How often should you pressure clean your driveway in Perth?

Published 30 September 2026 · by the Hightym team

Perth is hard on concrete and paving. Long, dry summers bake stains in, red dust and sand blow across everything, and winter rain brings mould, moss and that slippery black film on shaded paths. If you've ever looked at your driveway and wondered when it turned grey, you're not alone.

We pressure clean driveways, paths, pool areas and warehouse floors around Malaga and Wangara, and one of the most common questions we get is: how often should I be doing this? Here's our honest answer.

The short answer

For most Perth homes, a pressure clean every 12 to 18 months keeps a driveway looking good and stops grime from building up into stubborn staining. Some surfaces need it more often, and some less. It depends on a few things.

What affects how often you need it

Shade and moisture. Driveways and paths that sit in shade, under trees or along the south side of the house stay damp longer in winter. That's where mould, algae and moss grow. These areas often need cleaning every year, sometimes more, especially if they get slippery.

Trees and leaf litter. Leaves, berries and flowers stain concrete and paving as they break down. If you've got a big tree overhanging the driveway, expect to clean more often.

Vehicles. Oil drips, tyre marks and brake dust build up where cars park. The sooner oil is treated, the easier it is to lift. Old, baked-in oil stains may only fade rather than disappear completely.

Surface type. Exposed aggregate, plain concrete, brick pavers and limestone all behave differently. Limestone and some natural stone are softer and need a gentler approach.

Sealing. A sealed surface resists stains better and is easier to keep clean. Unsealed concrete and pavers soak up more grime.

Signs it's time

• The surface looks noticeably darker or patchy compared to when it was new
• Black or green growth in shaded areas
• Paths feel slippery after rain
• Oil or rust stains are spreading
• Weeds and sand are building up in paver joints
• You're getting ready to sell, lease or hand back a property

Why bother?

Apart from looks, there are practical reasons to keep outdoor surfaces clean.

Safety. Mould and algae on paths can make them slippery when wet. Keeping them clean is a simple way to reduce slip hazards around the home or workplace.

Kerb appeal. A clean driveway makes the whole property look fresher. It's one of the quickest ways to lift the front of a house before photos, an inspection or a sale.

Protecting the surface. Grime, organic matter and standing moisture can contribute to wear over time. Regular cleaning, and resealing where appropriate, helps your paving last.

Can I do it myself?

You can hire or buy a pressure washer, and plenty of people do. A few cautions from our side:

• Too much pressure, or holding the nozzle too close, can etch concrete, blow out joint sand and damage softer surfaces.
• Uneven technique leaves visible stripes and patches.
• Runoff should be managed sensibly rather than sending dirty water into stormwater drains.
• It's hard, wet, noisy work and takes longer than you'd expect.

Using a surface cleaner attachment, the right pressure for the material and a consistent pattern gets a much more even result.

Sealing after cleaning

Once a surface is properly clean and dry, sealing can help protect it from stains and make future cleaning easier. Whether sealing makes sense depends on the surface and how it's used. We're happy to give you our honest opinion when we see it.

Businesses too

It's not just homes. Warehouse floors, loading areas, workshop aprons and entry paths at commercial sites benefit from regular pressure cleaning too. Commercial sites often add a pressure clean to their regular commercial cleaning as needed, rather than as a separate job.

Book a clean

If you're in Malaga or Wangara and your driveway, paths or pool area need a refresh, we'd love to help. Send us a photo and a rough idea of the area, and we'll come back with a clear quote. Have a look at our pressure and driveway cleaning page, or get a free quote.