How To Clean Exposed Concrete

If you have an exposed aggregate concrete driveway, alfresco area or pathway, you know how great they can look. Exposed concrete gives you an organic and textured feel without the hassle of loose stones.

To keep it looking its best, though, you need to learn how to clean exposed concrete to maintain its look for years to come.

Like any concrete surface, aggregate and exposed concrete can become stained over time. Because different types of exposed concrete don’t have a uniform surface, they can also pick up dust, dirt and grime from the elements.

By learning how to clean aggregate concrete yourself, you’ll keep your exposed concrete surface looking fabulous. It will last even longer and protect your investment in your home.

Let’s run through the simplest method on how to clean exposed concrete.

Steps to clean exposed concrete

1. Start with the easiest dirt to remove
The first step of cleaning exposed concrete is to eliminate any leaves, dirt or other debris that might have been collected. A good sweep is the first step of any cleaning process. You’ll be able to target stains more effectively. A broom will do for this, but you could also deploy a leaf blower.

2. Stay safe
As with any cleaning process that involves chemicals, use the right safety gear to protect yourself. You’ll need safety goggles and gloves, and you might even want to wear some waterproof shoes before things get wet.

3. Saturate the surface
Use your garden hose to wet the whole surface and ensure it’s thoroughly saturated. Don’t use a high-pressure hose here, as this could damage the aggregate surface.

4. Apply cleaner
You don’t want to use any cleaner that’s too harsh, so look for a water-based cleaner suitable for aggregate concrete at your local hardware store. While throwing the strongest possible stripper at your driveway might be tempting, harsh chemicals can strip sealants or finishes from your driveway, so it’s best to avoid them entirely.

5. Take a break
The cleaning solution will need some time to activate and work on stains, so take a break and leave the solution to sit according to the use instructions, and wait for the cleaner to work its magic.

6. Get scrubbing
Now, you can use a hard brush or broom to start gently working the surface and lifting off any staining or baking in the dirt. Use a tool with stiff bristles, but go gently, so you don’t disturb any rocks or pebbles on your exposed concrete surface.

7. Hose it down
If you have a high-pressure hose, now is the time you can use it on a setting lower than 3000 PSI, or simply use your garden hose again to wash away all that dirt, debris and debris staining. Let gravity help you out here and start uphill, washing the water and pushing away the residual dirt and cleaner downhill towards the end of your driveway.

Once done, take a step back and admire your handiwork. You’ve just spruced up your driveway and extended its life for years to come!