Blog

The outdoor area of your house is an extension of your living space. Keeping it looking clean, tidy, and welcoming to guests isn’t always an easy feat, especially in the winter months when weather damage may go unnoticed! Of course, homeownership comes with a certain degree of responsibility in caring for your outdoor areas. If you’re hoping to maintain or improve property values, your patio, deck and pavers should be cleaned regularly with the right tools. In the long term, you’ll be ensuring dirt and grime won’t cause irreversible deterioration. The pride of many Australian homes is often the outdoor entertaining area. Problem is, whether you have decking, patios or pavers, these features will naturally get dirty over time. Here’s a guide to maintaining outdoor areas so that they stay looking new and shiny for years to come. How to clean and maintain your deck Decks are usually made of composite materials or wood. Deck maintenance will include thorough cleaning to make sure it stays in near-perfect condition. Deck washing should, at the very least consist of a bucket of water mixed with an environmentally friendly cleaner and a scrubbing brush. Harder spots may benefit from a high pressure clean of your wooden decking. Either way, remember to wait until the surface is completely dry before using a sealant or decking oil (linseed oil is suitable for some hardwoods) to prolong its lifespan. How to clean and maintain your pavers Pavers are attractive and hard-wearing for outdoor areas. However, without correct maintenance they can lose their lustre over time. Being subjected to weather exposure can leave pavers, bricks and limestone surfaces looking mossy or muddied. If you use the space for barbecues and entertaining, food and oil stains quickly leave things looking pretty shabby. (Read how to remove oil stains from pavers). Thorough paver cleaning consists of regular washing with a spray attachment to prevent the accumulation of dirt in the pavers’ grouting. For more advanced cleaning, invest in high-pressure cleaning equipment with hot water and chemical-adding capacity, which will allow you to restore your pavers to their best condition. How to clean and maintain your patios Patios usually feature outdoor tiles, sealed to protect them from the elements such as intense sunlight or rain. Patio cleaning needs the right cleaning solutions and process to prevent damage to your tiles’ protective coating. First, sweep the surface of your patio. Then, use the garden hose to gently wash and wet the tiles. Next is the hard work bit: grab a firm-bristled scrubbing brush and an environmentally friendly cleaner, working back and forth to loosen accumulated dirt. Some tough stains, and staining of the grout may be difficult to remove by hand. If a few minutes of scrubbing doesn’t seem to help, you may want to consider a professional, high-pressure pavement washing machine to restore your patio. Considerations for hiring a professional cleaning service The upkeep of your outdoor area can be taxing, and there are occasions where it may be advantageous to use a professional cleaning service, particularly when it comes to pressure cleaning, Saving time and the money it takes to hire or buy a pressure cleaner; Usage of correct cleaning techniques to different outdoor surfaces; Ensuring that the cleaning job is effective, through the proper use of cleaning agents and how they are applied Booking for professional cleaning Keeping your outdoor areas free from dirt and grime is never going to be an easy or enjoyable task. Get a professional opinion with a free, no-obligation quote, so give Kleenit a buzz to discuss your outdoor cleaning needs.

