Driveways are one of the most prominent features of your house’s external look. A visually appealing driveway creates an amazing impression on passersby and visitors. The cleanliness of driveways is important but often looked past aspect of home maintenance and hygiene. This is also because cleaning up concrete can be quite a hassle.
Fortunately for you, there are concrete driveway cleaners available on the market which can convenience your cleaning process significantly and provide excellent cleaning performance with minimal effort, making your driveway look spick and span and giving your house a fresh, aesthetically appealing look. In this article, we shall look at concrete driveway cleaners, and give you a little buying guide to help you decide on which product is best suited for your home.
How to Clean Concrete Driveway
Driveway cleaning can be an intimidating task if it is your first time, as the surface isn’t one you commonly get to clean around the house. It is, however, pretty easy to get the hang of and if done properly, can work wonders for the external layout of the house and give you a fresh, tidy looking exterior. We shall now look at some of the tips you should follow to give your driveway a thorough and effective cleanup.
- To begin with, you should free your concrete driveway of dry messes like dir
t and loose debris like old leaves and dust with a broomstick. - Next, you should identify the stained areas that you need to concentrate your cleaning product on.
- Next, identify the type of cleaning detergent you have. Some of them depend on scrubbing and pressure washing while others simply require you to pour them onto the affected area and wait it out while they break the stains down.
- After having identified the kind of driveway cleaner you are in ownership of, it’s time to get cleaning. If your detergent requires you to dampen the surface first to function effectively, dampen the areas you wish to clean with small amounts of water without making the driveway too wet.
- Next, pour a reasonable amount of the product on to the stained areas present on your driveway.
- Wait for an optimal amount of time as required by your cleaner. If your driveway cleaner requires pressure washing, use a pressure washer to flush away the product. If your cleaner requires scrubbing or sweeping, use a soft-bristled, long-handled broom brush to scrub away the residual product to reveal a clean driveway.
- If it’s a no-scrub driveway cleaner, you do not have to do anything after pouring the detergent and the product will take care of the rest. In case you are using a strong chemical product that is not pH neutral, you might want to dilute the detergent to ensure that there is no corrosion or damage to your driveway surface.
That being said, cleaning your concrete driveway is a pretty easy task if you are aware of the type of detergent you are required to use as per the types of stains and surface of your driveway. It is a great thing to do to ensure that the exterior of your house appears nothing less than the best.
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What Things to Look For When Buying a Concrete Driveway Cleaner
If you want your driveway to look the best it possibly can, you need to use nothing less than the best of cleaning products. But how do you find the best cleaning product for your driveway with such a large variety available on the market? Well, we are here to tell you just how. Here are some of the key factors you should bring into consideration while purchasing a concrete driveway cleaner for yourself.
- Chemical composition
The chemical constituents of a detergent play a key role in determining not only how effective it is, but also how safe for your surface it is. Protection of your driveway’s surface is important if you want to maintain a proper fresh look of your house’s exterior without damaging it after repetitive cleaning. You might want to stay away from any detergents using high amounts of acid or bleach which can cause corrosion or discoloration. Try to opt for detergents that are pH neutral and do not contain harmful chemicals in concentrated amounts to ensure that the surface of your driveways remains good as new.
- Environmental soundness
Environmental consciousness is the need of the hour in the modern-day and age. We are quickly progressing towards global warming and rampant environmental hazards and we need to play our fair part in preventing it. This can be done by opting for the usage of environmentally friendly products. Most of the best cleaning detergents on the market are environmentally sound. Look for EPA-approved products to be sure that the cleaner you are buying is not harmful to the environment. Concrete cleaners that use bio-remediation are the best in this regard as they use all-natural methods of breaking down oil stains. Biodegradable products are also available on the market for you to purchase.
- Versatility
A good cleaner is one that can work not only on different types of stains but also on different types of surfaces. Buying a versatile cleaning product will spare you from the need of buying multiple cleaning products for each purpose demanded by your household, and sum all the functions up in one cost-effective, multipurpose cleaning detergent. Not only will this save you money, but also the extra effort of having to switch from one product to the next for every single task.
