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How to Remove Transmission Oil From an Asphalt Driveway

Dawn Gibbs

An asphalt driveway, also known as a blacktop driveway, can easily absorb oil spills or other fluid leaks from vehicles. However, oil from your transmission or any other part of the engine will come off the asphalt easily with a simple solution of soap and water.

Oil leaks on asphalt appear as slick, shiny spots.

Before you wash the asphalt, absorb the excess oil on the surface of the driveway.

  1. Pour oil cleanup compound over the spot on the asphalt until you have completely covered the stain. The oil cleanup compound, which is a material that resembles kitty litter or coarse sand, will absorb the oil on the surface of the asphalt.

  2. Leave the compound for one hour, then remove it with a shovel.

  3. Fill a 5-gallon bucket with water and pour in 1/2 cup of liquid dish soap. Agitate the water with the push broom to make it sudsy. Add more soap if the water is not forming suds.

  4. Dip the push broom into the soapy water, then scrub the oil stain on the asphalt. Allow the excess water to drip onto the stain as you scrub. Dip the broom into the water again after 30 seconds and continue scrubbing.

  5. Rinse the asphalt with the garden hose. If the spot still appears shiny and has a rainbow-colored surface, the oil is not completely gone. Continue scrubbing with soapy water and rinsing with the garden hose until the spot is gone and the water runs clear.

The Drip Cap

  • An asphalt driveway, also known as a blacktop driveway, can easily absorb oil spills or other fluid leaks from vehicles.
  • Pour oil cleanup compound over the spot on the asphalt until you have completely covered the stain.
  • The oil cleanup compound, which is a material that resembles kitty litter or coarse sand, will absorb the oil on the surface of the asphalt.
  • Dip the push broom into the soapy water, then scrub the oil stain on the asphalt.