Skip to main content
A-1 Concrete Leveling is hiring a Training and Logistics Manager. View Job Posting

«  View All Posts

How A-1 Restores Your Concrete With Cleaning Services

April 2nd, 2025 | 3 min. read

By Sarah Etler

Learn how A-1 Concrete Leveling’s professional cleaning process clears grime, fights slippery algae, and prepares concrete for sealing.

At A-1 Concrete Leveling, we’re all about helping you understand the nitty-gritty of concrete care, and what better place to start than cleaning? After all, concrete may be tough as, well, concrete, but it still needs some TLC to stay looking great and safe underfoot.

In this article, we’ll walk you through our professional concrete cleaning process, why it works, and why it’s the not-so-secret ingredient behind long-lasting, good-looking concrete.

Why Bother Cleaning Concrete?

Over time, concrete isn’t just battling wear and tear – it’s fighting a daily downpour of dirt, algae, mold, and stains. Left unchecked, you could be dealing with:

  • Built-up grime: Dirt and debris build layers that make your concrete look dingy.
  • Slippery surfaces: Algae, mold, and mildew thrive on damp concrete, making it not just ugly but also slippery.
  • A poor foundation for protection: If you’re planning on sealing your concrete (which you should!), skipping the cleaning step means the sealer won’t absorb or protect like it should.

Concrete cleaning isn’t just about looks, it’s also about prepping your concrete for protection and preventing bigger problems down the road.

A-1’s Concrete Cleaning Process (Step-by-Step)

Here’s how A-1 Concrete Leveling cleans concrete:

Group of people assessing concrete drivewayStep 1: Assess the Situation

First, we take a look at your concrete surfaces to identify trouble spots, like heavy dirt build-up, stubborn oil stains, or mold and mildew.

We may need to apply specialized treatments or pay extra attention to specific areas depending on the condition of the concrete.

Man connecting hose to spigotStep 2: Connect to Water

For most projects, water alone gets the job done. We use professional-grade equipment to deep-clean your concrete without causing damage.

We may rotate between spray nozzles and surface cleaners to get the best results for your concrete.

Man pressure washing driveway near garage doorStep 3: Clean the Surface

We clean strategically, starting from the highest points of your concrete and working downwards to follow the natural flow of water runoff.

This process gives your concrete a fresh start, as every inch gets a thorough cleaning.

 

Pro Tip: If you plan to seal your concrete, the cleaning process is essential. A protective sealer won’t properly adhere or penetrate if the surface is coated with dirt, grime, or algae.

Concrete Maintenance Tips After Cleaning

Once your concrete is sparkling clean, don’t let it go back to the dark side! Here are a few simple practices to extend that freshly cleaned look:

1. Seal It While It's Fresh

After cleaning, your concrete is primed and ready for a protective sealer. Sealing helps prevent stains, moisture damage, and freeze-thaw cracking.

2. Stay on Top of Regular Cleanings

Don’t wait until you can barely recognize your concrete again. In conjunction with sealing, light, regualr cleaning keeps grime from building up and keeps your surfaces safer and brighter.

3. Mind the Water

Redirect downspouts, fix leaky gutters, and prevent pooling water near your concrete. Water may be great for cleaning, but when it sits or erodes underneath, it can damage the concrete and its base.

4. Check for Cracks & Caulk as Needed

Concrete cracks? Don’t panic, but don’t ignore them either. Caulking joints and cracks keeps water out, helping to prevent soil erosion and future settling.

5. Call in the Concrete Pros When Needed

If you notice your concrete settling, cracking, or just looking worse for wear, don’t hesitate to get it inspected. A-1’s national network of concrete leveling and maintenance pros are ready to help.

FAQs: Common Questions About Concrete Cleaning

Can I DIY concrete cleaning?

Yes! Concrete cleaning can be done as a DIY project.

However, for the best looking results, it's better to leave it to the pros who clean concrete day-in and day-out. (It's harder than it looks to get a streak-free finish!)

Related Resource: How To Clean Concrete [Step-by-Step DIY Guide]

Can you combine other services with concrete cleaning?

Yes, it's easy to bundle concrete caulking, concrete sealing, and concrete leveling with cleaning services. It's often more efficient this way as a lot of the work can be done at the same time.

In fact, concrete cleaning is required to be done before concrete sealing because the sealer will not adhere or penetrate properly when applied to dirty concrete.

How much does concrete cleaning cost?

Concrete cleaning costs range from $950 to $1,500 depending on your location, the square footage of the area, how hard it is to clean, and more.

Related Resource: How Much Does Concrete Cleaning Cost? Concrete Cleaning Price Guide

Concrete Cleaning Services

Concrete cleaning isn’t about making concrete just look better, it’s about giving it a new lease on life. By clearing away grime, removing slippery algae, and preparing the surface for sealing, this process helps keep your concrete safe, beautiful, and durable.

Check out Concrete Academy for even more concrete care tips, or request a free estimate from an A-1 Concrete Leveling location near you to see how your concrete is transformed!

Concrete Care Quote

Request a Free Estimate

Find out how much safe, beautiful concrete will cost you with a free onsite estimate from an A-1 franchise near you.

Request an Estimate

Sarah Etler

Sarah Etler joined A-1 Concrete Leveling after receiving her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Northern Kentucky University. As A-1's Content Marketing Manager, she works closely with industry experts to produce content that will best answer questions related to concrete repair and maintenance practices. Sarah loves living a life full of discovery and is excited every day to see what new things she can learn and share with those around her.