Short answer
Clean a resin driveway by sweeping it regularly, then washing it with water, a mild resin-safe cleaner and a stiff brush, and rinsing well. A pressure washer can be used on a low setting, held well back and kept moving, but a close or powerful jet can loosen the stones. Avoid solvents, strong acids and harsh chemicals, and check your installer's care guidance first.
Resin bound or resin bonded?
Resin bound surfaces are made by mixing small stones with clear resin and trowelling them into a smooth, porous layer that water drains through. Resin bonded surfaces are different: resin is spread onto a base and loose stones are scattered over the top, giving a gravel-like finish that sheds water.
The difference affects cleaning. Resin bonded surfaces can lose stones if they are brushed or washed too hard, so be extra gentle. If you are not sure which you have, run your hand over it: resin bound feels smooth and solid, while resin bonded feels rougher, with stones that may move slightly.
Routine care
Regular sweeping is the single most useful thing you can do. Leaves, soil and grit work into the small gaps between the stones, and once there they hold moisture, slow drainage and give moss and weeds a foothold. A stiff broom or leaf blower every so often, and promptly in autumn, prevents most problems.
Rinse off spills such as drinks, mud or bird droppings while they are fresh. Many installers provide care guidance, and it is worth following, especially if the surface is still under a guarantee.
How to wash a resin driveway
- Sweep the drive thoroughly to remove loose debris.
- Wet the surface with a hose.
- Mix a mild cleaner that is suitable for resin with water, following the label, and test it on a hidden corner first.
- Scrub in sections with a stiff synthetic brush, working the cleaner into green or dirty areas.
- Rinse well with clean water so no cleaner residue is left behind.
- Allow the drive to dry and check for any areas that need a second go.
Can you pressure wash resin?
Resin bound surfaces can usually be pressure washed with care. Use a low to moderate setting and a fan nozzle, hold the lance well back, keep it moving and avoid concentrating the spray on one spot or along edges. A rotary surface cleaner attachment helps keep the distance constant. Watch the surface as you go, and if any stones start to lift, stop and reduce the pressure.
Take more care with resin bonded finishes and with older or worn surfaces, which are more likely to lose stones. If in doubt, stick to brushing and rinsing.
Moss, weeds and stains
Moss and algae can grow on resin in shaded areas, and weeds may appear at the edges or where soil has built up between the stones. Brush them off and treat the area with a cleaner or moss treatment labelled as suitable for resin. Pull weeds out by hand rather than digging at the surface.
Oil is a particular concern, as many degreasers and solvents can soften or discolour the binder. Blot fresh spills with an absorbent straight away. Our guide to removing oil stains from a driveway covers the general approach, but always check that a product is safe for resin before using it.
What to avoid
Avoid white spirit, petrol and other solvents, strong acids and undiluted bleach. Avoid metal scrapers and wire brushes, which can scratch the resin. Avoid heavy use of de-icing salt unless the installer says it is suitable. And avoid washing in strong sun, which dries cleaner onto the surface before you can rinse it off.
When to call a professional
It is worth calling a professional if the drive is heavily stained, has turned green or has an oil stain you are worried about treating yourself. Getting resin cleaning wrong can mean loose stones or a discoloured patch that is costly to repair.
Tarmac and resin bound surfaces need a lighter touch. When we clean resin driveways, we adjust the pressure and use suitable cleaning solutions to remove algae and staining without loosening the surface or the aggregate.
Rather have it done for you?
Block paving, tarmac and resin driveways cleaned, weeded and re-sanded. Family-run by Jason and Lucas Prior, covering south Essex.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a pressure washer on a resin driveway?
Usually yes on a resin bound surface, using a low setting held well back and kept moving. Stop if stones start to lift. Resin bonded and older surfaces need even more care.
What should I not use on a resin driveway?
Avoid solvents, strong acids, undiluted bleach, wire brushes and metal scrapers. Use a mild cleaner labelled as safe for resin and test it first.
How do I stop moss growing on my resin drive?
Sweep regularly so soil and leaves do not build up between the stones, keep overhanging plants cut back and rinse the surface occasionally. A resin-safe moss treatment can help in shaded spots.
Related guides
- How to remove oil stains from a driveway: what to do with a fresh spill, how to tackle older marks on concrete and block paving, and what never to pour on a drive.
- How to clean a driveway: the general method for any drive, a full walkthrough for concrete, and how to tell which surface you have.
- How to clean a tarmac driveway: a gentle cleaning method for tarmac, plus how to deal with moss, oil and the risks of high pressure and hot weather.