Having oil stains on driveway can be unsightly and can cause damage to the surface. It is important to address these stains as soon as possible. Not a problem with certain driveways such as soil or gravel but for modern build houses or tarmac driveways it can look quite unpleasant. In this article, we will look at some effective methods for removing oil stains from your driveway and offer some tips for preventing them in the first place.

What Causes Oil Stains on Driveway?

Oil stains on your driveway can come from a number of sources, including:

• Leaks from your car
• Spills while changing your car’s oil
• Accidental drips from your barbecue grill

These stains can last for a long time if not dealt with, and can be difficult to remove once they have set in.

How to Remove Oil Stains On Driveway

1. Use a commercial degreaser. These products are specifically designed to break down and dissolve grease and oil. Apply the product to the stain according to the instructions on the label and let it sit for a few minutes. Use a stiff-bristled brush to scrub the stain, working the degreaser into the surface of the driveway. Rinse the area thoroughly with water to remove any remaining degreaser.
2. Use a mixture of baking soda and warm water. Baking soda is a natural deodorizer and is great at absorbing oils and grease. Mix a few tablespoons of baking soda with warm water to form a paste and apply it to the stain. Let it sit for a few minutes, then use a stiff-bristled brush to scrub the stain, working the paste into the surface of the driveway. Rinse the area thoroughly with water to remove any remaining baking soda paste.
3. Use a mixture of dish soap and warm water. Dish soap is good at cutting through grease and oil and can be very effective at removing oil stains from your driveway. Mix a small amount of dish soap with warm water and apply the solution to the stain. Let it sit for a few minutes, then use a stiff-bristled brush to scrub the stain, working the solution into the surface of the driveway. Rinse the area thoroughly with water to remove any remaining dish soap solution.

If all your efforts fail or you have no time or means to clean the stain yourself you have the option to hire a professional who could use a high powered jet wash along with professional detergents to clean them.

Preventing Oil Stains on Your Driveway

To prevent oil stains on your driveway, there are a few simple steps you can take:

• Regularly check your car for leaks and have them fixed promptly
• Be careful when changing your car’s oil and make sure to clean up any spills immediately
• Place a drip tray under your barbecue grill to catch any accidental drips
• Consider applying a sealant to your driveway to protect the surface from oil and other stains

Conclusion

In conclusion, oil stains on your driveway can be unsightly and can cause damage to the surface. It is important to address these stains as soon as possible to prevent them from setting in and becoming more difficult to remove. Commercial degreasers, a mixture of baking soda and warm water, and a mixture of dish soap and warm water are all effective methods for removing oil stains from your driveway. To prevent oil stains, regularly check your car for leaks, be careful when changing your car’s oil, use a drip tray under your barbecue grill, and consider applying a sealant to your driveway.

Also read our other article on natural remedies for stain removal which may also come handy.