Oil stains on your driveways are common and seem to pop up when you least expect them. Whether it’s a leaky car, a bit of spillage from a lawnmower, or a DIY oil change that didn’t quite go to plan, oil stains can make your driveway look messy.
One problem with oil on your driveway is that it is tough to remove. However, with the right tools and cleaning method, you can get your driveway looking as good as new. Let’s explore this further.
Why Are Oil Stains Difficult to Remove?
Your driveway acts as a sponge, and no matter if it’s made of concrete or asphalt, it’s full of tiny pores that soak up liquid. When oil drips down, it doesn’t just sit on the surface, it seeps deep inside your driveway. This makes it much harder to clean compared to something like dirt or mud.
The longer oil sits on your driveway, the harder it becomes to remove. Over time, the oil starts to break down and chemically bond with the surface. This makes what could’ve been a quick clean-up a long-term process.
However, there is some good news. Even if the stain has been there for a long period of time, this doesn’t mean it can’t be removed. With the right approach, you can have your driveway looking clean again in no time.
Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Oil from Your Driveway
Removing oil stains from your driveway can often be a challenging process however, with the right steps in place this is no longer an issue. Here are some key steps for you to follow.
Step 1: Act Quickly if the Spill is Fresh
If you notice a fresh oil spill on your driveway, the sooner you act, the higher the chances you have of completely removing it. The longer you let the oil sit, the deeper it will sink into the driveway’s pores.
- Cover the oil with an absorbent substance like cat litter or baking soda.
- Leave it for at least 30 minutes, but ideally a few hours or overnight to soak up as much oil as possible.
- Sweep up the debris and dispose of it properly, don’t wash it into the street or drain.
Step 2: Apply the Cleaning Solution
Once you have absorbed the excess oil, the next step is to apply a high-quality cleaning solution to the stain.
- Apply a generous amount of washing-up liquid or degreaser directly onto the stain. Use a cleaning solution designed for cutting through grease.
- Add a little warm water and scrub the area vigorously with a scrub brush or broom.
- Let the cleaning solution sit for 10–15 minutes to break down the oil.
- Rinse the area thoroughly with clean water. A hose with a spray attachment works well, but a pressure washer will give you better results if available.
Step 3: Rinsing and Inspecting
At this stage of the cleaning process, all that’s left to do is rinse the stain away. A garden hose will work just fine, but power washing can be more effective.
- Make sure to rinse the solution until the water runs clear.
- Inspect the surface to see if the stain has been fully removed.
- If the stain is still noticeable, you may need to repeat the process.
- Repeat the process with a more concentrated solution and more aggressive scrubbing for better cleaning results.
What Causes Oil Stains on Driveways?
Oil stains can show up on your driveway for a variety of reasons, most of which are related to everyday use. Here are some of the common causes:
- Leaking car engines or transmissions – Over time, the seals and gaskets in your car can wear down, leading to little drips of engine oil or transmission fluid that end up on your drive.
- Oil changes or top-ups that have gone wrong – When topping up your oil or doing a hit of home maintenance, it’s surprisingly easy to spill it on your driveway.
- Lawnmowers and garden tools – Petrol-powered tools like lawnmowers and hedge trimmers often leak a few drops of oil when they’re left sitting in one spot for too long.
- Motorbikes – If you own a motorbike, you’ll know they have a habit of leaking oil, especially after a ride or when they’ve been parked for a while.
Need Oil Removed From Your Driveway?
Oil stains can be very frustrating, but they’re not impossible to remove. Whether you’ve got a fresh spill or a stain that’s been there for years, there’s always a cleaning method that can solve this problem.
Getting your driveway looking brand new can be a difficult task on your own. This is why at Total Gleam, we provide a driveway cleaning service that removes any unnecessary stains, giving your driveway a fresh look.
With our cleaning and restoration service, we make it possible for you to fall in love with your driveway again. Get in touch with us today to set up a free consultation.
