Welcome back to the Lean and Mean Academy! Today, we're on-site with our buddy Ben Wilson, demonstrating the best way to clean a driveway. Whether you're a professional cleaning company or a homeowner, our tips will help you achieve fantastic results. Before we dive into the details, if you’re eager to learn how to wash concrete, houses, and commercial properties, or if you want to master the blending of chemicals and the correct pressure settings for various surfaces, check out the SESW Softwash 101 class. Click the first link in the description or the comments to join our comprehensive course featuring experts like Mike Vidan, Cody Yarbrough at Southeast Softwash, Justin Rogers, and myself.
On-Site with a Pro
Today, we’re featuring Ben Wilson, one of our six-figure earners in the Inner Circle. Ben landed an impressive concrete cleaning job, including driveway sealing. So, what's the best chemical for cleaning a driveway? The answer is simple – bleach. Bleach effectively kills algae and spores, making it an essential part of driveway cleaning.
Choosing the Right Bleach Concentration
Using the correct bleach concentration is key to effective cleaning. Industrial-grade bleach, which professional pressure washing companies use, is typically around 12.5% at its peak strength. This is double the strength of household bleach, which peaks at about 6%.
For this specific job, we used a 3% bleach solution. The algae on the driveway wasn’t too severe, so a 50/50 mix (50% water, 50% bleach) was unnecessary. Instead, a 3% bleach solution was enough to loosen and remove the algae effectively.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Process
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Preparation: Dilute the industrial-grade bleach to the appropriate concentration. For light to moderate algae, a 3% solution is ideal.
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Application: Apply the bleach solution evenly across the driveway. Ensure complete coverage to kill all algae and spores.
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Cleaning: Use a surface cleaner to remove the loosened algae. This will leave your driveway looking pristine and free of green growth.
Benefits of Industrial-Grade Bleach
Using industrial-grade bleach offers several advantages:
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Efficiency: It works faster and more effectively than household bleach.
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Cost-Effective: Although more concentrated, you need less product to achieve the same results.
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Consistency: Professional-grade bleach maintains its strength better, ensuring consistent cleaning power.
Conclusion
Choosing the right chemical and concentration is crucial for effective driveway cleaning. By using a 3% solution of industrial-grade bleach, you can achieve professional results quickly and efficiently. For more in-depth knowledge and professional training, check out the SESW Softwash 101 class.
Thank you for joining us today. If you have any questions or want to share your driveway cleaning experiences, leave a comment below. And don’t forget to check out our other tutorials for more expert cleaning tips.