Many designers look at a space’s use as being determined by factors such as structural height, zoning, environmental cover, fixtures and fittings. One area that also must be considered is the floor, and in particular, the floor coatings that will best suit the purpose.  Floors for people Polyurethane floor coatings are softer than epoxies, meaning that they’re more comfortable to walk on and stand on for prolonged periods. These floor coatings are also relatively resistant to contaminants, and can be applied with decorative patterns Floors for machines Epoxies are an excellent choice for garage floors and warehouses as they’re an extremely hard-wearing solution. Epoxy resins form one seamless surface creating a dirt and water-resistant coating. On the plus side, epoxy flooring is generally cheaper than polyurethane. One potential drawback of epoxy is, while strong, it’s not completely scratch resistant. This can be overcome by applying a polyurethane topcoat to increase scuff resistance. Floors for speciality areas Building regulations state that floors in some industries must be non-permeable, waterproof and have no cracks where the floor adjoins the walls. Floor coatings for hospitals and surgeries, for example, must be level to the micrometre and require waterproof, flexible flooring that curves up the wall for ease of cleaning. Areas that may be at risk of liquids creating a slippery surface may require mediation with non-slip mats, tapes or fabric to ensure the safety of all people using the floor. Main types of floor coating While residential homes have traditionally chosen from wood, carpet or tile, commercial spaces often require a sturdier floor coating. Epoxy floor coatings, polyurethane resins, decorative, flake floors, polished concrete, waterproof linoleum; the type of floor coating suitable is specific to its required use. Polyurea floor resins This type of floor coating works on both internal and external floors. Polyurea floor resins are slip-resistant and have UV capabilities to help it last longer. Polyurea provides seamless coatings for floor surfaces. For example, a restaurant floor could be a be high gloss, decorative coating, while remaining resilient. When used as an external surface coating, polyurea floor resins can achieve high slip resistance and UV stability. Kleenit’s high-performance topcoats are non-porous, food-grade, and exceptionally strong. Epoxy floor coatings When you’re considering a new floor coating, you start to see it everywhere. But you may have wondered, why do some older epoxy floors start to fail and peel? Shortened longevity usually comes down to poor surface preparation. The substrate may have been damp or dirty, limiting the possibility of adhesion in some places. But when applied properly, epoxy floor coatings are perfect for garage floors, kitchen floors, showrooms and warehouses. Anti-slip floor coatings Anti-slip floor coatings have become a requirement for health and safety obligations, but it’s a simple process to make your floor coating anti-slip. The new floor coating will be slightly roughened to create a textured surface. How much for floor coating; what’s the cost? A floor coating quote will usually be calculated on price per square metre BUT it’s worth mentioning the type and condition of the floor to get an accurate quote. These factors will affect the final cost of floor coating Preparation - Larger cracks in concrete may need to be patched before any pour-on coating is used.  Pre-cleaning - Stains can show through even darker coloured floor coatings. How many stains and how deeply they have soaked into the substrate will make a difference  Moisture - Some floors need to be dried thoroughly before applying a floor coating. The substrate cannot exceed 3% humidity. Materials - Check the quality of raw materials and the experience of the tradesperson applying it. Scope - A larger square meterage will usually have a lower cost per sqm. Considerations for floor coating Before deciding on what floor coating will work best for your situation, there are a few things that are worth considering: Who will be using the floor? Employees, staff, automated lifters? What temperatures will the floor be exposed to?  Does your industry require HACCP certification? Will there be chemicals in contact with the floor?  What loads could damage the surface will support? In conclusion With so many variables for commercial floor coatings, it’s well worth getting a professional opinion as to what will best suit your organisation. Kleenit offers a free, no obligation quote service, so get in touch to discuss your flooring needs.

