If you’re wondering when to book a professional driveway clean, the answer isn’t just “whenever it looks dirty.” Timing it right can give you longer-lasting results, better surface protection, and the most value for money. So, when exactly is the best time of year to get your driveway cleaned?
What time of year is best?
I want to walk you through how each season affects your driveway, what to avoid, and the ideal time to book a professional pressure washing service that leaves your property spotless and well-maintained based on what you want and need.
Spring – The Most Popular Time (for a Reason)
Why spring? Over the winter, your driveway goes through a lot with constant rain, cold temperatures, moss growth, and a build-up of grime, salt and sludge. Once the weather warms up and dries out, spring becomes the perfect time to refresh the surface.
Spring cleaning your driveway:
- Removes slippery moss and algae
- Improves kerb appeal for the summer months
- Prepares surfaces for any sealing or sanding
- Helps spot and repair minor damage early
Think of it as the reset button before the rest of the year kicks off.
Summer – Great Conditions for Deep Cleaning & Sanding
Summer offers:
- Dry conditions for faster cleaning and drying
- Ideal weather for brushing in kiln-dried sand
- Fewer interruptions due to rain
If your drive needs more than just a rinse, like chemical treatment, re-sanding or sealing then summer is a brilliant time to get it done right.
It’s also perfect if you’re planning to host BBQs, having garden parties, sell your home, or just want your exterior looking its best when guests visit.
Autumn – A Smart Time to Prepare for Winter
Autumn is when moss and organic build-up start to reappear, especially in damp shaded areas. Booking a clean in early autumn helps:
- Remove build-up before it gets worse
- Reduce winter slip hazards
- Prevent long-term staining from leaf fall
It’s also a great time to apply biocide treatment, which helps suppress moss/algae regrowth through the colder months.
Winter – Is It Worth It?
Driveway cleaning in freezing conditions isn’t ideal as water can freeze quickly, and surfaces may be slippery. However, milder winter days can still work, especially for:
- Removing dangerous moss that causes slips
- Improving access and safety for visitors or trades
- Prepping for spring if you’re ahead of the curve
That said, we generally recommend waiting until spring for major surface treatments or re-sanding.
TLDR: When is best and why?
While we clean driveways all year round, we recommend:
- Spring for a full refresh
- Summer for long-lasting results
- Autumn for moss prevention
- Winter only if urgent or for safety
Book in Advance – We Fill Up Fast!
At JM Exterior Cleaning, we provide professional pressure washing and treatment services for driveways across Edinburgh, West Lothian and surrounding areas.
We restore:
- Block paving
- Slabs and patios
- Concrete & resin driveways
- Decking & more
With over 175 5-Star reviews across Google, Checkatrade, Facebook and Tripadvisor, you can trust us to leave your driveway spotless, safe and long-lasting.