After months of exposure to foot or vehicle traffic, pollution, and the environment, chances are your concrete could use a good cleaning. Depending on the extent of dirt, oil stains, and other grime you have to contend with, cleaning can range from simple scrubbing with a mild detergent to the use of chemicals and high-pressure washing. Try these methods:

• Power washing
• Using chemicals to clean specific stains
• Removing oil and grease
• Removing organic stains
• Removing mold

A fresh coat of the right sealer will improve your concrete's resistance to water, sun exposure, freezing temperatures, stains, and deicing salts. Another plus: A sealer will make the concrete easier to clean next year. How often you need to reseal and the type of sealer to use will depend on weather conditions and the amount of traffic exposure. Follow these basic guidelines for your type of surface:

• Sealing concrete driveways
• Sealing plain concrete
• Sealing colored concrete