Driveway cleaning and sealing in Southampton
A tired drive is often a dirty one, not a failed one. Pressure washing lifts algae, moss and grime; on block paving the joints are then re-sanded so blocks do not loosen, and a sealer helps keep the colour and slow the weeds.
- Block paving, concrete, imprinted concrete and tarmac
- Joints re-sanded after washing
- Sealed in dry weather only
Clean, re-sand, seal
- Weeds and moss treated and the drive swept
- Pressure washed with a rotary surface cleaner, then edges and corners by lance
- On block paving, the washed out joints refilled with kiln dried sand
- Once fully dry, a sealer applied to block paving or imprinted concrete
Washing strips the sand from block paving joints, which is why re-sanding is not an optional extra. Without it, blocks can loosen over time.
Source: BestBuilders: driveway cleaning cost, updated 18 August 2026
What cleaning and sealing costs
Typical prices from the BestBuilders driveway cleaning guide, last updated 18 August 2026.
| Job | Per m² | Typical 40 to 60 m² drive |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure wash | £3 to £6 | £120 to £300 |
| Re-sand block paving joints | £5 to £10 extra | £200 to £500 extra |
| Seal (block paving or imprinted concrete) | £3 to £8 extra | £150 to £400 extra |
| Full clean, re-sand and seal | Not priced per m² | £300 to £700 |
| Weed and moss treatment | Not priced per m² | £40 to £100 extra |
How often, and when
Every three to five years
The BestBuilders guide puts a full clean, re-sand and seal at every three to five years for block paving and imprinted concrete.
Source: BestBuilders: driveway cleaning cost, updated 18 August 2026Dry weather only
Sealer applied to a damp drive can cloud. Sealing is booked for a dry spell, with the drive given time to dry out after washing.
Source: BestBuilders: driveway cleaning cost, updated 18 August 2026When cleaning will not fix it
Sunken areas, rocking blocks and wide cracks are base problems. Cleaning will make them easier to see; they need lifting and relaying, which we can price at the same visit.
Cleaning and sealing questions
How much does driveway cleaning cost in Southampton?
The BestBuilders guide, updated 18 August 2026, gives typical pressure washing prices of £3 to £6 per m², or £120 to £300 for a 40 to 60 m² drive. A full clean, re-sand and seal is typically £300 to £700.
Why does block paving need re-sanding after cleaning?
Pressure washing strips sand out of the joints. Without refilling them, blocks can loosen over time, which is why re-sanding is part of the job on block paving.
How often should a driveway be sealed?
BestBuilders suggests every three to five years for block paving and imprinted concrete.
Can you seal a driveway in winter?
Sealer needs a dry drive and dry weather; applied to a damp drive it can cloud. Sealing is booked for a dry spell.
Will cleaning remove oil stains?
It usually lightens them. Heavy staining takes extra treatment and time, which BestBuilders says can add £50 to £150.
Do you need my outside tap?
Most cleaning firms use the customer's outside tap. Without one, a water bowser is needed, which BestBuilders notes adds a surcharge.
Price a clean and seal
Send the quick form, choose your surface and the rough size. Mention any heavy moss or oil stains, as they add time.