These are the 6 easy and effective things people with clean driveways always do in spring – expert home maintenance tips to spruce up your driveway

With spring in full swing, homeowners are taking advantage of the milder weather to freshen up their outdoor spaces, including driveways. People with spotless driveways follow a few simple habits to keep stains, debris, and weeds at bay, home maintenance pros say.

From addressing chemical spills straight away, to sealing driveway surfaces, these top cleaning tips will have yours dazzling all season.

1. Use a leaf blower

Spring breezes bring pollen, twigs, and fallen leaves that quickly accumulate on driveways. A leaf blower is a fast and efficient way to remove debris before it gets ground into the surface – making your driveway look more inviting.

Karina Toner, operations manager at Spekless Cleaning, says, 'A leaf blower is much more efficient than sweeping, especially for large, textured, or gravel driveways. It clears away leaves, dust, and small debris quickly, preventing organic matter from decomposing and staining the surface.

'To do this, hold the blower at a low angle, directing debris into a manageable pile rather than scattering it everywhere. For best results, work in sections, blowing debris in one direction rather than back and forth.'

Toner recommends using a model with adjustable speeds, such as the Greenworks 40V Leaf Blower from Amazon, which is lightweight and has a variable speed dial. A lower speed is best for delicate surfaces like gravel driveways, while higher speeds work well on solid concrete or asphalt.

Toner adds, 'Avoid using the blower on wet leaves or damp debris, as they tend to stick and can create a bigger mess. Instead, let them dry out first or rake heavy, wet piles before finishing with the blower.'

There are many surprising but useful uses for a leaf blower you can make use of this spring.

2. Trim overhanging trees

Overhanging branches can drop sap, leaves, and even small twigs onto the driveway, creating both a mess and potential staining issues.

Toner says, 'Sap is especially tricky because it bonds with surfaces and attracts dirt, making stains even more stubborn. People with clean driveways typically trim branches seasonally, ideally before heavy leaf drop in the fall or after major growth spurts in spring.

'Use clean, sharp pruning tools to avoid tearing the tree’s bark, which could lead to disease. If sap is already on the driveway, clean it with rubbing alcohol or a degreasing solution before it hardens.'

Method Lemongrass Degreaser from Target is a reliable option, with great customer reviews and a pleasant scent.

Spring is the perfect time to assess your landscaping and cut back any overgrowth before summer’s heat encourages rapid plant growth – just watch out for common tree pruning mistakes.

3. Pressure wash seasonally

Even if your driveway looks relatively clean, dirt and grime build up over time, especially after winter.

Toner says, 'A simple hose rinse won’t remove deep grime, oil stains, or mildew buildup. Over time, dirt settles into porous surfaces, making driveways look aged and neglected. Pressure washing not only restores the appearance of your driveway but also prevents long-term damage caused by mold, mildew, and embedded stains.'

Though the cost of pressure washing your driveway can vary, using a pressure washer with a fan nozzle is advisable to distribute water evenly and prevent damage. Start at a lower pressure setting and increase gradually as needed.

Toner says, 'Apply a driveway cleaner or degreaser beforehand to loosen stubborn stains, letting it sit for 5-10 minutes before pressure washing. Hold the nozzle at a slight angle, and avoid high pressure on asphalt, as it can erode the surface over time, making it more susceptible to cracks.'

Kärcher Concrete & Driveway Cleaner from Amazon is powerful, biodegradable, and highly concentrated, so makes up to 40 gallons of cleaning solution.

Wells Ye, founder of Fresh Tech Maid, adds, 'My top tip? Start at the highest point of your driveway and work down in overlapping strokes to avoid streaking.'

4. Clean chemical spills immediately

Oil, gasoline, and other automotive fluids can seep into porous driveway materials, leaving stubborn stains and even causing deterioration over time.

Lina DaSilva, founder of Toronto Shine Cleaning, says, 'Act as quickly as you can. Sprinkling cat litter or baking soda on fresh spills helps absorb the oil before it sets. For older stains, apply a degreaser and scrub with a stiff brush.'

