Best and easiest way to clean your driveway
Cleaning your driveway
The driveway is usually the first thing people see when arriving at a property, and often quite a costly part of a build, so it’s important to keep it clean and well-maintained.
It is, quite literally, a high traffic area - and your care of it depends on the surface you have chosen. This maintenance is even more important in the winter months as damage can quickly occur thanks to wet leaves, algae and ice.
Winter leaves
Leaves can be as slippery as ice, as well as cause havoc with the appearance of your driveway. Leaves are designed to resist water, so the water sits on top of the leaf and creates a film that is very similar to the one found on ice. They also leave unsightly, stubborn stains on the surface, so it’s essential to remove them and clean.
Ice and organic growth
Any lying water will freeze and expand, potentially causing cracks and damage. These gaps are perfect breeding grounds for organic growth such as moss and algae, which will cause more damage. Tarmac driveways may have fewer gaps but they are still prone to the weather - and over time, they might sink slightly in the areas where car wheels rest. Pools of water can freeze and expand and again, they will cause damage to the surface.
Why not jet wash your driveway?
If you have a brick block or paved driveway, clean out between the bricks to remove the organic growth. A tarmac driveway can be swept clean. Gravel needs a small brush, a quality cleaner and a garden hose. Jet washing is not the best approach for any of these surfaces. It might force the leaves and moss up and away, but it can blast away the grout between tiles and stones, send gravel flying, deepen cracks in tarmac and leave gaps where more leaves, moss and algae can gather. It can also remove the top layer of some driveways, leaving the surface more vulnerable to the weather – and creating perfect little pools of water that can freeze.
How to clean your driveway with Monty Miracle: step by step
What you'll need
- Monty Miracle Complete Outdoor Cleaner
- Monty Approved Gloves, eye protection and protective footwear
- A garden pump spray bottle
- A garden hose (or a watering can if needed)
- Old or dedicated gardening clothes
Step 1: prepare the area
Remove any loose debris, such as leaves, moss or twigs. Use a stiff brush or broom to sweep the surface, paying extra attention to particularly dirty or stained areas.
Monty Miracle is not designed to remove oil stains. For oil, you may need a specialised cleaner before you start. Never mix chemicals.
Step 2: apply Monty Miracle
Using your pump spray bottle, apply Monty Miracle evenly over the driveway. There's no need to dilute it; it's ready to use straight from the bottle. One 5L bottle covers up to 25 square metres, so larger driveways may need more than one. See our how to use guide to work out how much you'll need.
Step 3: let it work
Leave it on the surface for 6-10 minutes. You may notice the dirt and stains starting to lift during this time.
Step 4: rinse
Rinse the whole driveway thoroughly with a garden hose, including any cracks or crevices where dirt and grime collect. No pressure washer needed.
Step 5: let it dry
Let the surface dry completely before walking or driving on it. Depending on the weather, this may take several hours.
Keeping your driveway clean
- Sweep regularly to remove loose debris and prevent build-up.
- Deal with oil stains quickly with a specialised degreaser.
- Check for cracks and dips and get them filled, so water can't gather and freeze.
- Clear sludge and leaves from your drains, and fit drain covers to prevent blockages.
- Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that can damage the surface.
Why Monty Miracle for your driveway?
- It's specially formulated to eliminate organic growth and staining on most external hard surfaces, including driveways.
- It's easy to apply and needs no scrubbing or pressure washing.
- Following the process, the solution becomes safe for child and pets after rinsing, or after 10 minutes.
- It's a Which? Best Buy.
So why wait? Ditch the jet wash and try Monty Miracle Complete Outdoor Cleaner - your driveway will thank you!