Can you jet wash a tarmac driveway?

Yes, with moderate pressure and the nozzle kept moving. Too much pressure can strip stones and binder from the surface.

Will cleaning make my tarmac black again?

Cleaning removes grime and growth, which often darkens the surface. Faded, weathered tarmac will not return to new, but it looks cleaner.

Can cracks in tarmac be fixed during cleaning?

Cleaning is not a repair. Cracks and loose areas are pointed out so you can arrange resurfacing or patching if needed.

Continuous black asphalt driveway in front of a UK detached house

Professional exterior care

Tarmac Cleaning for Driveways and Paths

Tarmac cleaning lifts the moss, algae, leaf staining and road grime that turn a black driveway grey or green. Jet washing tarmac needs care: asphalt is a mix of stone held in a bitumen binder, and too much pressure can loosen the surface stones and leave the driveway rougher than before.

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Professional Tarmac Cleaning

Each tarmac surface is assessed for age, condition and drainage before a method is agreed. A newer driveway with a tight surface can take a firmer clean than an older one that has already started to shed stones. Pressure is set for the surface, a rotary cleaner is used where possible to keep the finish even, and organic growth is treated rather than blasted. Loose or crumbling areas are pointed out before work starts.

Pressure set to protect asphalt
Even finish with a rotary cleaner
Moss and algae treated
Loose areas pointed out first

Jet washing tarmac safely

The main risk with jet washing tarmac is stripping. A narrow, high-pressure jet held close to the surface can pull out the fine stones and binder, leaving exposed aggregate and a patchy finish. Edges, where tarmac meets kerbs or lawns, are especially vulnerable. Keeping pressure moderate and the nozzle moving avoids this, and the result is cleaner without being damaged.

Tarmac also softens in hot weather, so cleaning on a very hot day is avoided.

Moss and weeds on tarmac

Moss grows on tarmac where it stays damp and shaded, often along the edges and in hairline cracks. Weeds push through where the surface has opened. Cleaning removes the growth on top, and a treatment slows its return, but cracks give roots a foothold and may need repair. The guide to weeds and moss in block paving includes a section on tarmac driveways.

Weeds and moss guide

Oil and fuel marks

Oil is a particular problem on tarmac because bitumen and oil are related, and some oil-removal products can soften the surface. Fresh spills are easier to deal with than old ones. The oil stains guide explains what to expect and why some marks can be lightened but not removed completely.

Oil stains on driveway guide

Domestic driveways and commercial areas

Domestic tarmac driveways and paths are usually straightforward to reach. Larger tarmac areas such as car parks, forecourts and service roads need planning around vehicles and people. The car park and forecourt page covers that commercial work, and the driveway cleaning page covers other domestic surfaces.

Getting a quote

Send photographs of the driveway, close-ups of any loose areas or cracks and a note of where water collects. Tell us about parking, as vehicles need moving for the clean. Price depends on the area, condition, growth and access. Quotes are free.

Resin, imprinted concrete and other dark surfaces

Not every dark driveway is tarmac. Resin-bound gravel, imprinted concrete and some coloured asphalts look similar from a distance but need different care. Resin surfaces can be marked by too much heat or pressure, and imprinted concrete often has a sealer that dulls if treated harshly. If you are not sure what your driveway is made of, send a close-up photograph in daylight and mention roughly when it was laid. Identifying the surface first avoids using a tarmac method on something that needs a gentler approach.

Tarmac Cleaning FAQs

Can you jet wash a tarmac driveway?: Yes, with moderate pressure and the nozzle kept moving. Too much pressure can strip stones and binder from the surface.
Will cleaning make my tarmac black again?: Cleaning removes grime and growth, which often darkens the surface. Faded, weathered tarmac will not return to new, but it looks cleaner.
Can cracks in tarmac be fixed during cleaning?: Cleaning is not a repair. Cracks and loose areas are pointed out so you can arrange resurfacing or patching if needed.

Related Guides

Oil Stain Removal on a Driveway

How to deal with oil spots on concrete, tarmac and block paving, and what to expect from professional cleaning.

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