How to Remove Automotive Oil From Parking Lot Asphalt
Oil stains inevitably result on surfaces such as asphalt parking lots. The most likely culprit for these types of stains is an improperly maintained vehicle that is leaking oil. These unsightly stains show up as dark blotches that often appear to be wet. Once an oil stain has formed, it may seem impossible to remove it. Yet with the right tools and some perserverance, it is possible to remove oil stains from asphalt. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Absorbent compound such as kitty litter
- Stiff-bristled push broom
- Dust pan
- Bucket
- Asphalt Cleaner
- Water
- Hose with nozzle attachment
Instructions
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How to Remove Automotive Oil From an Asphalt Parking Lot
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1
Distribute an absorbent compound, such as kitty litter, to remove any suface oil on the asphalt. Cover the entire stained area, and push the kitty litter back and forth over the stain with a stiff-bristled push broom to aid with absorption. Once you notice that the litter has absorbed most of the oil, you can stop.
Sweep up the used litter into a dust pan, and dispose of it. -
2
Clean the asphalt with a cleaner specifically formulated for such applications such as Quikrete Concrete and Asphalt Cleaner. For light stains, mix 6 parts of water with 1 part cleaner in a clean bucket. For medium stains, mix 4 parts water with 1 part cleaner, and for heavy stains, mix 1 part water to 1 part asphalt cleaner.
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3
Pour the asphalt cleaner onto the stained areas of the asphalt, and scrub the oil spot with a stiff-bristled broom. Allow the cleaner to sit for the amount of time recommended in the product instructions.
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4
Wash the cleaner away with water from a high pressure nozzle attached to a garden hose.
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5
Repeat steps 2 to 4 for heavy stains.
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1
Tips & Warnings
You may not be able to successfully remove heavy oil stains. If not, you can opt to have the asphalt re-topped and sealed.
