What causes stains on Austin driveways?
Most driveways here collect the same handful of problems. Knowing which one you have helps decide how to treat it.
- Limestone dust and gray film. Central Texas soil and construction dust settle on concrete and bond with moisture.
- Hard water spots. Austin tap water is hard, and irrigation overspray leaves white mineral crust along edges and garage doors.
- Rust marks. Some sprinkler systems and metal furniture leave orange streaks that need a rust treatment, not just pressure.
- Oil and grease. Cars drip in the same spot. Fresh oil lifts far more easily than oil that has baked in through a Texas summer.
- Algae and mildew. Shaded driveways, north-facing slabs and areas under oaks stay damp and turn green or black.
- Tannin stains. Fallen live oak leaves, pecans and acorns leave brown marks.
Some of these lift in one pass. Oil and rust often need pre-treatment and a second pass, and some old stains fade without disappearing completely.

