How to Remove Oil Stains from Asphalt Driveway

Asphalt driveways are a popular choice for homeowners because they are durable and relatively low maintenance. However, low maintenance doesn’t mean that the driveway is immune to greasy nightmares that may leak out of your car. The last thing you’d want on your beautiful driveway is an oil stain.

Sure, they look terrible, but they are the harbingers of further trouble: oil stains can damage the surface of your driveway if not taken care of properly. In this blog, Supreme Asphalt will discuss some effective ways to remove oil stains from an asphalt driveway.

Act Quickly

The first and most important step in removing oil stains from an asphalt driveway is to act quickly. The longer you wait, the more difficult it will be to remove the stain. As soon as you notice the oil spill, try to blot up as much of the oil as possible with an absorbent material such as paper towels or rags.

Use a Degreaser

Once you have blotted up as much of the oil as possible, the next step is to use a degreaser. There are several commercial degreasers available that are specifically designed for use on asphalt driveways. These degreasers contain chemicals that break down the oil and make it easier to remove.

Before using a degreaser, be sure to read the instructions carefully and follow all safety precautions. You may also want to test the degreaser on a small, inconspicuous area of your driveway first to ensure that it doesn’t damage the surface.

Apply Kitty Litter or Sawdust

Another effective method for removing oil stains from an asphalt driveway is to apply kitty litter or sawdust to the stain. These absorbent materials can help to draw out the oil from the asphalt.

To use this method, simply sprinkle a generous amount of kitty litter or sawdust over the stain and let it sit for several hours or overnight. Once the material has absorbed as much oil as possible, sweep it up and dispose of it properly.

Use a Pressure Washer

If the oil stain is particularly stubborn, you may need to use a pressure washer to remove it. A pressure washer can be an effective way to remove oil stains from an asphalt driveway, but it should be used with caution.

Be sure to choose the appropriate pressure setting and nozzle for your driveway and follow all safety precautions. It’s also important to avoid using too much pressure, as this can damage the surface of the driveway.

Preventing Future Oil Stains

While it’s important to know how to remove oil stains from an asphalt driveway, it’s even more important to prevent them from happening in the first place. Here are some tips for preventing future oil stains:

• Park your car on a designated parking pad or in a garage to avoid spills on your driveway.
• Clean up any spills or leaks from your car immediately.
• Use drip pans or absorbent mats under your car to catch any leaks.
• Regularly inspect your car for leaks and have them repaired as soon as possible.

Conclusion

Removing oil stains from an asphalt driveway can be a daunting task, but with the right approach, it can be done. Act quickly, use a degreaser, apply kitty litter or sawdust, or use a pressure washer if needed. And remember, prevention is key to avoiding future oil stains.

If your asphalt driveway is damaged, or if there is a stubborn oil stain that simply won’t fade, just ring Supreme Asphalt. We’ll be there in no time with the right equipment to make sure your driveway is as good as new again.