# How to Clean and Maintain Exposed Aggregate | Concreters Gold Coast > Keep your exposed aggregate looking fantastic with these Gold Coast-specific cleaning and maintenance tips. Covers stain removal, sealing, and seasonal care. [Home](/) [Blog](/blog/) How to Clean and Maintain Exposed Aggregate Surfaces Tips # How to Clean and Maintain Exposed Aggregate Surfaces Practical cleaning and maintenance advice for exposed aggregate concrete driveways, patios, and pool areas on the Gold Coast to keep them looking their best. Daniel Mercer 4 August 2025 · exposed aggregate ## Keeping Your Exposed Aggregate Looking Its Best [Exposed aggregate](/exposed-aggregate-gold-coast/) is easily one of the most durable and visually appealing concrete finishes you can choose for a Gold Coast property. The natural stone surface handles our harsh coastal elements remarkably well. Yet even this tough material benefits from regular care to maintain its appearance over the long term. We know that life gets busy. Ignoring your driveway or patio often seems like the easiest option until stains set in. The good news is that maintaining exposed aggregate is straightforward when you have the right plan. We have put together this practical guide to keeping your [driveway](/concrete-driveways/), patio, or [pool surround](/concrete-pool-surrounds/) in top condition year after year. ## Regular Cleaning Routine ### Weekly: Sweep or Blow The textured surface of exposed aggregate naturally traps leaves, dirt, and fine debris in the gaps between stones. A quick sweep with a stiff outdoor broom or a blast with a leaf blower keeps the surface clear. This simple step prevents organic matter from decomposing and staining the cement paste. You will find this especially important during the Gold Coast autumn when deciduous trees drop leaves. It is also critical after summer storms that scatter debris across your outdoor areas. ### Monthly: Hose Down Give your exposed aggregate a thorough rinse with a garden hose at least once a month. Water flushes out fine dirt that sweeping misses. It also prevents grime from building up in the stone texture. We recommend using a bucket of warm water with a few drops of pH-neutral dish soap for a deeper clean. Scrub the area with a stiff bristle broom to agitate the dirt. Rinse thoroughly with clean water afterwards to remove all soap residue. ### Quarterly: Targeted Cleaning Every three months, you should do a closer inspection to address specific problem areas. A proactive approach here saves significant money on restoration later. Check for these issues specifically: - **Early organic growth:** Look for green tinges of mould or algae in shaded sections. - **Stain spotting:** Treat oil or food spills before they set permanently. - **Sealer integrity:** Does water still bead on the surface? - **Edge maintenance:** Clear weeds starting to grow at edges or expansion joints. ## Pressure Washing Facts and Safety An annual pressure wash is the most effective way to deep clean exposed aggregate. However, using the wrong technique can cause irreversible damage to the cement matrix holding your stones in place. ### Equipment Settings We see many homeowners make the mistake of using maximum pressure. This often blasts out the grout or dislodges stones. Follow these specific settings for safety: - **Nozzle Selection:** Use a fan nozzle with a 25 to 40-degree spread. Never use a zero-degree jet (often red-coloured). - **Pressure Rating:** Keep pressure between **1,500 and 2,500 PSI**. - **Distance:** Maintain a consistent distance of **30 to 40cm** from the surface. - **Movement:** Work in overlapping sweeps to avoid “zebra striping” marks. ### Technique Start from the highest point and work downhill to follow the natural drainage fall. Clean in manageable sections to ensure even coverage. You should pay extra attention to shaded areas where mould accumulates. Rinse edges and expansion joints thoroughly to finish. ### What to Avoid - **Proximity:** Don’t hold the nozzle too close as this can blast out individual stones. - **Turbo Nozzles:** Don’t use a turbo or rotary nozzle directly on the surface unless you are experienced. - **Fresh Concrete:** Don’t pressure wash newly sealed concrete. Wait at least 2 weeks after sealing. ## Dealing with Common Stains The Gold Coast lifestyle and climate create specific staining challenges for exposed aggregate surfaces. We have tested various methods to find what actually works for local conditions. ### Oil and Grease Oil stains from cars, barbecues, or machinery are common on driveways and patios. **Treatment:** Apply a commercial concrete degreaser or a paste of baking soda and water. Let it sit for 30 minutes before scrubbing with a stiff brush and rinsing. For stubborn stains, a poultice of kitty litter and degreaser left overnight effectively draws out deep oil. ### Mould and Algae Our warm and humid summers create ideal conditions for biological growth. This is particularly true on north-facing and shaded surfaces. **Treatment:** Use a mixture of one part white vinegar to four parts water. Alternatively, use a commercial mould and algae remover formulated for concrete. Apply the solution and leave it for 15 to 20 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing. Avoid bleach if possible, as it can sometimes discolour specific stone types. ### Leaf Tannin Fallen leaves from Queensland native trees leave brown tannin stains on exposed aggregate. This happens quickly when wet leaves