How to Remove Oil Stains from Driveways
Oil stains that are relatively fresh do come off the driveway. Generally, if you remove the stain within a few weeks, it will disappear easily. Removing oil stains from driveways is more difficult, however, if the stains have been allowed to set over a good amount of time. For these stains, you may have to paint the driveway with concrete paint. There are also chemicals that can be used to clean the oil stains if conventional methods do not work. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
-
Dishwashing Detergent
-
1
Hose down the driveway.
-
2
Pour ¼ cup of Dawn dishwashing liquid over the stain. If the stain is small, use less dishwashing detergent.
-
-
3
Use a stiff push broom to work the soap into the stain.
-
4
Allow the Dawn to set on the stain for five minutes. Scrub it with the brush again.
-
5
Rinse the Dawn from the driveway. Repeat if necessary. A relatively fresh oil stain will come out with one to three treatments.
Kitty Litter
-
6
Cover the oil stain with cheap, clay-based kitty litter (do not use clumping kitty litter).
-
7
Allow the kitty litter to sit overnight. Then sweep up the kitty litter.
-
8
Clean as instructed in Step 1 with Dawn dishwashing detergent. This method may also take a few applications. If you just spilled oil, always cover it with kitty litter or sawdust immediately. This not only picks up the excess oil, but also helps to keep the oil from penetrating deep into the cement.
Muratic Acid
-
9
Pour muratic acid on the stain. This method should be used on concrete only, as it will discolor the driveway. If the driveway is not flat, use a stiff bristle broom to keep the muratic acid on the stain. Pour enough out so that you can completely cover the stain when it's brushed around. Start with a 1/4 cup first, then add more if needed.
-
10
Work the acid into the stain.
-
11
Allow it to work for five or ten minutes, depending on the age of the stain. If the stain is very old, it may have worked deeper into the concrete.
-
12
Rinse the driveway well.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Muratic acid can be found in the pool section of your local department or home and garden store.
Do not use gasoline to clean the stains. While it works, one small spark could start a fire, even after the gas has evaporated.
More Like This
Comments
-
As an home improvement contractor I've always used muratic acid or degreasers but the baking soda tric I might just try for enviromental reasons , nice tip. I also witness lemon kool aid on grill out grease.
-
Did anyone know that bug spray (specifically wasp spray) will stain asphalt? I tried using dawn dish soap one time but the stain is still there.I'm not entirely sure if the wasp spray is deteriating the asphalt. Perhaps another couple of times will help? Has anyone had this issue before and found a method to fix?
