How to remove oil stains from asphalt

 

 Oil stains on your asphalt driveway might be a common phenomenon for you. Since this is something that happens frequently with every other person. Due to this very reason asphalt drive ways are harder to maintain than concrete ones.

The worst part of these oil stains is that they are not only sore for the eye but gradually this oil would soak in the asphalt and react with the petroleum in its black top, gradually causing it to deteriorate. Therefore the removal of these oil stains is extremely vital.

Following are some easy and inexpensive methods which would help you to get out these stains effectively from your asphalt drive way or parking. They can be easily removed whilst they are fresh. However several applications of the methods given below can help in the removal of old stains as well. Follow these procedures and make a lasting impression upon the onlookers with your neat and clean parking or drive way.

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Method One (Using Cat Litter)

Had you ever reckoned that kitty litter can be much more than mere gross waste? If you hadn’t thought so, then it’s time that you believe so; as this method deploys kitty litter for the removal of stubborn oil stains from asphalt drive way or parking.

  

Things that you will require:

·      Mop, cloth

·      Cat litter

·       Sweep Broom

·      Garden hose

·      water

Steps that you need to take:

1.   Primarily, you have to wipe away the excess oil using a mop or a cloth.

2.   Lay down some cat litter on the stain. Cat litter is an organic solvent and can absorb away any excess oil which would still be remaining on the oil stain.

3.   Once you have laid it down, then what you have to do is crush it so that it can spread evenly. This would help in more efficient oil absorption. For this process, you don’t have to go out of the way to fetch any ingredients. Just make use of your feet. Stomp the litter with your feet so that it gets crushed to pieces.

4.   Leave it overnight to ensure effective oil absorption.

5.   Next morning, just sweep away the litter with a broom.

6.   Lastly, you have to rinse the stained area with a garden hose so that all remnants of the oil stain as well as litter are washed away.

Method two (Using Baking Soda)

Baking soda has renowned stain lifting properties. Therefore this method makes use of those properties to get rid of oil stains from asphalt. Moreover, because of its rewarding results, it has been recommended for the removal of oil stains.

Things that you will require:

·      Baking soda

·      Stiff brush

·      Water

·      Garden hose

Steps that you need to take:

1.   First of all, apply a liberal amount of baking soda on the oil stain.

2.   Afterwards, work it into the stain by rubbing with a stiff brush.

3.   Once you have worked baking soda into the stain, let it sit in for some time, approximately 30 minutes.

4.   Later rinse off the stain using a garden hose.

5.   If the oil stain happens to be old and remains persistent, then you can repeat the above mentioned steps.

                      Method three (Using Cola)

Cola for stains? Surprised? Well it happens to be true. Coca Cola or any such cola soda can also effectively remove any oil stains from asphalt. The best part is that you don’t have to go out of the way to lay your hands on this ingredient. Just open up your fridge, take a swig and head towards your parking to work on the oil stain.

Things that you will require:

·      Cloth/sponge/mop

·      Cola

·      Water

·      Garden hose

Steps that you need to take:

1.  This step is pretty similar to the ones above. Since cola is not an absorbent, therefore you will have to wipe away the excess oil primarily with a cloth, sponge or a mop.

2.  Next, pour a liberal amount of cola on the oil stain.

3.  Leave it overnight, so that it can get ample time to react with the oil stain and make it budge.

4.  Next morning, rinse the stain with water using a garden hose.

Tips:

1.   Do not go for any cleaner which contains solvents in it, because the solvent would react with asphalt, causing it further damage.

2.   Dish washing soap can produce a good result with its grease cutting quality.

3.   Bio degradable cleaners are environment friendly and a good option.

4.   Use a seal coat for your asphalt on annual basis, so that it enjoys a lasting life span.