How To Remove Driveway Stains From Concrete Asphalt and More
Looking for the bigger picture? Start with our Home Preventive Maintenance. It lays out how to decide what matters most before you dive in.
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Looking for the bigger picture? Start with our Home Preventive Maintenance. It lays out how to decide what matters most before you dive in.
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Your driveway is one of the first things people see when they arrive at your home. It’s the welcome mat to your property, but over time, it can get marred by ugly stains from oil leaks, tire marks, grime, and spills. These eyesores don't just hurt your home's curb appeal; some stains can even degrade the surface of your driveway over time.
The good news? You don't have to live with a stained driveway. With a little bit of know-how and some elbow grease, you can tackle most of these spots yourself. Think of me as your friendly expert on the other end of the line, ready to walk you through it.
In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about how to remove stains from any type of driveway, whether it's concrete, asphalt, pavers, or gravel. Let's get that driveway looking brand new again!

Before you grab a brush and start scrubbing, we need to do a little detective work. Using the wrong cleaning method can be ineffective at best and permanently damaging at worst. Here’s how to start.
1. Identify Your Driveway Material
The first step is to figure out exactly what your driveway is made of. The four most common types are:
2. Check for a Sealant
Many driveways have a protective sealant applied to them. Cleaning a sealed driveway with abrasive methods or harsh chemicals can strip this protective layer, leading to more problems down the road.
Here’s a simple test:
If your driveway is sealed, we strongly recommend calling a professional. The risk of damaging the sealant is high, and a pro will have the right tools and gentle cleaners to do the job safely.
Unsealed concrete is like a sponge for stains, especially oil and grease. But with the right approach, you can pull most of them out.
Oil is the most common culprit on concrete. The key is to absorb as much of it as possible before you start scrubbing.
What You'll Need:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
If a faint spot remains, you can repeat the process. If it’s still there after a second attempt, it may have penetrated too deeply, and it might be time to call in a pro.
For general grime or organic stains, a gentler approach is often all you need.
What You'll Need:
Step-by-Step Instructions:

Asphalt is durable, but because it's a petroleum product, it can be damaged by oil, gasoline, and other harsh solvents. You need to be a bit more careful here.
The process is similar to concrete, but you must use a cleaner that is specifically designed for asphalt.
What You'll Need:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
The oxygen bleach solution is also safe for asphalt and works well on dirt and grime. Follow the same mixing and application steps as you would for concrete.
Pavers add a lot of character, but their porous nature and the sand-filled joints present a unique challenge.

What You'll Need:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
The oxygen bleach method works wonders on pavers, too. Just remember to rinse gently to protect the joint sand, and be prepared to refill the joints if needed.
You can’t really scrub gravel. For a gravel driveway, the solution is usually to remove and replace the stained stones.
While these DIY methods are effective for most common stains, some jobs are best left to the professionals. You should call a contractor if:
The cost to have a driveway professionally cleaned typically ranges from $250 to $600, depending on the size of your driveway and the severity of the stains. It's a worthwhile investment to avoid causing permanent damage.
A clean driveway makes a huge difference in the overall look and feel of your home. By correctly identifying your driveway's material and using the right cleaning technique, you can restore its appearance and protect its longevity.
Feeling overwhelmed or have a stain that just won't budge? Download the Casa app! We make home maintenance simple with easy-to-follow guides just like this one. And if you decide you need a pro, Casa can connect you with trusted, vetted contractors in your area to get the job done right. Get started today and take the guesswork out of homeownership