- Ease of use
You definitely would not want to exert time and effort trying to figure out how to use a concrete cleaner with a complicated operation, and then invest further energy into using it. It would save you plenty of time and exertion simply by purchasing a cleaner that is easy and simple to use. You might want to opt for a product that requires minimal operation time, and also the least amount of tools. No-scrub or no-rinse detergents are ideal in this regard. The application takes very little time and it is essentially all you are required to do while everything else is taken care of by the detergent itself.
- Size and consumption
Package size is also a factor you need to bring under consideration if you want your detergent to be a cost-effective and worthy investment. If you are planning to use your cleaner repeatedly over a long span, it may be useful to purchase one with a high amount of product rather than purchasing smaller packages time and time again. Consumption is also an important factor. You should look for a product that produces a high amount of solution and offers greater coverage with the minimum consumption of the product.
After you have considered all these factors, you are ready to purchase the ideal concrete cleaner for your driveway!
Frequently Asked Questions
- What makes a concrete cleaner environmentally sound?
For a concrete cleaner to be environmentally sound, it should first and foremost be biodegradable, so all the chemical constituents of the cleaner are broken down in the environment by microbes to form harmless products. Secondly, it should be free of ammonia and phosphates, which can harm soil fertility and cause eutrophication in lakes and rivers. If you want to be sure that your concrete cleaner is environmentally sound, be on the lookout for EPA approval. EPA stands for Environmental Protection Agency and it has strict standard guidelines to ensure that products are safe for the environment.
- Can concrete cleaners have harmful effects on health?
Concrete cleaners contain chemicals that are essential for the breakdown of oil-based stains through emulsification. What determines the healthiness of a concrete cleaner are the types of chemical constituents in the detergent. Most good quality concrete cleaners on the market are free of toxins and harmful substances which makes them safe for use not only for humans but also for pets and plants. You are highly advised to purchase a concrete cleaner which is toxin-free, especially if you own pets or have younger children in your home.
Top 10 Best Concrete Driveway Cleaners Reviews
1. Terminator-HSD Eco-Friendly
Oil stains can be tough to get rid of, but the Terminator-HSD has got your back. The Terminator-HSD is a high-quality detergent company that targets the elimination of oil-based stains and delivers peak cleaning performance. Now you can kick back and relax and let this high-end detergent take care of your driveway messes for you, without even the need to scrub them out!
Performance
This driveway cleaner is powerful and effective against stains and breaks down the oil into non-harmful, naturally occurring by-products; water and carbon dioxide. This provides a much better alternative to what detergents usually do, which is to sweep the oil into the drains where it may cause blockages and environmental problems. It is a powdered detergent, and can easily be used to cover stains spread over a large area as opposed to liquid detergents which take a lot of product consumption for minimal area coverage. Therefore it is also economical.
Versatility
This cleaning powder is super versatile in its function. It can clean a variety of surface types including concrete, asphalt, pavers, driveways, streets, garages, and parking lots. As for the type of stains this product can conveniently eradicate, they include all hydrocarbon-based stains like oil and grease, and can even clean up oil spills. The cleaner is super easy to use. All you need to do is spread the powder uniformly across the area you want to clean and spray with water. You do not have to scrub or remove the product, it will simply react with the oil stains and remove them from the environment by creating harmless by-products.
Additional features
This concrete driveway cleaning detergent is eco-friendly, which means would not only be cleaning your parking space, but also fulfilling your environmental responsibility to mother earth while doing so. The cleaning process itself is a little time-consuming. You may have to wait four to 6 weeks and reapply it regularly onto the surface, but the performance makes it worth it.
Pros:
- It is powerful and effective
- It covers a large area with minimum product consumption
- It is very easy to use
- Versatile enough for use on multiple kinds of stains and surfaces
- It is eco-friendly, therefore good for the environment
Cons:
- It may be time-consuming
2. ACT Concrete Cleaner
The ACT Concrete Cleaner is another great detergent for concrete driveway cleaning. It has satisfied most of its customers and has a high satisfaction rating of 3.8 on Amazon, making it a widely liked product among buyers.
Performance
It is super quick and easy to apply. No scrubbing is required for the cleaning process, sparing you a lot of manual effort. All you need to do is apply the product, and brush with a soft bristle broom, and then mist the area with a little water until it is damp. The cleaner will break down the stain and make all the products of the reaction evaporate, leaving no residue. It is also safe and contains no harmful or irritating products which may trigger allergies in humans or cause harm to plants or animals. Another great feature of this product is that it will not remove paint, so the overall look of the driveway will not be altered or ruined even after repeated usage. The product is guaranteed to provide nothing less than the best quality performance and offers a 100% guarantee. You only need to apply a little amount to get maximum coverage. 1 lb of the product can provide up to 100 square feet of coverage.
