One of the most common stains that you will encounter on your asphalt driveway is oil stains. Once oil settles, it can leave your driveway looking less than ideal. But there are ways you can remove the stubborn stains.
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Remove oil from asphalt
If you’re looking for cheap and easy-to-do ways to remove oil stains from your asphalt driveway, you can use baking soda, dish soap, laundry detergent, and even soda to remove them. These simple and natural ways to clean your driveway are as easy as 1,2,3.
A classic approach: using dish soap
Dish soap is a common household item that you probably already have in your home. In addition to washing dishes, you can also use it as a stain removing agent. Just like how dish soap helps you remove stubborn oil stains from your kitchenware, it also works in removing these stubborn stains on your asphalt driveway.
Follow these steps to remove oil stains on your asphalt driveway using dish soap.
- The first thing you need to do is to identify the stain. This will give you an insight into how much dish soap you need to use.
- Once you identify the oil stains, make a solution out of water and dish soap. In a bucket, mix 100 ml of dish soap and 1 liter of water.
- Place pure dish soap on the stained areas, and let it stay for five minutes.
- Get a stiff brush and scrub the stained area. While scrubbing, pour the water and dish soap mixture on the stained area.
- Repeat the process until there are no stains left on your asphalt driveway.
- Once there are no visible stains left, rinse the driveway using a water hose.
Laundry detergent: practical and simple
Laundry detergent can eliminate almost all stains, and it’s easily accessible. Getting rid of oil stains on your asphalt driveway using laundry detergent is efficient and effective. Follow these steps to keep your driveway clean.
- Create a solution using 100 grams of laundry detergent powder and one small bucket of warm water. Let the laundry detergent dissolve in the water.
- Put the laundry detergent powder directly onto the oil stain. The amount of laundry detergent varies depending on the size of the stain.
- Make sure that you cover the whole stain. Let it sit for one hour and allow the laundry detergent to absorb the oil.
- After an hour, use a stiff brush to scrub away the stain. While scrubbing, pour the dissolved laundry detergent on the stain.
- Pouring the laundry detergent solution on the oil stains while scrubbing will wash away the stains faster.
- Once there are no visible stains left, rinse the driveway using a water hose.
Baking soda is also effective in removing oil stains
Baking soda is a multi-purpose product. You can do anything with it, from cooking to removing stubborn oil stains. To learn how to use baking soda to remove oil stains, follow these steps.
- Pour a generous amount of baking soda on the stained area and allow it to sit on the surface for 30 minutes. Use a spray bottle filled with water and spray it on the baking soda every five minutes to keep it wet.
- After 30 minutes, get a stiff brush and scrub the stained area in a circular motion.
- If there are still stains, repeat the process until you wipe away all the stains.
- When there are no visible stains left, use the water hose to remove the baking soda’s residue.
Soda can surprisingly remove stains from your asphalt driveway
Many people consume soda to satisfy their thirst and feel refreshed. But, surprisingly, you can also use it in cleaning the oil stains on your asphalt driveway. Follow these steps to get optimal results.
- Pour a can or bottle of soda onto the oil-stained area. Let it sit for six hours. Letting the soda stay for a long time will penetrate the asphalt, helping you to easily remove the oil stain.
- After six hours, scrub the stained area to eliminate the stain. You’ll need to use a little elbow grease, or effort, in cleaning.
- Repeat the steps if there is still oil residue.
- If you see that the oil stain is gone, rinse the driveway using the water hose.
Using micro-based asphalt cleaners can also safely remove oil stains
If you’re struggling with some of the simple home remedies, buying a micro-based asphalt cleaner can help with stubborn stains. This is one of the best commercial products that you can use to remove oil stains. Although it can be costly, the results it gives make it worth every penny.
The agents in micro-based cleaners have microbes that convert oil into harmless waste, allowing for easy removal of oil stains. All you need to do is to follow the instructions on the packaging.
Common questions about oil stains and asphalt driveways
Do oil stains hurt my asphalt driveway?
Yes. That’s the reason why you need to act quickly in removing the oil stains. The oil can soften your asphalt pavement and leave a hole if left untreated. Once you notice a fresh oil stain, wipe it off immediately. Try the methods above to eradicate the oil stains.
Can I cover the oil stains with asphalt sealer?
No. The oil can penetrate your asphalt and the sealer easily. Using a sealer over a stain can worsen the stain, leaving holes in your driveway. If the oil stains are fresh, you can rinse it with water, and scrub it thoroughly. You can choose any of the methods above to treat the stains for a cleaner and stain-free driveway.
What causes oil stains on the asphalt driveway?
Some fluids may leak inside your car when it’s parked and drip onto the driveway, causing the formation of oil stains. Remember, anything that comes out to your car needs immediate action. A leak could be from your car’s engine, and if you ignore it, you might regret it in the future. Stay vigilant whenever you park in your driveway. Check the edges if there’s fluid leaking. Remember, prevention is always better than regret.
Final Thoughts
Keeping your asphalt driveway stain-free ensures the safety of your car tires from holes. Removing oil stains on your driveway is easy, and all the materials you need may already be available in your home. Keeping your driveway in good condition will save you money on repairs and prolong the life of your car.