Epoxy resins are adhesive synthetic thermosetting polymers containing epoxide groups. Sound complicated? They’re actually one of the simplest ways to improve your floor and protect it, provided application is carried out by a professional. According to adhesives.org, epoxies provide a “rigid but tough bond lines and have excellent adhesion to metals. Chemical and environmental resistance is excellent. Most formulations have a paste consistency and can be applied by trowel or extruded as beads. They easily fill gaps and provide excellent sealing properties particularly against harsh chemicals.” How does floor epoxy coating work? Epoxy floor coatings work through a special chemical reaction caused when a resin and hardeners are mixed. The result is a robust and rigid plastic surface that binds incredibly well to most floor substrates. If you’re wondering exactly what it’s made from, it’s actually a few different components. The resin itself is made of acetone and phenol combined with epichlorohydrin (a type of liquid propylene). Phenol originally came from coal tar, but now is usually refined from petrochemicals. Once professionally mixed, and the chemical reaction is complete, the epoxy needs to be cured. After 24-48 hours (temperature/humidity dependent) it becomes strong, stable, non-reactive barrier for flooring. Once hardened, epoxy is known to withstand reactions with most common chemicals, making it the perfect choice for industrial floor applications. How is a floor epoxy coating applied? In its liquid form, epoxy is roughly the consistency of maple syrup. It can be poured onto a level or semi-level surface and spread across cracks and other floor abnormalities. Epoxy coatings can also be coloured before application, or mixed with small particles to create a vibrant flake flooring effect. Colours might be used for more than just for interior design tastes, including to designate zones and safety walkways. Epoxy might also be mixed with graded sand or quartz crystals to create a hardwearing, non-slip surface. Mortar epoxy flooring is thicker than the self-levelling mix and is usually troweled into place and levelled manually. Its texture makes it ideal for wet areas in commercial kitchens, public bathrooms, and risk areas in warehouses, showrooms or commercial tenancies. What preparation is required for an epoxy floor coating? All surfaces need to be clean and dry before epoxy application. At Kleenit, we use our commercial high-pressure cleaning equipment to do the job right. If there are large cracks or chips on a concrete floor, these will need to be filled. Smaller cracks are less of a concern, however, they will show through in a clear or semi-clear application. Oil and grease stains can also show though epoxy applications and interfere with the bonding long term. In say, a commercial garage, we’d work to use an acid removal technique prior to cleaning to clear grease from the porous material. Any fixtures that may need to be removed in future will need to be taken out and stored at this time also, which may include rack shelving and furniture. How do you cure floor epoxy coating? ‘Curing’ is the process of getting the epoxy floor coating to harden consistently. In most Australian climates, this will occur naturally in a short amount of time, especially in the warmer months. In cooler areas, heating lamps or blankets may be needed to accelerate the process (where a faster turnaround is required).    Where to get started with floor epoxy coating Epoxy floors are relatively straight-forward to apply with an expert on the job. The steps above many differ in your situation, so it’s worth getting a quote for your epoxy floor coating job. Kleenit offers free estimates for epoxy floor coating in Australia, so get in touch today.

Of the many home DIY jobs, high pressure cleaning looks deceptively simple. If you’re thinking of renting a high-pressure cleaner from the hardware store to give cleaning the patio a crack, there are actually many advantages of getting a professional hot water high pressure cleaning service such as Kleenit. Hiring a basic DIY machine will likely set you back around $40-$50 a day, plus chemicals, the bond, garden-protection sheets, and whatever time it takes to actually collect it. But the real savings of hiring a professional pressure cleaning service comes from the time saved in actually doing the clean. An entry-level cold water machine is going to be next to useless on greasy stains, such as those on a driveway or barbecue area. A single square metre can take multiple passes with a pressure cleaning wand without the right tools or detergents. There’s also a risk of damage cleaning around windows and stripping painted surfaces. Depending on whether the surface is brick, concrete, tile, wood, or something else entirely, your pressure cleaning may require specialised processes and chemicals. All of these are built into the price when choosing a professional high-pressure cleaning service. Lastly, pressure cleaning can be dangerous, especially on sloped surfaces such as a roof or driveway. Water, detergents and algae or moss make a DIY job at heights that much more dangerous. How much does high pressure cleaning cost? Simple high pressure cleaning on ground level starts at around $150 for 30 square metres; however, the price can vary with the scope of the square meterage, roof cleaning, or more difficult stain situations. For a more accurate estimate, arrange a free quote. How does professional high pressure washers differ? You’ll see that a Kleenit vehicle is fully equipped with custom, heavy-duty equipment. A heated water tank means it’s rare for us to need a home or business’ water. The pressure sprayer machine is petrol driven, giving it more grunt. The Bar or Spitwater – the recommended machines used by Kleenit – are capable of outputting 5000psi through a focused jet wand. Its adjustable nozzles offer versatility for projects, along with the capability to mix detergents or spray sealants as and when they’re needed. A professional high pressure cleaning service provider will also carry guards and tape to protect gardens, doors and windows, so they aren’t sprayed with dirt or water during the clean. Why a professional will save you more in the long run The Kleenit crew don’t just clean driveways, pool surrounds, pathways and patios - we can seal them too. The porous nature of many bricks and concrete means that unsealed hard surfaces soak up dirt and grime. But protecting your investment long term is easy. Following a professional high pressure cleaning service, you may opt for driveway sealing, which will help mitigate further oil and grease staining. Sealing can also be carried out with coloured paint to give you exterior areas a fresh new look. Whichever you choose, Kleenit’s full range of cleaning and sealing services means you’ll need high pressure cleaning much less frequently and keep your property looking it top shape!