Versatility
The product can eliminate stains like oil, grease, mildew, mold, and anti-freeze. It is also compatible with almost all types of surfaces including concrete, cement, patios, driveways, pavers, soil, wood, plastic, and many more! This multipurpose cleaning product is therefore definitely a beneficial addition to your household supplies.
Additional features
This concrete cleaner is eco-friendly, which makes it a sensible investment. The cleaner employs the process of bio-remediation, which is the use of microbes to break down oil and products in an environmentally friendly way. The process is the same as the one used in the industrial cleanup of oil spills and gets the job done quickly and conveniently.
Pros:
- It is very easy to use
- It has no harmful constituents, which makes it safe for use
- It is eco-friendly and safe for the environment
- It uses bio-remediation and cleans naturally
- It is versatile and cleans various types of messes
- It does not ruin the paint
- It has 100% guaranteed quality
- Gives maximum coverage with the minimum usage
Cons:
- Might not work as well on older stains
3. Simple Green 18202 Concrete and Driveway Cleaner
With a 4/5 star customer rating on Amazon, the Simple Green 18202 is exactly what you would want from a driveway cleaner. With this high performing cleaning detergent, you can now clean up messes like never before. Here are some of the features which make this product worth every penny.
Performance
The Simple Green 18202 is formulated specially to effectively get rid of oil, grease, and grime stains from driveways and concrete surfaces. This powerful driveway cleaner will remove the toughest stains and discolorations without ruining your surface by corrosion or degradation, allowing you an effective and worry-free cleaning process.
Versatility
Its powerful new formula not only works with manual cleaning but also pressure washing systems, allowing you to clean your driveways, patios, sidewalks, walkways, and all sorts of concrete surfaces at your convenience. The usage of this concrete cleaner is very simple. All you need to do is dampen the surface you need to clean, apply the product using a long-handled scrub brush, scrub well, and rinse off.
Additional features
It is also very economically efficient as it can make eleven gallons of cleaning solution for you to use. It is also non-toxic and bio-degradable, making it environmentally safe to use, and can also safely be used in areas frequently visited by little children and pets. You are, however, recommended to water grass and plants around the area effectively to wash out any residual product. An added benefit of this product is that it has a pleasant licorice scent which will make your driveway smell refreshing after you are done cleaning.
As heard from authentic customers on the product’s Amazon page, this concrete cleaner is ideal for lighter, newer messes and will effectively get rid of recent oil spills and stains shortly after they occur. For heavier and older stains, however, you are recommended to check out some of the other products listed in this article.
Pros:
- It effectively gets rid of oil, grease, and grime
- It will not ruin your surfaces.
- It can work with pressure washing systems as well as manually
- It is economically efficient
- It is bio-degradable and non-toxic
Cons:
- Scrubbing and rinsing is required
- It does not work well on tire marks
4. Chomp Pull It Out Oil/Stain Remover for Concrete
Chomp! Pull it out has a formula that is specially designed to penetrate deep into porous surfaces such as concrete and brick and remove stains effectively. It is one of the best-rated concrete cleaners available on the market.
Performance
It can provide a thorough clean-up of messes which are oil or petroleum-based, such as transmission fluid and brake fluid, etc. which can easily stain your concrete driveways, pavements, garage floors, and parking lots. A great feature of this concrete cleaner is that it is simple and safe to use, unlike other chemical detergents that may have concentrated amounts of damaging substances like bleach and acid which can cause corrosion or discoloration of your flooring surfaces. As for its cleaning performance, it is matched by none.
Versatility
As for versatility, it is super versatile. It can work well on various kinds of oil-based stains which may otherwise require different cleaning techniques for each type of stain, thereby saving you time, effort, and money. It uses a ‘poultice’ technology and can work well with many different types of concrete and stone surfaces under various conditions. Using this concrete cleaner, you can now say goodbye to slipping hazards which may be caused by grease or oil deposits on your flooring, thereby ensuring your safety.
