Dial-a-Maid
Driveways, and walks are extensions of the home, and one of the first things people see when entering your property, says a 40+ year old Residential Cleaning Service in Evanston, Il. Regular care of these areas will prevent them from becoming damaged or unsightly. Sweep surfaces weekly with an outdoor push broom or rinse with a hose to keep them clean. The following are suggestions made in Martha Stewart's Homekeeping Handbook for cleaning outdoor surfaces, itemized by material:
* For Asphalt, a deck brush along with water and an asphalt cleaner usually works on many spots. Stains from petroleum-based products, such as engine and transmission fluids, paints, and solvents, are stubborn. These spills must be treated with a petroleum neutralizer, a chemical available from hardware stores. To protect your asphalt against decay and the elements, seal it every two to three years with an outdoor sealant. Ask your hardware store to recommend a brand for your region, and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Small cracks can be repaired with blacktop crack filler, applied with a caulking gun.
* For Concrete, protect it with an exterior grade concrete sealer. Wash stained concrete with a commercial concrete cleaner, available at home centers and hardware stores, following the directions. Prevent grease stains on a concrete garage floor by placing shallow metal pans filled with a layer of an absorbent material, such as sawdust or sand, under parked cars to catch dripping oil.
* For Stone and Brick, especially around a pool, near pumps and air-conditioning units, scrub them clean with a long-handled deck brush and 1 part chlorine bleach to 10 parts hot water. Moss and mildew can accumulate between the bricks, becoming very slippery and dangerous to walk on. Use garden lime in the cracks between the bricks to make them more alkaline. This will eradicate moss, which tend to form in acidic conditions. Always wear gloves and a mask when handling lime.
Following the above cleaning tips will preserve your driveway and walk and make your home more inviting, says a 40+ year old Residential Cleaning Service in Evanston, Il.