Graffiti, a problem that's thousands of years old Graffiti, is the act of paint marking other people’s or public property without their consent, has been around for thousands of years, so it’s unlikely we are ever going to eradicate it completely. But there are proven ways to discourage today’s graffiti vandals and protect property against constant defacement. So let’s begin our war on graffiti with these top tips. Is graffiti art? In rare cases, it can be argued that some graffiti has artistic merit. But 99.9% of it is pure vandalism. So, unless you are dealing with a Banksy, Eduardo Kobra, David Choe, Lady Pink or a recognised muralist it is pretty likely that you are dealing an unworthy scribble of a vandal. Graffiti in Australia is a criminal offence and punishable in most states with a hefty fine or imprisonment. It’s also against the law to possess paint or markers with the intent of defacing property. Graffiti laws may vary depending on the state as stated in the following government links for NSW, WA, QLD, VIC, but overall it is a crime. The economic and social costs of graffiti Graffiti costs Australian businesses and authorities around $1.5 billion a year to clean up and control. But there’s also a social cost. When graffiti is allowed to remain on buildings, property and infrastructure, it negatively affects the perception of safety, security and quality of life in that area. It also attracts more graffiti. What is it trying to say? There are various styles of graffiti. The simple one-colour tag is the vandal’s unique signature. Then there’s the throw-up or blockbuster with its characteristic colourful bubble-style or blocky letters. More modern graffiti includes the use of stencils or even posters. The underlying message can be about the individual – the tagger, gang-related or politically motivated. Our message? It needs to go. Be quick. They hate that! Graffiti vandals thrive on seeing their work defacing property for as long as possible. So a great way to ruin their day is to have the graffiti professionally removed straight away. That way, the vandals don’t get the satisfaction of an audience. And they really hate that! How to prevent graffiti? Keep Australia Beautiful’s David Imrie recommends a multi-action strategic approach to prevent graffiti. “Use one of the commercial anti-graffiti coatings on exterior walls, remove any graffiti as soon as it appears and keep the exterior well lit. Good exterior lighting and visible security cameras are good deterrents.” Cheap graffiti protection? Don't make the sacrifice There are two basic types of anti-graffiti coating. A sacrificial coating is cheap and easy to apply, but once defaced needs to be removed along with the graffiti and reapplied. This makes it an expensive choice for areas prone to frequent graffiti attacks. A non-sacrificial coating is a tough, two-part epoxy which forms an invisible barrier which resists the harsh chemicals used to remove graffiti. Applied properly, it can last up to 10 years. Non- sacrificial anti-graffiti paints are also available in most colours. How anti-graffiti coatings contain costs? Concrete, cement and brick surfaces are highly porous and unless they are sealed will absorb all types of paint and marker inks. Conventional paint will seal the surface, but if defaced, the whole area will have to be repainted to avoid a patchwork effect. A non- sacrificial anti-graffiti coating is a barrier between the substrate and the outside word – so only the graffitied areas need to be cleaned leaving the building or structure looking as good as new. For an obligation-free assessment and quote of your premises simply click here. We hate graffiti as much as you do At Kleenit, we’ve been waging war on graffiti for over 30 years and have the equipment, manpower and materials to remove any graffiti from anywhere. We’re also the anti-graffiti coating experts using the very latest techniques using materials approved by the relevant authorities. If your civil project or building needs cleaning or protecting, then call the industry experts for advice and an obligation-free quote.

