It is usually expected that your driveway gets dirty, however, if the reason behind your driveway getting dirty is black spots from an oil leak, then it is impossible to overlook it. Fortunately, there are simple cleaning methods that can be used when it comes to getting rid of oil stains from the driveway. You can easily remove oil stains from your driveway using common household products, including dish soap & baking soda. But, make sure to read and go through the products particularly designed to tackle tough oil stains on concrete.
An oil leak or spill is problematic for your vehicle as well as for your driveway. These oil spills, drips as well as splotches make for unsightly blemishes, which in turn, will take away the beauty of your home as well as your yard. When it comes to getting rid of oil stains from your driveway, first of all, you will need to choose the right cleaning solution.
Remove Oil Stains From The Driveway Using Household Products & Laundry Detergent
As mentioned earlier, you can use a variety of household products to remove oil stains from your driveway. However, sometimes there may be a need to use a more powerful cleaner particularly designed to clean driveways or concrete. If your driveway is on an incline, then it is better to start cleaning it from the highest point & proceed your way down in order to make sure that any dirty water, as well as residue, doesn't flow over that portion again that you have cleaned already. Keep an eye out for plants as well as landscaping when you are using cleaners, due to the fact that some of the cleaners provide instructions for protecting plants from runoff as well as errant sprays. It might be recommended to saturate the surrounding plants, grass, and vegetation with water before you start using the cleaner.
Way 1: Using Household Products Like Cat Litter, Baking Soda & Dish Soap
Common household products such as cat litter, baking soda, dish soap, and even laundry detergent are some of the prime tools that can be used when it comes to tackling oil stains. Go through the below-mentioned steps carefully to get rid of oil stains on a driveway using these household supplies.
- Remove Excess Oil
First of all, it is important to absorb any oil that you notice on the surface of the driveway. The ultra-absorbent properties of cat litter will make it a perfect material for this task. Scatter or pour cat litter over a fresh stain before allowing the cat litter to absorb the oil. - Scrub The Stain
As soon as the cat litter has absorbed any excess oil, then you need to give the stain a good scrubbing with the help of a paste of baking soda and water, before rinsing with clean water. Baking soda is considered a mild alkali that is effective at dissolving dirt as well as grease. - Lather And Rinse
Formulated to cut grease, dish soap is another effective solution when it comes to getting rid of oil stains from a driveway. Scatter or pour some dish soap on the oil stain before scrubbing the stain with the help of a heavy-duty brush. Then, rinse away the soap using water. Repeat the process as long as the oil stain completely fades away. Keep in mind that tough driveway materials, including concrete and asphalt, can withstand heavy scrubbing. Therefore, you can also use a little elbow grease and a heavy-duty brush in order to get rid of the oil stains.
Way 2: Using Laundry Detergent
If you have powdered laundry detergent on hand, then you try treating oil stains on a driveway using this method. The materials that you will need to get rid of oil stains from the driveway using this method include Powdered laundry detergent & Stiff nylon brush.
- Apply Detergent
First of all, scatter or pour powdered laundry detergent over the oil spill. After that, with the utmost care, you need to apply enough warm water over the laundry detergent in order to form a paste. - Scrub The Stain
After that, you need to scrub the spot with the help of a stiff nylon brush for approximately two minutes, before allowing it to sit on the spot for at least 15 minutes. - Scrub And Rinse
Finally, you need to scrub the spot for one extra minute, before rinsing away the laundry detergent with the help of clean, warm water.