sit on the surface for extended periods. **Treatment:** A dedicated tannin remover from your local hardware store works best. Apply as directed and agitate with a brush before rinsing thoroughly. Sodium hypochlorite (pool chlorine) can also work on organic stains, but you must dilute it heavily and rinse immediately. ### Rust Rust stains from metal furniture legs, tools, or irrigation fittings can be difficult to remove if left untreated. **Treatment:** Use a commercial rust remover specifically formulated for concrete, often containing oxalic acid. Never use bleach on rust, as it can set the stain permanently. Apply the product, allow it to work for the recommended time, and rinse. ### Tyre Marks Hot rubber from vehicle tyres can leave marks on exposed aggregate driveways. This is a frequent occurrence during the Gold Coast’s hot summer months. **Treatment:** Apply a degreaser or all-purpose cleaner and scrub vigorously with a stiff bristle brush. Rinse well. Persistent marks may require a second application or a solvent-based cleaner. ## Sealer Maintenance The sealer on your exposed aggregate is your first line of defence against stains, moisture, and UV damage. Maintaining it is the single most important aspect of exposed aggregate care. ### Testing Your Sealer A simple water test tells you if your sealer is still effective. Pour a small amount of water onto the surface. - **Good Condition:** The water beads up and sits on top. - **Needs Attention:** The water soaks in and darkens the concrete immediately. We suggest performing this test every six months. Do it once before the wet season and once after. ### Resealing Schedule On the Gold Coast, exposed aggregate typically needs resealing every **3 to 5 years**. Properties closer to the beach often need resealing at the shorter end of this range due to increased salt and UV exposure. ### Resealing Process - **Preparation:** Clean the surface thoroughly via pressure wash and allow it to dry completely. - **Repair:** Fix any cracks or damaged areas. - **Application:** Apply the sealer evenly using a roller, sprayer, or lambswool applicator. - **Curing:** Allow to cure for 24 to 48 hours before foot traffic, and 72 hours before vehicles. - **Timing:** Choose a period of dry weather and avoid sealing if rain is forecast within 48 hours. ## Seasonal Maintenance Calendar for the Gold Coast ### Spring (September-November) - **Deep Clean:** Pressure wash before the summer entertaining season begins. - **Seal Check:** Inspect and reseal if needed before the wet season arrives. - **Clearance:** Clear drainage channels and check expansion joints for grit. ### Summer (December-February) - **Storm Cleanup:** Sweep frequently after storms to remove debris. - **Algae Watch:** Address mould or algae immediately in humid conditions. - **Quick Action:** Treat stains promptly before they bake into the surface in the heat. ### Autumn (March-May) - **Leaf Management:** Keep leaves cleared regularly to prevent tannin staining. - **Post-Rain Check:** Clean and inspect the surface after the wet season. - **Sealing Window:** This is a good time for resealing as humidity drops. ### Winter (June-August) - **Major Works:** Ideal conditions for major cleaning and resealing projects. - **Better Curing:** Lower humidity helps sealers cure properly. - **Easier Maintenance:** Reduced biological growth makes cleaning easier. ## When to Call a Professional Routine cleaning and maintenance are well within most homeowners’ capabilities. However, some situations benefit from professional attention to ensure the longevity of your investment. We recommend seeking help for: - **Stubborn stains:** Marks that household products cannot remove. - **Recurrent growth:** Widespread mould that keeps returning despite treatment. - **Sealer application:** Professional-grade sealers and equipment deliver superior and more consistent results. - **Stone replacement:** A concreter can perform [concrete repairs](/concrete-repairs/) if individual stones have become dislodged. - **Drainage issues:** The surface grade may need assessment if water is pooling instead of running off. Regular maintenance is the key to getting the full lifespan out of your exposed aggregate investment. A small amount of effort throughout the year prevents the need for costly restoration work down the track. ### Tags exposed aggregate concrete cleaning concrete maintenance Gold Coast ## Related Articles [6 Signs It's Time to Replace Your Concrete Driveway Learn the key warning signs that indicate your concrete driveway needs replacement rather than repair, and when it makes sense to invest in a new one. 2 February 2026](/blog/signs-you-need-to-replace-your-concrete-driveway/) [How to Maintain Your Concrete Driveway in Gold Coast's Coastal Climate Practical tips to maintain your concrete driveway on the Gold Coast. Learn how to protect against UV, salt air, heavy rain, and tropical conditions. 5 January 2026](/blog/how-to-maintain-your-concrete-driveway-gold-coast/) [Why Sealing Your Concrete Matters on the Gold Coast Discover why sealing your concrete is essential in the Gold Coast's coastal climate. Learn about sealer types, application timing, and how often to reseal. 14 October 2025](/blog/why-sealing-your-concrete-matters-gold-coast/) ## Need Advice on Your Project? Our team is happy to provide free, no-obligation guidance on your concreting project. Get in touch today. [Get a Free Quote](/contact/) [Call 0485 012 049](tel:0485012049)