An asphalt driveway that is regularly maintained looks much better to potential buyers. There’s no mistaking the message it sends about your company. Seeing that you’ll treat them with the same care you do your driveway will help put your customers at ease.
However, if oil and grease have stained your asphalt driveway, it may quickly become unsightly. Fortunately, a professional asphalt paver isn’t required to remove stubborn stains from an asphalt driveway. Getting rid of them with little effort and certain basic home items is possible.
How to Remove Oil Stains from an Asphalt Driveway
Spilled oil is the root cause of oil stains on your asphalt driveway. While changing an engine’s oil, spills are almost unavoida ble. Your driveway might be stained by a leaking automobile, too. The visual attractiveness of your driveway may suffer from these oil stains. With a little work, you can get rid of oil stains on an asphalt driveway, and luckily, there are a few options available.
Pressure Washing
Oil stains may be broken up and washed away from an asphalt driveway with a do-it-yourself pressure washing project. Do-it-yourself pressure washing is not the same as having a professional do it; the difference is not only in the equipment. It takes a lot of finesse to land a blow on the asphalt with the optimal amount of power. Specialists will use a floor buffer-like device with a flat cleaning head to remove oil stains.
Powdered Detergent
You may use powdered detergent on your pavement to remove stubborn stains. To use, sprinkle the stain with the powder until it’s thoroughly coated. Use a stiff brush and a little water to clean the pavement. Wait an hour to ensure the detergent has time to work. Repeat the spraying process if required after an hour.
Cat Litter
While not designed for cleaning reasons, cat litter is helpful in grease and oil stains on asphalt surfaces. After cleaning excess oil, sprinkle the cat litter on the stain. If you want the trash to get down to the depths, stomp on it. After letting it sit overnight the following day, sweep it up and sprinkle the area with water.
Granular Clay
Fine granular clay is available in bags or buckets to soak up oil and other fluids on the road. To clean up an oil spill, pour coarse clay over the spill and distribute it with a brush. Maintain a 1/2-inch to 1-inch thickness to effectively absorb the spill. Toss the absorbent once the oil has been soaked up.
Baking Soda
Like granular clay or cat litter, baking soda may be absorbent. But baking soda’s finer grains are more difficult to remove from the asphalt. Sprinkle a liberal quantity of baking soda on top of the oil stain, then add a touch of water to make it somewhat moist. Then, using a circular motion, brush the stain until it fades. Once finished, please give it a good rinse with water and perhaps give it another go.
Oven Cleaner
An oven cleaner will break up the oil marks on your driveway. Spray the oil stain with the oven cleaning, let it froth up, and set it for around 15 minutes. Scrub the stain with a wire or nylon brush and wash it off. Be cautious about utilizing protective clothes, including rubber gloves and eye protection, while using oven cleaning.
Cola
Cola may be used to get rid of any lingering oil stains. Open a can of soda and pour it directly over the dried oil stain to remove it. Allow it to rest for 6 hours to let it soak into the asphalt. The next step is to pour another can of soda over the stains and scrub the area with a stiff brush. Spray it down with water after it has sat for an additional hour.
Penetrating Oils
To remove oil stains off asphalt driveways, you may use a low-viscosity spray penetrating oil such as WD-40 or Liquid Wrench. Although they do the job, the high quantity of the substance needed makes this approach rather pricey. Use caution while working with these substances because of their toxicity.
Green Degreasers
Green degreasers may be used straight from the container or mixed with water for a more controlled application. Scrubbing oil spots with a nylon bristle brush and green degreaser is hard work. Water should then be used to remove any remaining residue. Oil stains on asphalt streets may need many treatments before they are completely gone.
Muriatic Acid
Muriatic acid may cause serious damage to your skin and eyes and should only be used as a last option. Mix a mild solution and let it settle for approximately a minute. Then rinse with a power washer. Wear protective glasses and gloves while using this chemical.
Sealcoating
Avoiding an issue altogether might be the best option in certain situations. Seal coating your asphalt will protect it from oil stains. Protect your asphalt against oil stains, oxidation, ultraviolet light, and water damage with a seal coat.
Talk to the asphalt paving specialist if you need advice on keeping your asphalt free from stains and other damage. Contact A1 Construction Services now.