Additional features
Another great feature of this product is that it is super easy to use! So even if you’re inexperienced with detergents, this one would not be too much of a fuss to get the hang of. All you need to do is pour a small amount of the product onto the stain you wish to clean, covering it completely, and allow it to dry. Once the formula has dried up, you can simply sweep it away like chalk dust, revealing a clean, stain-free surface underneath! It’s that simple! You do not even require hard scrubbing or additional effort for effective stain removal using this product.
Pros:
- It delivers great cleaning performance
- It has a good customer rating
- It is versatile enough to work for different types of oil-based stains and on various surfaces.
- It contains no damaging/corrosive chemicals
- It is very easy to use
- No hard scrubbing is required
Cons:
- It is ideal for oil-based stains only
5. Zep Driveway and Concrete Pressure Wash Cleaner
Zep Driveway and Concrete Pressure Wash Cleaner is another great candidate for purchase if you’re looking for an effective and high-performing concrete cleaner for your driveway. Based in the United States of America, Zep boasts 80 years of professional experience in the manufacture of specialized cleaning detergents with commercial-grade cleaning solutions. Zep is a name to be trusted quality-wise.
Performance
This concrete cleaner is designed for pressure washing, which is an effective way to refresh your surfaces and pathways which can start appearing dull and messy due to surface friction, tire marks, rough weather, and oil spills. The usage of the product is also very simple and efficient. All that you need to do is, spray the concrete cleaner on the parts of the surface you wish to clean, let the surface get soaked for just a few minutes, and then simply pressure wash it off. You will be left with a clean and tidy surface that looks brand new, just as good as a professional quality clean up carried out by a commercial company for a significantly lesser cost than hired help.
Versatility
The product’s professional-grade formula can clean walkways, patios, driveways, and parking lots to your satisfaction, leaving them spick, span, and good as new. It is, however, not recommended for use on wood, painted, sealed, or stained surfaces which cannot be refinished, as it may cause damage to them.
Additional features
This concrete driveway cleaner is also climate-pledge friendly, and a significant contributor to our collective efforts towards environmental sustainability and maintenance of our planet’s health, which is the need of the hour. It is also non harmful for plants and grass in surrounding lawns, but you are recommended to saturate the plants before and after having used the product.
Pros:
- The manufacturing company has 80 years of experience
- It is designed for pressure washing
- It works on various surfaces
- It works with different types of stains
- It is environmentally sustainable
- It will not harm plants
- It fixes discolorations and dullness
- It gives an overall neat look to your driveway
Cons:
- It is not safe to drain into creeks/ponds/lakes
6. Black Diamond Stoneworks Limestone Cleaner
Is your driveway stained and messy from frequent vehicle fluid leakage and surface friction? Are homemade contraptions just not doing the job you want? Black Diamond Stoneworks Cleaner has got your back! The product will provide you with a quick yet thorough cleanup of your concrete driveway.
Performance
Regular usage of the Black Diamond Stoneworks Cleaner is guaranteed to enhance the appearance of your flooring surface by restoring its natural fresh look and making its colors look more vivid and polished after the cleanup has been done. This concrete cleaner is pH neutral, which means that it does not contain any harmful strong acids which may otherwise corrode your surface and end up ruining the texture and finishing of your flooring.
Versatility
The feature that sets this surface cleaner apart is that it works well with finished concrete surfaces whether they are honed or tumbled, and it will not ruin the finishing of the flooring at any cost, allowing you a worry-free cleaning experience. It will clean various surfaces including limestone, concrete, and travertine.
Additional features
The product is also biodegradable, which makes it environmentally sound and safe for drainage. You do not have to worry about the ecological consequences of using this detergent as all of its chemical constituents can be broken down naturally. It is also economically efficient as minimum consumption can provide get a large amount of cleaning done. You need as little as 4 ounces of surface cleaner per every gallon of water to make an effective cleaning solution. It has been designed, tested, and used by stone care professionals, which further reinforces the standard of the product quality-wise and ensures the protection of your stone surfaces. Rinsing the surface after cleanup is also not needed, which further saves time, effort, and water resources. It is, however, reported by a user to have a strong smell that may occupy the atmosphere of your household after cleanup.