Quick home improvements that can help with selling your home faster and better A cost-efficient home improvement is a good starting point if you’re planning to put your house on the market, making sure it looks as attractive as possible will help you to secure a quick sale for the maximum amount of cash. Although you’ll spend a lot of time and effort perfecting its interior look, you can’t forget to give the exterior the attention it needs. After all, the outside of the property will be the first thing the buyer notices, and an unkempt, untidy exterior could prevent them from even entering your property and putting in an offer. Below are a few ways you could improve your property’s exterior before putting your home up for sale and handful of information on 2018 property market report. Step 1. Thoroughly clean the driveway and paved areas Whether there’s a stubborn oil stain on your driveway that’s become a real eyesore or years of weathering and use have caused a thick layer of grime to build up, high pressure cleaning can eliminate stains and dirt to give it back that freshly-paved look. No matter what type of driveway or paving you have, from concrete to brick paved or limestone, rest assured that we can clean it effectively. Step 2. Wash your house down Perhaps you hadn’t noticed just how filthy your home’s exterior walls, gutters and roof had become over time. However, the brutal effects of weathering, exposure to dust and dirt, and even cobwebs or animal debris from unwelcome inhabitants will make any would-be buyer think your home has seen better days. Treat it to a house wash down to ensure it looks it's absolute best before anyone comes to view it. Step 3. Don't forget the patio cleaning If you think about all the summers you’ve spent on your patio entertaining family, cooking food and relaxing with friends, it makes sense that it’s probably seen better days. Patio cleaning and paver cleaning can remove any dirt and stains from food, shoes and debris, enabling buyers to imagine spending future summers out there with their own loved ones. Moving house and want to show off your property to its full potential? Call Kleenit now to find out more about the complete range of high-pressure cleaning services we offer. Start getting your property ready for sale today, free quotes are just a click away.

Acting fast on graffiti removal is key! Every business or home can be subject to vandalism such as graffiti from time to time. Unfortunately, this can damage your reputation and alienate customers or make your home or property look downright ugly. For many, the test of how much you care about your property will be in how swift you react to problems such as graffiti. You could have a go at removing it yourself with household cleaning products, over the counter solvents, get out the high-pressure cleaner (see our article on High-Pressure Cleaners) or even paint over it, Yuk Below’s a bit of advice on having a go yourself and some of the problems and dangers. We would recommend checking your insurance policy first. If you cause more damage are you covered? You might even find that you are covered to have the graffiti professional removed. Graffiti cleaning household solutions The first thing you want to do is check if the painted surface is porous or sensitive to chemicals, sometimes trying to fix it without understanding the material reaction can make things worse. If your marked surface is plastic, try first using a simple soap and water solution or a light, penetrating oil. You might find the product used wasn’t permanent and you’re able to lessen the impact. If the marked area is metal, you can try a paint thinning solution or a light, penetrating oil. Over-the-counter solvents to remove graffiti? If you’re struggling to make a dent with household solutions, there is a range of solvents and other cleaning products on the market that can be used for graffiti removal. However, these products can contain toxic substances and are often highly flammable. Make sure you always read the instructions on safe use, wearing the proper eye, skin and mouth protection. These products might also not be suitable for use on worn wood which can absorb the chemicals and the graffiti paint too, making the problem even more ingrained. Steel wool VS. graffiti If you’re prepared to put in a long, hard slog, then it’s possible to remove graffiti using steel wool or a wire brush. Be aware though that this process will take a long time and will leave marks. That’s why you should only use it on a surface which will eventually return to normal through weathering, such as concrete, stone, some metal and outdoor wooden surfaces. High pressure washing to remove graffiti works! A high-pressure cleaner is one of the best means of removing graffiti and can be used on a range of surfaces from masonry to plastic and wood. However, not many people have access to a high-pressure cleaner and may not know how to use one; therefore, you’d be best to use a company offering high-pressure cleaning services for graffiti removal (see our article on High-Pressure Cleaners). When to cover graffiti up? If the graffiti is stubborn, you may decide to just repaint the surface. Of course, this isn’t ideal, especially if the area wasn’t painted, to begin with, however, if you decide to walk this path, make sure you have the closest colour of paint or use a paint matching system. It’s also possible that some of the graffiti will continue to show through, even under several layers of paint. Choosing wisely between, Painting, paint removal, cover-up, or acid wash, acetone and other solvents, sand, or other graffiti cleaning techniques can be the difference between a successful graffiti removal and costly property damage. Remove graffiti the fast, safe and easy way The best way to prevent graffiti from becoming a long-term problem is to deal with it quickly. Kleenit can provide graffiti removal with 48 hours to sites across Australia, using biodegradable chemicals and the latest technology, helping your premises get back to looking smart and professional as soon as possible. We can even follow up with an anti-graffiti coating to prevent the problem recurring in future.

