A brand-new driveway can be a point of pride, but keeping it clean may be more challenging than you expect. Still, maintaining a spotless driveway is one of the best ways to increase its lifespan and keep it looking great.
But how often should you have your driveway cleaned? And how do driveways get so dirty? Let’s answer both questions and help you invest in regular, high-quality driveway cleaning in Swansea.
Keep reading to discover when you should schedule your next driveway cleaning service!
Why Invest in Driveway Cleaning Services?
Before you start planning for upcoming driveway cleanings, you’ll want to recognize the reasons why these services are crucial.
Though a professional driveway cleaning service might seem unnecessary, especially when you have a new driveway, they can significantly extend the lifespan of your driveway.
Curb appeal is another aspect to consider. Ensuring that your home looks inviting could increase its value and appeal. But this means regularly tending to its exteriors, including its driveways.
Professional power washing services are an excellent way to remove corrosive salt and chemicals from your driveway. They can also peel away stains and debris, ensuring that your property looks its best.
What Causes Driveways to Get Dirty?
Before you can figure out how often to have your driveway cleaned, it’s essential what types of things cause driveways to get so filthy.
While the most apparent answer might be soil, dirt isn’t the only thing that makes a driveway grimy. Generally, the most common causes of driveway stains and smudges include:
- Environmental debris
- Airborne pollution
- Vehicle fluids
Some of these bits of debris are avoidable. For example, you could reduce some staining by choosing to park your vehicle in a garage rather than parking it on the driveway.
But some sources of filth are virtually unavoidable. Salt and soil are two common substances that Swansea residents deal with when cleaning their driveways.
Environmental Debris
The salt air of the seaside can be a refreshing and uplifting thing, but it can damage your driveway. After all, salt is a corrosive substance that can slowly dissolve concrete and stone.
However, salty air isn’t the only source of environmental debris. Falling leaves, airborne dirt, and local pollution can also coat your driveway in filth.
Airborne Pollution
Where there are people, there’s typically some form of pollution. For those living in Swansea, the most common types of airborne pollution include carbon monoxide and benzene.
Many airborne chemicals come from car exhaust fumes or local industrial areas. These chemicals are carried on the wind and can settle on your property, forming a thin layer of grime.
Vehicle Fluids
If you’re accustomed to parking your vehicle on the driveway, you may want to change your habits. The chemicals and fluids that keep your car running can also form deep, unsightly stains across your driveway.
Motor oil stains are particularly challenging to get rid of, as oil tends to seep deeply into concrete and stone materials. That said, antifreeze and coolant can also cause dark or bright spots along your driveway.
If your property has a garage that’s large enough to accommodate your vehicle, take advantage of that feature! Doing so can significantly improve the long-term look and condition of your driveway.
How Often to Have Driveway Cleaned
Annual driveway pressure wash services can keep your driveway in excellent condition, but they may not be enough. For that reason, we recommend bi-annual cleanings.
When you choose to have your driveway professionally cleaned twice a year, you’re getting double the protection of an annual cleaning. But, of course, it’s crucial to schedule driveway cleaning services wisely.
After all, having your driveway cleaned during the middle of winter can make it slick with ice and shorten its overall lifespan. The best times of the year for a thorough pressure washing service tend to be spring and summer.
When to Schedule a Driveway Cleaning
The best time to schedule a driveway cleaning is when the weather is fair and temperatures are mild. As such, choosing a pressure washing service during the early spring and late summer seasons could be a great choice.
Early Spring
When the winter snowfall has melted away and temperatures are no longer freezing, it’s time to start cleaning your home’s exterior. Remember, tackling autumn and winter mud and grime is easiest when you start early.
A springtime driveway cleaning service can remove set-in dirt and dust while also obliterating any remaining leaves clinging to your driveway. By the end of this cleaning, your driveway should look almost brand-new!
Late Summer
By the time you’ve reached late summer, your driveway might be speckled with dirt, covered in salt, and peppered with automotive fluids. But the autumn season is fast approaching, leaving leaves in its wake.
It might seem counterintuitive to invest in a driveway cleaning service before all the leaves fall. But doing so could be a smart way to keep your driveway’s surface grime-free throughout the winter season.
After all, dirt and chemicals on your driveway can cause leaves to stick together and form a messy, rotting glob of debris. But if your driveway is slick and clean, there’s less chance of dead leaves piling up on it!
Find Driveway Cleaning Near Me
Homeowners should have their driveway cleaned at least once per year—twice a year for optimal protection. This type of pressure washing service can help your driveway look its best and extend its lifespan.
Fortunately, Swansea driveway cleaning is only a quick call or email away. So, if you’re interested in protecting your driveway from dirt and debris, be sure to choose Swansea Clean & Seal.
Receiving a free service estimate only takes a few minutes, so be sure to contact us today!
