6 Quick and Easy Ways to Clean Your Driveway and Get it Ready for the Holidays

As Tet approaches, it’s time to tackle the stubborn dirt and grime on your outdoor surfaces to welcome the new year with a fresh and clean space. Explore these methods to effectively clean your concrete, wooden, tiled, and composite decks and patios.

1Cleaning Concrete Patios and Decks

Cleaning Concrete Patios and Decks

For concrete surfaces, start by moving any objects off the area you wish to clean for optimal results. Then, follow these steps:

Step 1 Sweep away leaves, twigs, debris, and dirt using a stiff-bristled broom to effectively remove the loose particles.

Step 2 Mix 3.8 liters of hot water with 140ml of bleach in a bucket. Stir well to dissolve the bleach. Alternatively, you can use a mixture of 3.8 liters of hot water, 240ml of trisodium phosphate, and 62g of laundry detergent. If your surface is stone-tiled, it’s best to use oxygen bleach to preserve the color.

Step 3 Add a small amount of dish soap to the mixture. Dip a mop or deck scrub brush into the solution and scrub the entire surface. For stubborn stains, use a stiff-bristled brush to scrub in a circular motion for better stain removal.

Step 4 Rinse away the soap and dirt using a hose or a bucket of water. Allow the surface to air dry, and then rearrange your furniture and decor.

2Cleaning Wooden Decks and Patios

Cleaning Wooden Decks and Patios

Step 1 Move furniture and decor off the deck or patio, and then sweep away debris and dirt, paying close attention to cracks and crevices in the wood.

Step 2 Create a cleaning solution by mixing 470ml of oxygen bleach, 7.6 liters of warm water, and 60ml of dish soap in a bucket. Stir well to combine.

Step 3 Dip a stiff-bristled brush into the solution and scrub the wood surface to remove dirt and grime. Let the solution sit for 15 minutes.

Step 4 Rinse away the soap from the wood surface and allow it to air dry or use a fan to speed up the process. Once the surface is completely dry, apply teak oil to a cloth and wipe down the wood surface to protect and enhance its color and shine.

3Cleaning Red Brick, Vintage Tile, and Granite Stone Surfaces

Red Brick Patios and Decks

Red Brick Patios and Decks

It’s not uncommon to have cement residue on your newly laid red brick surface, but it can affect the overall aesthetics. Here’s how to remove those stubborn stains:

Step 1 Move furniture and decor off the surface, and then scrape away excess cement from the bricks.

Step 2 Create a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water in a bucket. Soak a cloth or deck scrub brush in the solution and scrub the bricks. Let it sit for about 15 minutes, and then rinse with water.

Vintage Tile Patios and Decks

Vintage Tile Patios and Decks

To clean vintage tile surfaces, you can use a unique mixture of flour, rice powder, and cooking oil. It may sound unusual, but it’s highly effective!

Step 1 Mix flour, rice powder, and cooking oil in a bucket and stir well to form a paste.

Step 2 Apply the paste to a cloth and gently wipe down the tile surface. Repeat as needed until the tiles are clean and shiny.

Step 3 Rinse away the paste using a hose or a bucket of water, and your vintage tiles will be good as new!

Granite Stone Patios and Decks

Granite Stone Patios and Decks

Granite stone surfaces are popular for their sleek and shiny appearance. However, do you know how to properly clean and maintain them?

Granite stone is prone to scratches and corrosion, so it’s best to use a damp cloth to wipe down the surface and then quickly dry it.

To maintain the color and durability of granite stone and prevent scratches, avoid using acidic or acetone-based cleaners. Also, be careful not to drop hard objects on the surface or place heavy items directly on the granite.

4Cleaning Composite Wood Decks and Patios

Cleaning Composite Wood Decks and Patios

Composite wood is made from a blend of wood fibers, plastics (PE, PVC, etc.), and other materials. To clean composite wood surfaces, follow these steps:

Step 1 Move all furniture and decor off the surface for easier cleaning. Sweep away any dirt and debris that may be lingering.

Step 2 Create a cleaning solution by mixing 625ml of a specialized composite wood cleaner with 7.6 liters of water.

Step 3 Pour the solution into a deck scrub brush or a mop bucket and apply it evenly across the entire surface. Let it sit for 20 minutes, and then scrub with a brush to remove any remaining dirt.

Step 4 Finally, rinse away the solution and dirt thoroughly and allow the surface to air dry.

Now you have six effective methods to quickly clean your outdoor surfaces and welcome the new year with a fresh and sparkling space. Happy cleaning and happy Tet!