Compliant line marking, keep within the lines of the law Whether you’re marking a thousand bays in a car park or indicating a factory floor walkway, there are dozens of rules and regulations that apply. If you have plenty of time on your hands, you can read the relevant Australian Standards. But it’s probably easier to leave it to Kleenit. Our professional line markers will make sure everything is up to standard and complies with the relevant legislation including disabled parking bays. We provide high quality Line Marking for Heliports, Car park surface and lane markings, Traffic Marking, ACROD (disability) line Marking and more. Pick your line marking paint Line marking paint comes in two basic types. Water-based paints are an economical option for low-traffic areas but for high-traffic or industrial applications, we recommend a tougher, solvent-based paint. We can also supply and apply durable chlorinated rubber-based paints. Typically, line markings last between two and five years before they need repainting. If yours just need a touch up, we can do that too. Hey, that's my parking spot?! We don’t only do lines. We do letters, stencilling, numbers, arrows and symbols too. So if you need parking bays clearly allocated to their commercial owners or apartment numbers, it’s all part of the service. We can even stencil paint your company logo to clearly mark your spot. Parking lots are our favourite blank canvas The question we’re most often asked is ‘How many cars can I fit in this car park?’ The answer, of course, depends on many factors including the width of the bays, how close together the rows are and how accessible the entrances and exits are. Sound complicated? It’s easy when you know how. All we need is a copy of your plans and we do the calculations for you. Stick to the trick and keep the concrete clean Paint doesn’t adhere well to dirty, wet or greasy surfaces. So the first thing we do is make sure the bitumen or concrete we’re going to paint is spotlessly clean. Depending on the job, this might involve high-pressure cleaning, acid etching or even diamond grinding. Our line markers have all the gear and all the experience. Washable walkways and durable line marks In heavy duty industrial applications, the floors can take a real beating from vehicles, oily boots and all sorts of chemicals. Because it’s important to keep your walkways clean for safety’s sake, our paints are not only durable, they’re easily cleaned. Top line marking after hours, we get busy when you're quiet During regular business hours, your car park or factory is going to be busy. And we hate trying to squeeze our line marking machines between parked cars. So we prefer to work when your premises are quietest. That can be during the day for an apartment block, or at night for a retail park. Whatever’s best for you suits us. Call in the line marking experts  

Although many people who suffer slip and fall injuries may have a genuine claim, there is an increasing number of cases where local government departments, councils and other public bodies have become the victims of false claims and expensive “slipigation”. Successful slip and fall claims can result in payouts of hundreds of thousands of dollars. But fraudulent or scam claims can also be very costly and time-consuming. The first step to preventing slips and falls – and avoiding the legal consequences – is to make sure that all potentially dangerous areas are treated with an appropriate anti-slip coating. Understand the environment Make regular, documented assessments of slip and trip risks both inside and outside the building. High hazard areas are those which are frequently wet – like kitchens and washrooms, or smooth concrete outside areas which are exposed to the elements. Access ramps are also prime candidates for slips as are concrete walkways and polished timber or tiled floors. Listen to the location As part of your assessment, you should ‘listen to the location’. Is it often used by elderly or disabled people who are more prone to slips or falls? Or is it a work area where people are carrying big or heavy loads which make a fall even more dangerous. Is it a busy work or high-traffic area that’s prone to dirt, grime or grease build-up on the floor? Recognise your duty of care Your duty of care to both your