We’ve seen it all—from homeowners renting a DIY unit on the weekend to professionals (like us) with powerful surface cleaners and proprietary solutions. But keeping algae at bay in Riverview requires more than just sprucing up the surface. Here’s how we recommend going about it:

1. Use a Professional Surface Cleaner

Pressure washing a driveway with a wand alone will leave unsightly streaks and miss deeply embedded spores. We always use a rotating surface cleaner (it looks like a big floor scrubber) to ensure every inch is agitated evenly. This tool also prevents etching or marking the concrete—a real risk with high psi focused in one spot.

2. Apply the Right Cleaning Solutions

For our initial rinse, we apply a mild chemical rinse that soaks into the pores of the concrete. The key is to use enough solution to kill residual mold, mildew, and algae, not just blast the visible part away. Allowing the solution to dwell for several minutes means deeper, longer-lasting cleaning results.

3. Don’t Forget the Sidewalks and Walkways

Most Riverview neighborhoods (and HOAs) expect sidewalks up to the property line to stay clean as well. These walks are often the first thing visitors and neighbors see, and they’re the most likely places to become slick and hazardous. Our standard service always includes these areas, because it makes a massive difference.

• Trim Landscaping: Give your driveway as much sunlight as possible by trimming trees and bushes; sunlight dries out moisture where algae thrives.
• Aim Sprinklers Carefully: Point sprinkler heads away from driveways and paths. Overspray accelerates algae growth, leading to more frequent cleanings.
• Limit Fertilizer Runoff: Local lawn fertilizers are great for grass, but the nutrients promote algae on concrete surfaces, too. Sweep excess off your driveway after each application.
• Schedule Cleanings Regularly: If you wait until algae is thick and dark, removal becomes much tougher and more expensive. In Riverview, we recommend pressure washing concrete surfaces at least once a year—sometimes even more for shaded or irrigated areas.

There’s a world of difference between a hardware store pressure washer and what we bring to the job. Here’s what we’ve learned serving Riverview and the surrounding communities for 12+ years:

• Deep Cleaning: Our commercial surface cleaners scrub into concrete pores to remove root structures of algae, not just the top layer. It’s a lot like pulling weeds—get the roots, not just the leaves.
• Chemical Rinse: By applying a targeted cleaning solution after washing, we limit immediate regrowth—most DIY jobs skip this, and the results don’t last nearly as long.
• Experience: Each concrete surface and situation is different. We adjust pressure, cleaning solutions, and technique for driveways, walkways, and decorative stone. Safety and cleaning effectiveness always come first.
• Environmentally Responsible: Our solutions are formulated to break down safely, with methods tailored to reduce runoff and protect Florida lawns and landscaping.

There’s a certain satisfaction in tackling a dirty driveway on your own, but we’d be remiss if we didn’t share a few words of caution:

• Surface Damage: Too much psi or the wrong tip can etch lines into your concrete that never come out.
• Chemical Risks: Using household bleach or the wrong solutions can kill grass, harm pets, and actually eat away at your concrete over time.
• Safety First: Slick surfaces and flying debris can be hazardous—always use steady, controlled equipment and wear closed-toe shoes.

If you’re up for the task, rent a professional-grade surface cleaner and an appropriate cleaning solution made specifically for concrete/driveways. Otherwise, trust a local expert for both a safer experience and a longer-lasting result.

Once your driveway is pressure washed and looks like new, here’s how to get the most out of it:

• Spot treat small re-growth: Keep a mild, store-bought mildew remover on hand and address any small patches quickly.
• Keep it dry: After rainfall, sweep away standing water. Consider adjusting driveway slope or drainage if you regularly have puddles.
• Regular blowing or sweeping: A weekly sweep goes a long way towards removing leaf litter and organic food sources that encourage future growth.

We’ve pressure washed thousands of driveways in Riverview, Apollo Beach, Lithia, Valrico, Brandon, and the surrounding areas. What we know for sure is that each home, each yard, and each section of pavement can have its own microclimate. Some driveways dry quickly in the sun; others stay shaded and damp most of the day. We always tailor our process to the unique needs of your property, whether you have high-traffic walkways, decorative inlays, or heavy shade and irrigation.

• How often should I pressure wash my driveway in Riverview?
  At least once a year for most homes, but shaded or irrigated sections may need an extra cleaning per year.
• Is a chemical rinse really necessary?
  Yes—otherwise, algae will reappear in a matter of weeks. A professional-grade solution extends the life of your clean dramatically.
• What about environmentally friendly products?
  We select our cleaning solutions for effectiveness and their ability to break down safely without harming your lawn or groundwater.
• Can I get a discount if my neighbor and I schedule together?
  Yes! Mention our website offer and save $25 each when neighbors book driveway cleaning at the same time.

Pressure washing in our Florida climate is both art and science. It keeps your home looking its best, protects your investment, and prevents safety hazards for your family and guests. At Riverview Pressure Cleaning, we bring years of local knowledge and the best equipment to every job; our process is engineered to keep driveways, sidewalks, pool decks, and fences bright for months, not just days.



Ready to get rid of algae—ahead of your HOA letter or before the next backyard cookout? Contact Riverview Pressure Cleaning for a free quote and let’s keep your curb appeal at its best all year long.