer with adjustable settings
For a detailed cost comparison between DIY and professional cleaning across all surface types, see our DIY vs professional pressure washing guide.
Tarmac Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Driveway Clean
Regular maintenance between deep cleans keeps your tarmac looking good and extends the time between professional visits.
- Sweep regularly: A quick sweep every 2-3 weeks removes leaves and debris before they break down and stain the surface
- Treat moss early: Apply moss killer at the first sign of green growth — it's much easier to treat early than remove established moss
- Clean oil spills immediately: The longer oil sits on tarmac, the deeper it penetrates. Cat litter within an hour prevents a permanent stain
- Avoid heavy vehicles: Tarmac softens in hot weather. Heavy vehicles, skips, and delivery trucks can cause indentations on warm days
- Don't use de-icing salt excessively: While tarmac handles salt better than block paving, excessive use accelerates surface breakdown. Use sparingly and sweep away residue after frost passes
- Repair cracks promptly: Small cracks allow water in, which freezes and expands in winter, making the crack larger. Fill cracks with cold-pour tarmac filler from any DIY store
- Reseal every 3-5 years: A fresh coat of tarmac sealant protects the binder and keeps the surface looking new
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you pressure wash a tarmac driveway?
Yes, but keep the pressure below 2000 PSI (140 bar) and use a wide fan nozzle or rotary surface cleaner. Higher pressure strips the bitumen binder from the aggregate, causing permanent damage. A 25-degree or 40-degree nozzle at a safe distance is ideal for cleaning without harm.
How much does professional tarmac driveway cleaning cost?
Professional tarmac driveway cleaning costs £3-6 per square metre in the UK in 2026. A typical single driveway (30-50sqm) costs £90-250. Adding sealing brings the total to £6-12 per sqm. Prices vary by condition, access, location, and whether oil stain treatment is needed.
How do you remove oil stains from a tarmac driveway?
For fresh spills, cover with cat litter or sand for 24 hours then sweep. For set-in stains, use a dedicated tarmac degreaser, scrub with a stiff brush, and rinse. Never use petrol, white spirit, or solvents — these dissolve the bitumen binder and cause far more damage than the stain itself.
Should you seal a tarmac driveway after cleaning?
Yes, sealing is highly recommended for tarmac driveways older than 12 months. A sealant protects against UV damage, fuel spills, and water penetration, while restoring the black colour. DIY sealing costs £2-4 per sqm; professional sealing costs £4-8 per sqm. Reseal every 3-5 years.
How often should you clean a tarmac driveway?
Most tarmac driveways need a thorough clean once a year, ideally in spring. Driveways under trees or in shaded, north-facing positions may need cleaning every 6-9 months due to faster moss and algae growth. Regular sweeping every few weeks prevents dirt building up.
What is the best way to clean a tarmac driveway without a pressure washer?
Mix warm water with washing-up liquid or a tarmac cleaner and scrub with a stiff bristle broom. For moss and algae, apply diluted bleach (1:10 with water) or a proprietary moss killer, leave for 30 minutes, scrub, and rinse with a garden hose. This is effective for light to moderate soiling.
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We clean tarmac driveways throughout Surrey using professional-grade equipment with adjustable pressure settings and rotary surface cleaners. Our team knows exactly how to restore tarmac safely without causing damage.
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 | Driveway Cleaning & Sealing Cost | Can Pressure Washing Damage a Driveway? | Concrete Driveway Cleaning | Resin Driveway Cleaning | DIY vs Professional