Tips for Removing Oil Stains from Asphalt Driveways

When oil leaks or spills onto an asphalt driveway, it leaves unattractive stains that make the driveway look unkept and old. There are many methods to remove these stains ranging from commercial products to stain removal tips and tricks using materials that are found in most homes. A great tip is to absorb as much of the oil as possible using kitty litter. Simply pour on clean litter and leave it there to absorb as much of the oil as possible. Use a push broom a few times to move the litter around. Once the litter has absorbed the oil, sweep it up and use one of the following methods to remove the oil stain. Naturally, if the stain is already dried you do not need to use the kitty litter first.

1. A commercial product called Asphalt King's Oil Spot Stain Remover Degreaser works very well. This product is bio-degradable and eco-friendly. You simply put it on the stain, scrub it with a brush or broom and in about ten minutes rinse the area with water. This product can be ordered from asphaltkingdom.com.

2. Another commercial product for removing oils stains from asphalt is Driveway Degreaser and Heavy Duty Cleaner manufactured by TRJN. The company's address is PO Bx4246, Carlsbad, CA, and the item number is DG 0131 or DG 6131.

3. G-Force is a commercial product that works well on asphalt and cement driveways. Just dampen the area with water and pour on G-Force and allow the area to dry. The process may need to be repeated for complete stain removal.

4.Many people use a powdered laundry detergent to remove oil stain from asphalt driveways. Sprinkle the detergent onto the stain, add water to make the detergent a pasty consistency, scrub it into the stain using a stiff brush and leave it overnight. The next day, add more water to the paste and scrub the area again. Blot the area dry and use more water to wash the detergent away. Repeat the process and rinse the area with hot water.

5.Another popular method of removing oil stains is to use a grease cutting dish detergent such as Dawn. Cover the area with the detergent and use a scrub brush to work it into the asphalt. Add very hot water and continue scrubbing. Blot the area dry and wash it with very hot water. Repeat the process if it is necessary.

6. Scrub the stain with a solution of trisodium phosphate, known as TSP, which is a household cleaning product. Scrub the stain with the TSP using a stiff brush with a long handle. If any of the stain remains, scrub with full strength bleach. Rinse the area clean using a hose.

7. Follow the same method as number 6 using any household cleaner that is phosphate free.

8.Some people remove stains using only full strength bleach and a long-handled stiff brush.
9. A method that some people claim to be successful is pouring cola evenly onto the stain. Allow the soda to remain on the stain for about thirty minutes and rinse it off with your hose.

10. Many people are successful in removing their driveway oil stains using a combination of cola and a degreasing dishwashing liquid. Pour the soda onto the stain and leave it overnight. The next day add dishwashing detergent to a bucket full of water making sure it is very soapy. Wash the area with the soapy water using a stiff scrub brush. Rinse the area with your garden hose.

Whichever method you use to remove oil stains from your asphalt driveway, always be sure to wear rubber gloves, old clothes and protective eye goggles.