employees and the public means you must manage health and safety risks associated with slips, trips and falls by eliminating – or minimising the risk so far as is reasonably practicable. It’s your responsibility to ensure your floors and walkways comply with Australian Standards’ anti-slip codes. You’d be surprised how many floors don’t. If you don’t comply, you’re leaving yourself wide open to litigation. If in doubt, get it tested Rather than leave things to guesswork, you can have your floors professionally tested for their slip resistance or R rating. The test uses a pendulum-style meter which gauges the amount of resistance the floor would create under skid circumstances Consider your options There are many ways to make a floor less slippery. One common method is using granules or beads in a polyurethane coating which, when cured, creates a nonslip, sandpaper-like texture on the floor. Other options include hard-wearing epoxy coatings incorporating a fine grit which are particularly suitable for factory or workshop floors. A professional can advise you which coating is most suitable for your needs. The economics of prevention vs litigation Trips, slips and falls are on the rise. Every year, there are thousands of incidents in Australia, 23% of which lead to serious claims. 56% of all slips, trips and falls are caused by environmental factors, such as slippery floors and the average cost of each case amounted to $104,370. As you can see, the cost of prevention far outweighs just one claim against your organisation – be it real, or a scam Get a grip. Get a quote. Given the serious consequences of a slip in your premises, it’s essential that your anti-slip solution is applied by a professional who can assess your requirements, recommend the most appropriate coating – and then apply it so it will meet the necessary codes and last for years. At Kleenit, we’ve been providing Australia with anti-slip solutions for 30 years and have the expertise, equipment and materials to produce the right result every time. Our anti-slip coating services are available in Sydney NSW, Melbourne VIC, Perth WA and Canberra ACT.

Without a doubt, one of our favourite jobs here at Kleenit is a request for a super-clean, just-like-new driveway. Whether it’s made of brick, pavers, concrete or something else, we have the high-pressure cleaning experience, equipment and ability to get that driveway looking like it’s just been laid. But why bother ordering us for driveway cleaning? Is it really that important? Is it worth the time and money? Street appeal is your property mojo Did you know that a huge factor when assessing the value of a home is how it looks from the front? That’s because when you’re selling, many people will be instantly turned off by something as unsightly as an old driveway. On the other hand, it could be one of the ‘first impressions’ that means love at first sight and gets you the house price you’re looking for. Let's talk about safety Something else you might not know is that it’s not just dirt that is making your driveway look dirty. It’s also mould, mildew and even algae – and do you know what happens when these microorganisms get wet? That’s right, they get slippery. And whether it’s your kids, your grandparents or yourself, you don’t particularly want accidents on a driveway greased with oil, fungus and moss, do you? Cleaner driveways mean healthier homes It’s also important to point out that all that dirt, mould, mildew and algae can even be a health risk. The most common health problems caused by this combination are respiratory in nature – and if it’s all over your driveway, chances are it will be all over your shoes… and all over your carpet. So just like you get your carpet professionally cleaned once in a while, it’s also really important to organise some driveway cleaning now and then. Property preservation and longevity Just like you clean your car to look after the paint job, the same is true of your driveway. Your home is your most valuable asset, and a properly looked after driveway will simply last decades and decades before needing to be completely re-done. Further preservation of your driveway can be obtained by applying a sealing or coating, creating a barrier that will keep your homefront in pristine condition and easier to maintain