Aggregate concrete is slip-resistant, incredibly durable, and a cost-effective option for an attractive driveway, path, or patio. But as with all stone products, it needs periodic cleaning and sealing to maintain its beauty over time – particularly in Perth’s harsh environment.
In our opinion, the best way to clean exposed aggregate concrete is to call the professionals and have them do the hard work for you using best-in-industry tools and products.
If you want to do it yourself, it’s a fairly laborious undertaking for the average DIY-er.
Tools and supplies you’ll need:
- A hard brush or broom
- Protective clothing (safety glasses or goggles, water resistant gloves, water-resistant boots and a mask)
- A garden hose or a high pressure cleaner. At the least, you’ll need to be very methodical to avoid uneven cleaning with a domestic-grade pressure cleaner.
- Driveway cleaning solution – be very careful to read the instructions thoroughly, as using the product wrong can be a danger to both the finish of your driveway and to your health.
- Commonly you will need a degreaser – for oils, carbon from brakes and exhaust fumes, and ingrained dirt.
- If you have lawn next to or near your aggregate concrete, it is likely that fertiliser has left orange or brown spots on the concrete surface. This is iron staining and can only be removed using an acid based cleaner.
Want to make life easier and avoid potentially making the problem worse? Save time and money by getting a free price estimate to have Mr Blastit do the work for you – the right way.
How do you clean dirty aggregate?
The cleaning process can take a bit of time on your own. Here’s how you would do it:
- Put on your protective gear and make sure any children or animals are safely away from where you will be cleaning.
- Remove any debris with a broom or leaf-blower.
- Water down the surface. You can do this with your garden hose – your surface needs to be completely wet.
- Once the surface is saturated, you can apply the cleaner. Be sure to use one that is fit for purpose, and follow the instructions to the letter.
- Using your hard brush or stiff broom, scrub any stubborn spots. You need to do this when it’s wet. Usually you will need to apply some elbow grease to get embedded dirt out.
- Rinse everything off with the hose or pressure cleaner, working from one end to the other (usually working from your house to the street on driveways).
The downsides of DIY
Cleaning an aggregate concrete surface yourself takes quite the investment of your time and money, and there’s a chance you might get to the end of it and find stubborn oil stains or tyre marks are still visible.
If you want to really get your aggregate concrete driveway or patio back to its original glory, without compromising the surface or having to handle chemicals, call Mr Blastit instead.
Why choose professional aggregate concrete cleaning?
It’s simple. We have the tools, knowledge, and experience to get the job done right the first time – without any risk to your concrete.
1. Professional equipment is more efficient
We use a 4000+ PSI high-pressure cleaner. For driveways and high traffic areas we turn the hot water boiler/burner on, which heats the high pressure water to 90 degrees during the cleaning process. Think washing your dishes with cold water versus hot water… which is better for getting grime off?
Although in DIY-er guides it is recommended to clean with less than 3000 PSI, a professional can use higher pressure equipment as that pressure can be applied more evenly. Specialised, professional pressure cleaning equipment allows for a deeper clean without the risk of overdoing some spots and missing others.
Your at-home pressure washer can do a great job of cleaning small items like garden furniture or bikes, but for larger or more complex jobs, it can’t compete.
2. Professional cleaning can use less chemicals
There’s a lot of conflicting information online about the best DIY cleaners for aggregate concrete surfaces. Some say vinegar, some say bleach, some say to go into your nearest home improvement store and seek advice there.
Firstly – when cleaning exposed aggregate concrete with professional equipment, it reduces the amount of chemicals required.
Mr Blastit uses environmentally friendly treatments and chemicals to get your driveway back to its glory days. Even so, this is only used for stubborn stains. Most, if not all, of the dirt and marks can be lifted using our hot water pressure washing system.
And even better… you don’t have to put on your protective gear and handle consumer-level, harsh chemicals yourself. A professional service does it all for you, and leaves no mess afterwards.
3. Some stains need specialised treatment
If you’re trying to do away with bore staining, rubber tyre marks, tannins, iron & rust stains, grease stains and the like, it pays to work with an operator who will use the right treatment.
Working with someone who knows the correct course of treatment for various stains means you get a better overall finish, without risking damage or failing to remove the stains with the wrong product or method.
Maintaining your aggregate concrete
Aggregate can be more attractive than standard concrete, but it’s also less durable. Being proactive with cleaning and sealing can help your aggregate concrete last for decades.
On a day-to-day basis, clearing debris and washing off spills as soon as you notice them will help prevent stains from becoming set in – particularly in heavy use areas like driveways.
The benefits of sealing aggregate concrete
What can really help with longevity is sealing your concrete regularly. This protects the surface from water, which can allow unwanted algae and moss to flourish. It also penetrates to help protect the surface from stains – at the very least, making stains easier to get off in future.
What happens if you don’t seal exposed aggregate concrete?
Over time, moisture makes its way deeper into the concrete and will weaken it. This is what can cause cracks to appear. Any stains will also penetrate deeper, making them difficult or sometimes impossible to get out entirely.
How do you make exposed aggregate shine?
To make aggregate shine, there are certain sealers you could ask for that would allow you a more wet-look or glossy finish.
Mr Blastit uses mainly water-based, penetrating sealers to provide your surfaces with an attractive satin or low-gloss finish. In some cases a solvent-based sealer would be more appropriate; this will also be an eco-friendly product from a trusted local distributor.
How do you restore exposed aggregate?
If your driveway, patio or pathway is truly looking worse for wear, you may need resurfacing services instead. This involves filling in small cracks, chips and other surface flaws, and leaves a beautiful surface that is better equipped to handle Perth’s climate.
Mr Blastit can also update and personalise your outdated driveway with modern, bespoke aggregate finishes.
Experience the Mr Blastit difference
As a fully insured, family owned business, our operators treat your home with as much care as if it were our own. We have all the equipment and experience to make cleaning and sealing your aggregate concrete surfaces seamless, and as quick as possible.
If your aggregate concrete drive needs work, don’t waste time on dubious DIYs. Why not use our free online Price Estimate tool, or contact Mr Blastit today for a quote or to book a service.
