How to Wash an Asphalt Driveway the Eco-friendly Way

asphalt driveway in front of a house
  • 2-4 hours
  • Beginner
  • 150-300
What You'll Need
Push broom
Laundry soap
2buckets
Garden hose
Trisodium phosphate cleaning agent
Bleach
Asphalt sealer
Protective eye wear
Rubber gloves
What You'll Need
Push broom
Laundry soap
2buckets
Garden hose
Trisodium phosphate cleaning agent
Bleach
Asphalt sealer
Protective eye wear
Rubber gloves

Oil stains and tread marks can be an eyesore on an asphalt driveway coating. Washing the asphalt will bring back the dark surface. Regular maintenance will prevent any further discoloration.

Step 1 - Safety

Wear protective eye wear and rubber gloves for this cleaning process.

Step 2 - Prepare the Asphalt

Use the push broom to sweep the asphalt driveway and remove all of the dirt, dust, and debris.

Step 3 - Wash the Asphalt

oil rainbow on asphalt driveway

Fill the one-gallon bucket with warm water. Add ½ cup of laundry soap to the warm water. Mix the water and soap until the solution is bubbly. Pour a small amount of the soap solution on to the driveway. Use the push broom to scrub the asphalt, especially in any areas where there are cracks or holes. Continue the process until the entire driveway has been washed. Use the spray nozzle on the garden hose to spray rinse the soap and residue from the asphalt.

Step 4 - Mix the Stain Removal Solution

Fill another one-gallon bucket with warm water. Add two cups of trisodium phosphate cleaning agent.

Step 5 - Remove the Stains

Apply the stain removal solution to any stains on the driveway. Let the solution sit on the stain for 20 minutes. Scrub the stained areas with the push broom. Rinse the asphalt to remove all of the residue. For stains that remain, apply a small amount of bleach to the area. Allow to sit for five minutes. Rinse the bleach from the asphalt.

Step 6 - Seal the Asphalt

Choose a water based, eco-friendly asphalt sealer. Apply the asphalt sealer to the driveway, following the directions provided by the manufacturer.