Pros:
- It works great on finished surfaces
- It is pH neutral
- It is bio-degradable
- It does not damage surfaces
- It is economically efficient
- It has been designed, tested, and used by professionals
- It restores the natural appearance of the surface
Cons:
- It may be too fragrant for the liking of some users
7. Sheiner’s All Purpose Cleaner
If you’re tired of having to purchase multiple detergents, each suited for each type of flooring and surface in your household, Sheiner’s All-Purpose Cleaner is the product for you! This mopping solution is your ultimate cleaning companion whether you are looking to clean your kitchen, toilet, home, office, or even your outdoor flooring system. It is worth under bringing into consideration for purchase.
Performance
This cleaning detergent will keep your floors not only clean and shiny to look at but also eliminate odor and replace it with a refreshing and long-lasting lavender fragrance to leave your atmosphere smelling nice and pleasant. The formula of Sheiner’s All Purpose Cleaner is specially devised to clean heavy traffic areas that tend to accumulate a lot of dirt and debris. It can remove grime and dirt from floorings in an effective way. The formula is designed to target stains and odor from the source even on very heavily soiled surfaces. The detergent is highly concentrated for maximum product value and to ensure high performance even with minimal usage.
Versatility
The best thing about this product is that it is not exclusive for use on flooring, but also counters and wall tiles. It can be used on all kinds of surfaces and finishing including cement, linoleum, vinyl, ceramics, and tiles without the risk of damaging any of these surfaces. It is super effective in the removal of even the toughest of stains with minimal usage.
Additional features
The product is pH neutral, which makes sure that no corrosion of any kind of surface takes place. It is also bio-degradable which means all its constituents are broken down safely to ensure the soundness of the environment. It contains no toxic substances, which makes it extra safe for use even in households with pets and younger children who may otherwise be at risk. All these features make the Sheiner’s All Purpose cleaner a worthy option for purchase.
Pros:
- Gentle yet effective formula
- It is all-purpose and can be used for many different household cleaning functions
- It works on all kinds of stains
- It is great for high-traffic areas
- It is biodegradable and non-toxic
- It is pH neutral
Cons:
- Rare reports of the product leaving ‘streaks’ on flooring
8. Granite Gold Outdoor Stone Cleaner
Granite Gold inc. is a family-owned company with a long-standing history of manufacturing stone care products that spans three whole generations. It has been running since the 1950s, making it a highly experienced brand. The container of this product is very eye-catching. It has a jerry can style bottle with an opening that can be attached to a hose whenever cleanup is required, making the process super convenient. Aside from its exterior, it is a good quality cleaner and a great option for purchase.
Performance
Made in the USA, this product comes in a 64-ounce spray bottle. Another great feature of the Granite Gold Outdoor Stone Cleaner is that it is completely safe for people as well as pets. The formula this cleaner is made from is non-toxic, non-acidic, and biodegradable, making it completely hazard-free for both your cleaning surfaces and the health of those around. It does not contain any phosphates or ammonia, which may otherwise contribute to the acidity of the soil and pollute the lakes or water bodies the product is drained into. This stone cleaner will not even harm plants or home exteriors and ensure maximum safety.
Versatility
This outdoor stone cleaner can safely and effectively clean mold, mildew, and dirt off of various kinds of surfaces. You can use this super versatile cleaner on stone and concrete driveways, patios, decks, walkways, and many other types of flooring surfaces. It would prove to be just as effective on any of these materials.
Additional features
The container of the product makes it super easy to attach to a hose which can then be used to conveniently dispense the stone cleaner onto the surface that needs cleaning. Not only will it deep clean your flooring, but it can also be used on outdoor barbecue islands, kitchens, tables, stone counters, and much more.
Pros:
- The container can be attached to a hose for convenient dispensing
- It is non-toxic and non-acidic
- It works on many surfaces
- It has an experienced manufacturing company
- It is biodegradable and safe for the environment
- It contains no phosphates or ammonia
Cons:
- The hose attachment collar can be difficult to turn on and off with wet hands
9. EXIMO Waterless Concrete Cleaner
The EXIMO Waterless Concrete Cleaner is an advanced stain remover for your driveways and also for multiple other uses. It is a great product to buy if you need something within an affordable range while also ensuring good performance.
