Tired of your driveway looking like a canvas for abstract art, courtesy of stubborn oil stains? We get it!
A pristine driveway is the pride of any homeowner, but life happens—oil spills, leaky cars, and messy DIY projects.
The good news is, you don’t need to surrender to those unsightly stains. These foolproof methods will reclaim your driveway’s glory and have it gleaming like new.
1. Baking Soda Poultice
Create a paste using baking soda and water, apply it to the stain, let it sit overnight, and scrub it off with a brush and water. Baking soda’s absorbent properties help lift the oil from the surface.
2. Cat Litter Absorption
Cover the oil stain with cat litter, let it absorb the oil for a few hours or overnight, then sweep it up and rinse the area with water. Cat litter acts as a porous material, drawing out the oil from the driveway.
3. Dish Soap Detergent
Mix dish soap with warm water, apply it to the stain, scrub with a brush, and rinse thoroughly. The degreasing agents in dish soap help break down the oil, making it easier to remove.
4. WD-40 Lubricant
Spray WD-40 on the oil stain, let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub with a brush and rinse with water. Solvents in WD-40 can loosen the oil’s bond with the driveway surface.
5. Powdered Laundry Detergent
Sprinkle powdered laundry detergent over the stain, add water to create a paste, scrub with a brush, and rinse. Laundry detergent often contains enzymes that can break down oily substances.
6. Commercial Degreaser
Purchase a commercial degreaser specifically designed for driveway stains, follow the instructions on the product label, and apply it to the stain. Commercial degreasers are formulated to effectively remove stubborn oil and grease.
7. Cola Beverage
Pour cola over the oil stain, let it sit for a few hours, then scrub and rinse. The phosphoric acid in cola can help dissolve the oil.
8. Vinegar Solution
Mix equal parts vinegar and water, apply it to the stain, scrub with a brush, and rinse. The acidic nature of vinegar can help break down oil molecules.
9. Pressure Washer Cleaning
If available, use a pressure washer to blast away the oil stain with high-pressure water. The force of the water can dislodge and remove the oil from the driveway’s pores.
10. Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner
Mix Simple Green with water according to the instructions, apply it to the stain, scrub with a brush, and rinse thoroughly. This cleaner is designed to tackle various stains, including oil and grease.
11. Baking Soda & Hydrogen Peroxide Paste
Combine baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to form a paste, apply it to the stain, let it sit for a while, scrub, and rinse. The combination creates a fizzing action that helps lift the oil.
12. TSP (Trisodium Phosphate) Solution
Dissolve TSP in water according to the instructions, apply the solution to the stain, scrub, and rinse thoroughly. TSP is a powerful cleaner but should be used with caution due to its strength.
13. Citrus Degreaser
Use a citrus-based degreaser, following the product instructions. Citrus degreasers are often effective at breaking down oil and grease and have a pleasant scent.
14. Concrete Cleaner & Etcher
If the stain is particularly stubborn, a concrete cleaner and etcher can be used. Follow the product instructions carefully, as it is a strong cleaner.
15. Paint Thinner
Apply paint thinner to the stain, let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub with a brush and rinse. Paint thinner can dissolve oil, but it should be used with caution due to its strong fumes and potential to damage some surfaces.
16. Oil Absorbent Pads or Granules
Place oil absorbent pads or granules over the stain and let them soak up the oil. Once saturated, dispose of the pads or granules properly. These are specifically designed to absorb oil and grease.
The key is to act fast, choose the right solution for your specific stain, and always test in an inconspicuous area first. With a little elbow grease and the right approach, your driveway will be the envy of the neighborhood in no time.
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Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.