What We Clean
We clean driveways, sidewalks, front walkways, porches, steps, and curbs. We also clean trash can pads, side yards, garage aprons, and concrete around air conditioning units. For businesses and HOAs, we clean entryways, shared sidewalks, and parking areas. Patios, pool decks, and pavers have their own service page because they need different care.
Common Concrete Stains in Austin and How We Treat Them
Algae and Mildew
Shaded concrete on the north side of homes and under trees turns green or black and gets slippery when wet. Plain water only removes the top layer, so the growth comes back fast. We treat it with a cleaning solution that kills it at the root before we wash.
Oil, Grease, and Car Fluids
Oil, transmission fluid, and grease soak into concrete and spread over time. We apply a degreaser, let it work, and then clean with hot or cold water depending on the stain. Fresh stains usually come out well, but old oil that soaked deep into the slab may only lighten.
Rust Stains
Orange rust stains come from sprinklers, metal planters, patio furniture, and some lawn fertilizers. Homes on well water in Dripping Springs and parts of the Hill Country often see rust lines where irrigation hits the concrete. Pressure alone cannot remove rust, so we use a rust remover made for concrete, and most rust stains come out completely.
Leaf and Tannin Stains
Live oak leaves, pecan leaves, and acorns leave brown shadow stains when they sit on wet concrete. These stains are common across Austin every spring when live oaks drop their leaves. A cleaning treatment before washing lifts most of them in one visit.
Tire Marks, Red Dirt, and Efflorescence
Tire marks, red dirt runoff, and white chalky efflorescence each need a different approach. Tire marks usually respond to a degreaser, and dirt washes away with the surface cleaner. Efflorescence is mineral salt pushed up from inside the concrete, and it needs a specific cleaner and sometimes more than one treatment.
| Stain | Common Cause | How We Treat It | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Algae and mildew | Shade and humidity | Cleaning solution, then wash | Removed completely |
| Oil and grease | Cars and grills | Degreaser, then wash | Fresh stains removed, old stains lightened |
| Rust | Sprinklers, planters, fertilizer | Concrete rust remover | Usually removed completely |
| Leaf and tannin | Live oak and pecan leaves | Pretreatment, then wash | Mostly removed in one visit |
| Efflorescence | Minerals inside the slab | Specialty cleaner | May need more than one treatment |
How We Clean Concrete
We start by blowing off loose debris and pretreating stains and growth. Then we clean the flat areas with a spinning surface cleaner, which uses rotating jets under a cover to clean evenly. Edges, steps, and corners get detailed with a wand at a safe distance. After washing, we treat the concrete again to kill any growth left in the pores, which prevents the dark lines and stripes that often show up days after a DIY job. A final rinse carries everything away from your lawn and beds.
Why a Surface Cleaner Beats a Pressure Wand
A pressure wand held by hand cleans in narrow strips, and it is almost impossible to keep the same distance on every pass. That is what causes the striped, zebra look on many driveways after a DIY cleaning. A narrow or zero degree tip held too close can also etch the surface and leave permanent marks. A surface cleaner keeps the jets at the same height the whole time, so the finish comes out even and the concrete is not damaged.
How Much Does Driveway Cleaning Cost in Austin?
| Area | Typical Price |
|---|---|
| Two car driveway, about 600 sq ft | $199 to $325 |
| Three car or long driveway, up to 1,200 sq ft | $299 to $450 |
| Sidewalk and front walkway added to a driveway | $75 to $150 |
| Oil or rust stain treatment | $25 to $75 per stain |
Can New Concrete Be Pressure Washed?
New concrete needs time to cure before it should be pressure washed. A common rule is to wait at least 28 days after the concrete is poured. Until then, the surface is softer and easier to etch. If you just had a new driveway or walkway poured, ask your contractor when it is safe and schedule your cleaning after that date.
Should You Seal Your Driveway After Cleaning?
Sealing is optional, but it helps concrete resist oil, rust, and algae and makes future cleaning easier. The concrete needs to dry fully first, which usually takes 24 to 48 hours after washing, and longer in shade or humid weather. Most sealers need to be reapplied every few years. [If Robert offers sealing, add the service and price here. If not, keep this section as advice only.]
Driveway Cleaning for HOA Notices and Home Sales
HOA letters about stained or green driveways usually come with a deadline. Send us a photo of the notice and the driveway, and we will tell you the earliest date we can finish. If you are selling, a clean driveway and walkway make a strong first impression in listing photos. We schedule around your photographer's date.
Recent Concrete Cleaning Projects in Austin
Circle C: Two car driveway and front walkway with algae in the shaded areas and an HOA deadline 10 days away. Cleaned in about two hours, three days after the call, with no stripes left behind.
Crestview: One story home's driveway cleaned with a house wash on the same visit. Cedar pollen film and north side algae removed in about an hour.
Round Rock: Three car driveway with two old oil stains and rust lines from sprinklers. Rust removed completely and oil stains lightened, finished in about three hours.
Driveway and Concrete Cleaning FAQs
Will pressure washing damage my concrete?
Can you remove every oil stain?
Why did my driveway get stripes after I cleaned it myself?
How soon can I drive on it?
Do you clean stamped or exposed aggregate concrete?
Get a Free Driveway Cleaning Quote in Austin
Send us a photo of your driveway and any stains you want treated, or book a free walkthrough. Call or text (737) 344-9565, or visit our office at 5555 N. Lamar Blvd, Bldg C, Austin, TX 78751. We reply with a written quote within two business hours. There is no cost and no obligation to book.