Oil stains on your driveway are really unsightly and difficult to remove. But, with the right cleaning solutions and techniques, you can safely and effectively remove oil stains and restore the look of your driveway.
In this comprehensive guide, we will list down proven methods for removing oil stains from concrete, asphalt, resin, and other driveway surfaces.
Causes of Oil Stains on Your Driveway
Oil stains typically occur due to:
- Oil leaks from cars parked in the same spot regularly. This allows oil to drip and pool on the driveway.
- Doing automotive repairs like oil changes on the driveway. Oil spills are common when changing or topping up transmission fluid.
- Accidental drips and spills when moving containers with used oils and lubricants.
- Harsh weather carrying contaminated water that leaves oil stain & residue when it dries up.
- Old uncleaned stains slowly spread over time.
- And in some cases previous owners didn’t mind cleaning it.
Potential solvents, degreasers, and abrasives for cleaning oil stains include dish soap, fairy liquid, powdered laundry detergent, cleaning solvents like mineral spirits, wire brushes, and more. However, not all of these are suitable for your specific driveway surface.
So, let’s take a look at the best methods for removing oil stains from concrete and asphalt driveways.
Cleaning Oil Stains on Concrete Driveways
Concrete is porous and prone to absorbing oil, making stains difficult to remove. But there are a few effective techniques and cleaning agents that can help remove oil stains from your concrete driveway:
Dish Soap & Warm Water
Mix a few drops of dish soap in warm water. Use a stiff scrub brush to work the mixture into the stain. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes then rinse thoroughly with a garden hose. Repeat as needed for stubborn oil stains.
Baking Soda Paste
Make a paste with baking soda and warm water. Cover the area with a thick layer over the stain and let sit overnight, covered with a plastic sheet. The baking soda will draw out the oil. Rinse clean the next day with water. You can boost the cleaning power by mixing some hydrogen peroxide into the paste.
Cat Litter
Spread kitty litter generously over the oil spill and let it sit for a few hours. The clay in the kitty litter will work to absorb the oil. Sweep away the cat litter and see if the stain has lightened. You may need to apply a few more rounds to fully remove the stain.
Degreasing Chemicals
Products like brake cleaner, engine degreaser, and concrete cleaners can effectively break down oil on concrete. Spray or scrub the degreaser onto the stain. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing thoroughly with water. Use proper safety gear like gloves and eye protection when using strong degreasers. And most importantly don’t forget to read the manufacturer’s instructions.
Pressure Washer
For light oil stains, you may be able to blast it away with a pressure washer. Adjust to low or medium pressure and steadily spray the stain. Be careful not to etch or damage the concrete with the pressure stream.
Inspect the concrete – If stain persists, repeat the cleaning process focusing on any remaining discoloured areas. With consistent effort, your concrete driveway can be restored to its original clean appearance.
Removing Oil Stains from Asphalt Driveways
Asphalt driveways require a gentler approach as the surface is softer and more prone to damage. Here are some safe cleaning solutions for asphalt:
Hot Water
Bring water to a near boil. Apply the hot water generously to the stain and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. The heat will help liquefy the oil and separate it from the asphalt. Scrub with a stiff broom and rinse thoroughly with a hose. Repeat as needed until the stain dissipates.
Detergent & Cold Water
Mix a teaspoon of laundry detergent like Tide into a gallon of cold water. Use a soft scrub brush to gently work the solution into the stain. Let it soak for ~10 minutes before rinsing. The detergent will act as a degreaser. Be careful not to overbrush the asphalt.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
Make a paste with baking soda and vinegar. Gently spread onto the stain with a paintbrush or broom, keeping the mixture thick. Allow to dry completely over. The baking soda and vinegar will react with the oil residue and help lift it from the asphalt. Rinse clean before reapplying if needed.
Avoid harsh solvents, power/jet washing, or abrasive scrubbing on asphalt as it can damage the surface. The gentler cleaning methods above should be effective over time.
Tips for Preventing Oil Stains
To avoid future oil stains on your driveway:
- Use drip pans, tarps, or absorbent pads when doing automotive work in the driveway like oil changes. Properly dispose of used oils.
- Check for and fix any leaks coming from your vehicles. Keep the underside of cars clean.
- Wash vehicles regularly to prevent build-up of oil and grease.
- Immediately clean any fresh spills by applying an absorbent. Don’t let it sit.
- Keep the driveway surface sealed. Sealers protect against oil penetration. Reapply sealer every 1-2 years.
- Avoid parking leaky vehicles in the same spot every time. Rotate vehicles periodically.
With the right cleaning techniques and maintenance, you can keep your driveway looking oil-free. As the general rule, test any cleaning method in an inconspicuous area first. Work safely by wearing gloves and eye protection.
If stains persist despite your best efforts or you are struggling with it, call us for your driveway cleaning needs. Our commercial-grade cleaners and pressure washing equipment can remove even severe and long dried oil stains that regular DIY methods simply cannot. A professional driveway cleaning service is worth it to restore the look of your driveway.
Wrapping Up
Just remember to clean spills quickly, use the right stain-cleaning solutions, and regularly maintain your driveway to prevent those unsightly marks from cars, lubricants, and weather from taking hold.
If you are looking for someone who can seal or clean your driveway in Southport, then call us today! We’ll get your drive and patio cleaned & sealed in no time.
