Driveways usually get unappealing stains from automotive oils. These oil spills can really affect the overall feel and look of your property, and also detract from your guests’ experience. But with a bit of effort and the right method, you can remove these stains effectively.
Before Getting Started
Before you get started with cleaning your driveway, here are some of the steps you must follow:
- Since a range of home products can be utilised, the first step in removing oil stains from a driveway is selecting the appropriate cleaning solution.
- Using stronger cleaners may also be necessary for cleaning concrete or driveways.
- Determine whether your driveway is made of concrete or asphalt. If it’s asphalt, consider using soap and not solvents.
- To prevent soiled water and residue from running over areas you’ve already cleaned, start at the top of an incline and work your way down.
- When utilising cleaners, pay attention to landscaping and plants. Specific cleansers include recommendations on how to shield plants from misdirected sprays and runoff.
- Before using the cleaner, the manufacturer may recommend soaking nearby grass, plants, and vegetation in water.
How to Remove Oil Stains?
To get rid of the oil on your driveway, you can use daily-purpose household items like baking soda, dish soap, and cat litter. Here’s how to eliminate the toughest oil stains from a driveway with household items:
- Step 1: Get Rid of Extra Oil – Absorb any oil that may be on the driveway’s surface first. Cat litter is the perfect substance for this job because of its ultra-absorbent qualities, particularly if the spill is over rough or broom-finished concrete. Cover a fresh stain with cat litter, then let the litter absorb the oil. A rag soaked in diluted dish soap will also be effective if the stain is on a smooth surface, such as polished concrete.
- Step 2: Clean the Discolouration – After the cat litter has absorbed any extra oil, scrub the stain well with a baking soda and water paste, and then rinse with fresh water. A moderate alkali baking soda works well to dissolve oil and grime.
- Step 3: Lather and Rinse – A good approach to get rid of oil stains on a driveway is to use dish soap, which is made to reduce grease. Begin with spritzing a generous amount of dish soap on the oil stain. Make use of a firm brush to scrub the stain. Next, use water to rinse the soap off. Continue until the oil stain disappears.
How to Remove Tough Oil Spots Using Laundry Detergent?
Try this technique for removing oil stains if you have powdered laundry detergent on hand. Both asphalt and concrete driveways can be cleaned with this technique.
- Step 1: Use Detergent – First, scatter laundry detergent powder on the oil spots. To make a paste, carefully pour enough warm water over the washing detergent.
- Step 2: Rinse and Scrub the Stain – Scrub with a solid nylon brush for approx. 2 minutes and then let it dry for another 15 minutes. After it dries up, rinse thoroughly with warm, clean water to rinse out the laundry soap.
How to Remove Tough Oil Spots Using WD-40?
A mixture of lubricants called WD-40 can be used to remove oil from concrete driveways.
- Step 1: Apply WD-40 to the Stain – Spray a generous amount of WD-40 on your driveway’s oil stain. Ensure that the affected region is completely covered.
- Step 2: Rinse and Scrub – Use a firm scrub brush to remove the oil stain until it is completely gone. Rinse the area with water after the stain gets removed.
- Step 3: Use baking soda or cat litter (optional) – If there is still a slight oil stain, apply baking soda or cat litter to the area and allow it to absorb the oil for at least an hour. Rinse the area with water after sweeping up the litter or baking soda.
How to Remove Oil Spots Using A Degreaser?
Although cleaning oil stains using a degreaser is simple, if you’ve never done this before, follow this procedure to get the best results:
- Apply the Degreaser: Begin by smearing the oil stain with the prescribed quantity of degreaser. We advise using the product at full strength for tough stains, but you can dilute it with five parts water for milder cleaning.
- Let it Sit: Give the degreaser a good one to three minutes to sit on the stain. You might want to leave it on longer for very dirty driveways, but be careful not to let the degreaser dry entirely.
- Scrub the Stain: Work the degreaser into the concrete by firmly cleaning the area with a steel brush or stiff nylon brush.
- Wait and Wash: After letting it sit for a further five to ten minutes, use water to clean the driveway floor.
How to Prevent Oil Stains in the Driveway?
Preventing oil stains in the first place is the best approach. Here are some tips for avoiding driveway oil stains:
- Lay Down Cardboard: Place a piece of cardboard down under your car to catch oil drops. Use cardboard in the same manner when you refuel lawn equipment.
- Vehicle Maintenance: To manage oil leaks, keep your vehicle well-maintained.
- Driveway Sealing: Concrete driveways should have a sealant applied every five years, and asphalt driveways need to be sealed every 2-3 years. Freshly sealed driveways cover all the stubborn stains and make it look new and appealing.
Conclusion
Maintaining a tidy driveway doesn’t have to be difficult. You can remove oil stains and preserve the look of your driveway using common home materials and the appropriate methods. Whether you use commercial cleansers, dish soap, or cat litter, regular maintenance and a little forethought will keep your driveway looking clean and new.
DIY can work, but connecting with professionals to take care of your driveway is a sure-shot way to ensure your driveway is free of all the stubborn oil spots. At Exterior Cleaning Melbourne, we are your reputable team of cleaners. We use environmentally friendly cleaning agents and pressure washing to clean your exterior through a tailored approach. So, no matter the oil stain type, contact us and we’ll help you get it removed the right way.