It is common for driveways to accumulate oil stains. The reasons include leaks in vehicles, maintenance spills or weather conditions. Besides, vehicle fluids and other substances can cause driveway stains.
Whether it’s from a small spill or years of accumulated grime, tackling oil stains requires a combination of patience, effort, and the right tools. How to remove oil stains from the driveway?
Don’t worry expert driveway cleaners have shared some effective techniques to do the work. Have a look
How to Remove Oil Stains From a Driveway: 8 Effective Methods
Method 1: Using baking soda
Baking soda can eliminate fresh oil spots because it is naturally an absorbent. Use a lot of baking soda to cover the oil spot. Wait a few hours or even overnight for the baking soda to soak up the oil.
It may take a few hours or even overnight for the baking soda to absorb the oil. After that, scrub the baking soda into the spot with a stiff brush. After the baking soda has been swept away, wash the area with water to remove all the oil.
Method 2: Dish soap to remove grease
Dish soap is a strong degreaser that can get rid of oil spots. Mix warm water and dish soap. One dish of soap and ten parts water is a good place to start. Then, put a lot of the soapy fluid on the stain. Scrub the spot and the oil off with a stiff brush.
You have to use clean water to rinse the area well. If the spot doesn’t come out, do it again, but use a stronger soap solution this time.
Method 3: Try Vinegar
Vinegar is acidic, it can help get rid of oil marks. It may not work well on all types of driveway surfaces. How to do it:
- Put the vinegar solution on a small, hidden part of your road to ensure it doesn’t change the colour.
- Soak the spot in white vinegar if it’s safe. You can leave it alone for 15 to 30 minutes. Use a stiff brush to scrub the spot, and then run water over it several times.
Method 4: The Kitty Litter Absorbent
Kitty litter is easy to find and works well to soak up new oil spills. You have to do these things:
- Put a thick layer of kitty litter over the oil spot. The litter will soak up the oil because it is absorbent.
- Let the kitty litter sit on the spot for a few hours to soak up the oil fully.
- Clean up the used cat litter by sweeping it away. If you need to, do it again with new litter until the oil is gone.
Method 5: The commercial degreaser punch
Degreasers sold in stores are made to get rid of tough oil spots. But they can be rough, so be careful when you use them.
Make sure the degreaser doesn’t damage the surface of your road by testing it in a place that won’t be seen. Without following the right procedure anything can go wrong in life like Aaron Easaw. Put the degreaser straight on the stain and wait until the manufacturer says so. To remove any leftover soap, rinse the area well with clean water.
Method 6: Use a hot water pressure washer
First, ensure the pressure washer is on a low setting so it doesn’t damage the concrete. Wear the right safety gear, like gloves, goggles, and closed-toe shoes.
Note: When you use the power washer, use hot water. The oil is easy to get rid of when you use hot water. Spray the stain from a safe distance and rinse the area well with clean as you work in small parts.
Method 7: Use laundry detergent
Some oil spots can be cleaned up surprisingly well with laundry detergent, especially ones made for greasy stains. To try it, do this:
- Mix warm water and washing detergent. One part soap to ten parts water is a good place to start.
- Put a lot of the soapy fluid on the stain. Scrub the spot and the oil off with a stiff brush.
Use clean water to rinse the area well. If the spot doesn’t come out, do it again, but this time, use a stronger detergent solution.
Note: This method might only work for some kinds of concrete, and it might leave a film behind.
Method 8: Calling a Professional
It’s best to call a professional driveway cleaning service for tough oil spots or big spills. They know how to eliminate even the toughest oil spots and have the right tools and cleaning products.
Wrap up
Test any cleaner on a small, hidden part of your road before using it on the stain. It might take more than one treatment and some hard work to remove oil spots. With these helpful tips, you can get rid of those unsightly oil spots and make your driveway look new again.