At many homes, the driveway is the first thing people see. So, if you want to increase kerb appeal, you need to keep it in tip-top shape.
A good driveway is an introduction to your home, but that doesn't mean it needs to display luxury or extravagance. Instead, opting for an understated style, like block paving, and working to keep it clean and in good condition can be an effective welcome for guests or potential buyers.
Removing stains from block paving driveways
To help you keep your block paving driveway looking its best, it may sometimes need a little TLC to remove stains and return it to its former glory.
Before you start cleaning your block paving, whether it's on your driveway, garden paving or path, you should remove any outdoor furniture and plants and sweep leaves, loose dirt and debris away before getting started.
You should also use the following equipment:
- Yard brush
- Hard or metal bristled brush
- Water
- Rubber gloves
- Knee pads or something to kneel on
How to remove oil from driveway block paving
If oil is not cleaned up quickly, it can penetrate paved areas and be challenging to remove. So, if you notice an oil stain, you must act fast.
To clean oil, soak it up using absorbent material like paper towels or cloth instead of rubbing it, as this will spread it over a larger area and drive it into the paving.
If the stain persists after using paper towels or a cloth, use a strong detergent and brush to scrub the surface and wash it with hot water.
Ensure extra care when scrubbing your block paving with a strong detergent and hot water, as some concrete products can fade in colour.
For particularly stubborn stains, use an emulsifying degreaser. To do this, brush the cleaner onto the affected area, leave it for the specified period, and wash it away with plenty of clean water.
Additional equipment:
- Liquid detergent
- White vinegar and baking soda
- Something to soak up oil spills (old towels, cat litter or sawdust)
- Degreasing agent (for especially stubborn stains)
How to remove rust stains from block paving
To remove rust stains from paving, you first need to wet the affected area and apply an enhanced powerful cleaning solution often available from a builders' merchant.
When using a specialised paving cleaning solution to remove rust marks, you risk etching the surface of your paving, so you must take extra care and follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid lasting damage.
After removing rust stains from your driveway, identify and treat the source of the rust stain to prevent the problem from reoccurring.
Additional equipment:
How to remove paint stains from block paving
Soak up wet paint spills with absorbent materials and clean any residual stains with a suitable solvent. Don't wipe the stain, as this will smear the paint, affecting more of the paving.
When using the solvent, follow the instructions and wash the area with a general detergent and warm water afterwards.
With dried paint, you should scrape as much off as possible before applying a paint remover and thoroughly washing the area once the paint has been removed.
You must also take extra care when disposing of the water that runs off your driveway to ensure the paint remover or solvent does not damage other areas of your block paving.
How to remove mortar stains from block paving
Light mortar stains, which are bonded to the surface of your paving during installation, can be removed by using a propriety mortar stain cleaner.
When using this solution, you must adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines.
How to remove mortar stains from clay products varies depending on the colour of your product. For advice and assistance, contact Marshalls Technical Advisory Services Department on 0870 411 2233.
How to remove tyre marks and scuffs from block paving
Tyre marks and scuffs usually require little attention, as the weather should take care of these over time. However, they can be removed more quickly if you scrub the area with hot water and a strong detergent.
If you want to tackle these stains, take care; this method could affect the colour of your block paving and ensure run-off water is correctly disposed of.
Alternatively, you can remove tyre marks and scuffs with a pressure washer, which may loosen block paving if it has been bonded with jointing sand.
How to treat moss, lichens and algae on block paving
Moss, lichens and algae usually grow in damp, heavily shaded areas, so pruning bushes and cutting back tree branches can help reduce moss growth.
To treat moss build-up on block paving patios and driveways, scrape off thick growth areas before applying moss or weed killer.
Some weed-killing products may take time to work and be more effective when applied in dry weather, while others may leave residue to discourage regrowth, so make sure you read the manufacturer's instructions before use.
How to prevent stains on block paving driveways
In addition to treating and removing stains, you should also look to prevent debris build-up and prolong the life of your block paving driveway.
To do this, you should:
- Regularly inspect and clean your driveway
- Cover your driveway when you're doing work on it to avoid stains
- Check cars for oil leaks before parking, and park them elsewhere if you notice leaks
- Install adequate drainage to prevent standing water
- Consider professional maintenance
- Use a protective sealant
- Clean spills promptly
How to clean leaf and beverage stains from block paving
Hot, soapy water should be enough to remove leaf and beverage stains, but if that doesn't work, a specialist path and patio cleaner will remove these marks.
When doing this, you must always read the manufacturer's instructions and carefully dispose of the run-off materials, as you could discolour or dull the pigment from some stones.
Preserve and refresh block paving driveways with Marshalls
Keep your driveways and paving in pristine condition with help from Marshalls. For more advice, read the following guides:
Or, if you're ready to rejuvenate your driveway, patio or pathways, get the job done with Green-Away path and patio cleaner.
FAQs
Can you pressure wash block paving?
Yes, you can pressure wash block paving to clean it, but take care not to displace or loosen the blocks with the water jet, especially if they are bonded with jointing sand.
What is efflorescence?
Efflorescence is the crystalline deposit of salts that build up on surfaces like natural stone or bricks. Efflorescence is a white stain that happens when water moves through the material, carrying dissolved salts to the surface, which evaporates and stains it.
Efflorescence can be removed by brushing or pressure washing the surface or using a spray bottle with a solution of chemicals. Explore more treatments in our guide, 'What is efflorescence and how to treat it'.
