Aggregate materials, which may consist of crushed stone, gravel, sand, or other granular materials, play a crucial role in the construction sector. However, beyond construction, aggregates have decorative applications in the form of aggregate surfaces. To help keep your aggregate surfaces attractive for years, here are 9 tips for cleaning and preserving aggregate surfaces.
Aggregate surfaces such as exposed aggregate and decorative gravels can add beauty and functionality to driveways and pathways.
They are durable and can withstand heavy traffic and extreme weather conditions. Nevertheless, they occasionally require proper cleaning and maintenance to preserve their appearance and life span.
Cleaning and Preserving Aggregate Surfaces: Maintain Regularly
Cleaning and preserving aggregate surfaces involves sweeping the surfaces to prevent dirt and debris accumulation. To clean exposed aggregate concrete, you can use a stiff bristle broom or brush to clean your aggregate surfaces.
If you are looking for a high-quality stiff brush, check out our Bon Tool 84-151 Gong Stiff Brush, which is excellent in cleaning extra stubborn stains without causing any damage to surfaces.
Alternatively, you can use a leaf blower to remove the dirt. You will need a more vigorous cleaning method if the dirt is rigid, such as tire marks, leaf stains, and oily spots.
We will discuss them shortly.
2. Utilize Gentle Cleaning Methods for Cleaning and Preserving Aggregate Surfaces
Some stains are more stubborn than others. However, a gentler cleaning and preserving aggregate surfaces approach is effective for light and fresh stains. In such a case, you can use a regular garden hose to spray down your exposed aggregate concrete surface.
Check out our contractor-grade rubber hose for cleaning construction sites, aggregate surfaces, or wetting gardens. It is designed to resist abrasion and is waterproof for cleaning and preserving aggregate surfaces.
Use Pressure Washing on Exposed Aggregate Concrete
Cleaning with a pressure washer is one of the most convenient ways to get rid of tough stains, including stains from oil spills and tire marks.
To remove tough stains, use a high-pressure washer with hot water and an industrial strength degreaser. The degreaser will emulsify the stain and make it easier to wash out, while the hot water will aid in removing oil from the surface. Additionally, consider using a driveway cleaning solution specifically designed for removing oil and grease stains. Be sure to read the instructions and safety warnings before applying the cleaning solution.
With respect to tire marks, they can be cleaned with exposed aggregate cleansers, followed by a hot water rinse. If the stain is extra difficult, use a stiff-bristled brush before rinsing.
Note, when using high-powered devices to clean, do it carefully as an exposed aggregate surface contains loose stones that can get dislodged if exposed to too much pressure.
An excellent cleaning agent you can use with your pressure washer is our Bon Tool Concrete Cleaning Detergent. It is designed to remove stains caused by food and automobile fluid and stains caused by biological growths, such as mold, algae, mulch, or pollen.
4. Seal Aggregate Surfaces
Maintaining exposed aggregate concrete is one of the best approaches to prevent further staining or damage. A suitable sealant will also help protect against UV-induced fading and weather damage.
Not only does sealing your exposed aggregate surfaces help prevent further damage or stains, but it also helps prolong its life and improve its appeal on your exposed aggregate driveway or patio, giving you a surface that’s equally robust and gorgeous for many years.
An excellent sealant we recommend is the Bon Tool Water Shield 40 Penetrating Silane Concrete Sealer.
Prevent Oil and Grease Stains and Spill
Stains can be caused by bore water pooling on your aggregate surface that was left to dry, leaving behind minerals such as iron, which oxidizes and rust, causing a reddish-brown stain. Rust stains can be prevented and cleaned using strong acids and specialized rust stain removers, but caution and protective gear are essential.
The best approach for cleaning and preserving aggregate surfaces such stains is to wash and dry the surface immediately after you notice the stain.
Another type of stain to prevent is spills from oil and grease. These are caused mainly by vehicles with an oil leak issue parked on your aggregate surface.
Avoid oil and grease stains by all means because they are much more challenging to clean than other kinds of dirt.
If your aggregate surface has oil stains, you can use a poultice made from sawdust and a strong solvent besides utilizing a pressure washer.
Follow the steps below to begin the cleaning process that removes oil stains:
- Mix sawdust with acetone or lacquer thinner
- Apply the mixture on top of the stain.
- Cloak the mixture with a cloth and let osmosis do its work.
The solvent will break down the embedded oil stains at this point, and the absorbent material will draw it out from the surface.
Repeat the steps until you thoroughly remove the stain. Remember that this method only works on minor oil stains and may be challenging when dealing with major stains.
6. Avoid Abrasive Tools
Concrete surfaces made of aggregate are prone to scratching. As a result, avoid using abrasive cleaning tools for cleaning and preserving aggregate surfaces and that could harm the surface. Instead, choose gentle cleaning techniques that remove dirt and stains successfully without endangering the integrity of the aggregate.
Start by sweeping or using a leaf blower to remove loose material, such as leaves or dirt particles.
7. Apply Cleaner
Another common cleaning approach involves pouring a cleaning solution onto the surface and letting it soak. You can also apply this method to other concrete surfaces like driveways and patios. Before using your cleaner, perform a patch test on a small part of your aggregate pathway to ensure the chemicals won’t damage the concrete.
Water-based cleaners are the gentlest option, but you might need a chemical-based solution for tougher stains.
Apply Cleaning Solution
Maintaining exposed aggregate is crucial because mosses, which thrive in moist and damp areas, can create unsightly stains and discolorations on the surface. Although moss won’t damage your driveways or pavements, it can make them look unattractive.
To prevent moss buildup, regularly clean and keep the aggregate surface dry. If you see moss, remove it by making a solution of 90% warm water and 10% baking soda. Spray the mixture on the moss, leave it to soak overnight, then scrape it off with a stiff brush. After scraping, clean the area with water and a cleaning solution.
Carefully sweep up and dispose of the moss.
9. Inspect Regularly
Once you are done cleaning, allowing the surface to dry out is essential to ensure it is well-cleaned. Once the surface is dry, scrutinize it. It is important to inspect a concrete driveway for potential damage and stains.
If you observe any contaminants remaining on the surface, you can give it one last wash with a pressure washer. If the contaminant remains, then your aggregate surface might require sealing.
Inspections should be done regularly to keep your surface as good as new.
Takeaway: Utilize the Best Tips for Cleaning and Preserving Aggregate Surfaces
Keeping your aggregate surfaces clean and maintained starts with sweeping off dirt and debris that may prevent you from noticing any underlying stains.
The earlier you discover the stains, the easier they are to clean, especially if you immediately begin cleaning.
In this piece, we discussed several effective cleaning methods for cleaning both heavy and light stains on your surfaces.
Pressure washers are effective on stubborn stains, and sweeping and applying cleaning agents are effective on light stains. Inspect your exposed aggregate concrete driveways regularly to take immediate action on stains.
Remember, the longer you leave the stain or spills, the more difficult it becomes to clean. Also, since this could most likely be a DIY job, you must protect yourself with the right equipment – we recommend having your goggles and gloves on at the very least.
Certified MTP has a collection of cleaning agents and tools to help make your aggregate surfaces shiny. Explore our collection to find the right cleaning tool today!