This Full Circle Clean Ocean Heavy Duty Scrub Brush from Amazon has an iron-style handle that makes applying force that bit easier.

Ye adds, 'For tougher stains, I recommend making a paste of baking soda and water, using a commercial degreaser, or trying cola (yes, the soft drink!). Spread it on the stain, wait a few hours, then clean and rinse.

'If these basic remedies aren’t working, try Oil Eater Store's Overnight Stain Remover, available from Amazon. It eats up oil and works on various surfaces including concrete, asphalt, brick and stone.'

5. Keep weeds in check

Driveway cracks are the perfect place for weeds to sprout, especially in spring when growing conditions are ideal.

Ye says, 'Tiny cracks on your driveway might not seem like a big deal, but once weeds start growing through them, they get wider and can turn into full-blown potholes. Last spring, I made the mistake of ignoring these cracks and paid a hefty price.

'For small weeds, pulling them up by hand can do the trick. For larger areas, you'll be better off using a natural weed killer. Spectracide Weed & Grass Killer from Amazon is strong yet safe for most surfaces.'

Remember to consider the best time to spray weed killer, including consideration of family and pets, and avoiding rain.

6. Seal the surface

Sealing a driveway protects it from moisture, UV damage, stains, extends its lifespan and keeps it looking polished.

DaSilva says, 'I recommend sealing the driveway every couple of years. It prevents cracks, repels water, and extends the life of the surface. For concrete, using a penetrating sealer like Foundation Armor [see below], which helps protect against moisture and stains, while for asphalt, a product like Black Jack Drive-Maxx Sealer from Walmart.'

Spring is an excellent time to assess whether your driveway needs a fresh coat of sealant before the heat of summer intensifies surface wear. For best results, apply a sealer on a dry, warm day and avoid foot or vehicle traffic for at least 24 hours.

Meet the experts

Karina Toner

With extensive contributions in Homes & Gardens, Real Homes, The Spruce, and many more, professional cleaner Karina has extensive knowledge of both commercial and residential cleaning.

Lina DaSilva

Lina DaSilva is the founder of the award-winning Toronto Shine Cleaning. With over five years of industry experience, she specializes in residential cleaning and home organization.

Wells Ye

Wells Ye is founder of cleaning company, Fresh Tech Maid, which has been sprucing American homes for 25 years. The company's trusted technicians complete a rigorous 10-step evaluation process to ensure exemplary service.

FAQs

What's the best way to remove oil stains from a driveway?

For fresh spills, absorb as much oil as possible using cat litter or baking soda before scrubbing with dish soap and warm water. Arm and Hammer Baking Soda, available at Walmart, is a reliable brand known for its quality.

To remove older oil stains from your driveway, a commercial degreaser or a paste made from baking soda and water can help lift the residue. Pressure washing with a concrete-safe detergent can also break down stubborn stains. The sooner you treat the stain, the easier it will be to remove.

How often should I pressure wash my driveway?

How often to pressure wash your driveway is a commonly-debated topic. Our experts suggest at least twice a year – once in spring and once in fall – helps keep dirt, mildew, and stains from accumulating.

However, if you notice excessive buildup from tree sap, pollen, or tire marks, an extra mid-season cleaning may be beneficial. Always use the appropriate pressure setting for your driveway material to avoid causing damage.

Will sealing my driveway prevent cracks?

While sealing won’t completely prevent crack in your driveway, it does help protect the surface from water infiltration, UV damage, and general wear and tear. Proper sealing reduces the risk of moisture seeping into small cracks and expanding during freeze-thaw cycles, which can lead to bigger issues.

Regularly checking and sealing minor cracks before they worsen is key to maintaining a strong, durable driveway.

So there you have it – six things people with clean driveways always do. With spring’s arrival, now is the perfect time to give your driveway the attention it deserves. A little routine care goes a long way in preventing costly damage and keeping your driveway in top shape for years to come.

This is the perfect time for learning how to clean gravel and exploring new front yard paving ideas.