Performance
If you’re driveway or pavement surface has faded and lost its freshness over time, the EXIMO waterless concrete cleaner will make sure it is restored into its original form with deep cleaning formula. It uses microbial organisms to break down the hydrocarbon chains that are present within petroleum oil to effectively lift away deep and difficult stains on your concrete that are caused by oil-based products.
Versatility
Its formula is capable of extracting away powerful stains such as gas, diesel, oil, grease, petroleum-based substances, and many others. This concrete surface cleaner can be used on various kinds of areas outdoors which include your driveway, sidewalks, parking lots, garages, cement or concrete patios, entrance stairs, pavers, and other similar surfaces found outdoors. What sets this product apart from the rest is that it can work with an either wet or dry application while others may require using a pressure washer or power cleaner. This makes the product super easy to use and requires minimal exertion. All you need to do to use this cleaner is to apply it to the affected area and leave it on the surface. That is it! You do not even have to sweep it up or wash it off, the product will break the stains down and disappear on its own.
Additional features
The EXIMO concrete cleaner solution is not only powerful but also environmentally sound. It uses a natural, waterless formula which, despite being super tough on stains and messes, is gentle enough to be safe for surrounding plant life, lawn grass, pets, and your family, making it ideal for home use. It also meets strict EPA standards.
Pros:
- Its natural formula is safe to use
- It is powerful and effective
- It is gentle on plant life
- It is environment friendly
- It has a waterless formula
- It can work with both wet and dry application
- It is highly versatile in use
- No scrubbing/pressure washing is required
Cons:
- The package is too small
10. GP66 Green Miracle Cleaner
Just as the name itself states, the product is indeed a miracle cleaner. Made in the United States of America, the GP66 Miracle Cleaner is NSF (National Sanitization Foundation) approved, which further ascertains its quality. Here are some features that make this product a worthy purchase.
Performance
The solution was initially prepared for large scale industrial usage and is therefore capable of highly efficient cleaning performance even at a domestic level. The GP66 is manufactured by a small family-owned and operated business but effectively meets industrial standards. Its formula meets O.S.H. requirements and has been reviewed by the EPA, the Department of Health and Human Hygiene, and also the Aviation Administration, and has been approved by all! This proves that the product meets all the quality and safety standards you would require from a cleaning detergent. The formula is highly concentrated for maximum performance and can make up to 64 regular sized bottles of the solution! This means it is very economically efficient and also saves you a lot of time and effort.
Versatility
This surface cleaner is capable of removing the toughest stains of dirt, grease, and grime from just about any surface you may find them on. The GP66 is a water-based and proprietary product providing an all-in-one cleaning solution. Not only does the GP66 clean flooring surfaces, but it can also be used to remove stains from ovens, carpets, pots, and pans, concrete, brick, grout, laundry, equipment, microwaves, spray paint, grills, airway strips, walls with graffiti, automobiles, floors, wine, blood, pet mess, tables, golf clubs, fireplaces, bacon grease, laminate floors, roofs, vinyl, glass, furniture, stovetops, walls, and so much more!
Additional features
Another very great feature of the GP66 Green Miracle Cleaner is that it is super environment friendly. It has not been tested on any animals as the company has high ethical values when it comes to testing. The product is also biodegradable which means all its chemicals are naturally broken down and will not cause any long-term pollution or other environmental hazards. Its super powerful and effective formula breaks the surface tension of water which allows the product to easily mix with and emulsify the stain you are trying to remove. The company is so sure of its quality that it offers 100% money back if you are not satisfied.
Pros:
- It is environmentally friendly
- It meets EPA and OSHA requirements
- It is highly concentrated to deliver maximum performance
- It is economically efficient
- It breaks the surface tension of water to provide more thorough stain removal
- Offers 100% money-back guarantee if the customer is not satisfied
- It can be used on various types of surfaces
Cons:
- Might not smell pleasant
Conclusion
We understand that purchasing cleaning products without being certain of their performance can be quite overwhelming. Therefore in this article, we walked you through the fundamental workings of a concrete cleaner, provided you with a list of things you should look for while opting to buy a concrete cleaner, answered your most frequently asked questions in that regard, and provided you with an elaborate list of product reviews from some of the best concrete cleaners that we found to be available on the market for purchase. We hope that by now you are fully prepared to make a well-informed and well-researched decision for buying the optimal concrete cleaner for your driveway.