Removing Oil from Your Driveway

Removing oil, lubricants, and chemicals from your driveways can be a challenging task. Some driveway surfaces are porous, and oil can quickly seep through and create a visible and lasting stain.
Stains on your driveway can affect the aesthetic value of your home and need to be addressed at the earliest.

When removing complex stains caused by oil, you must follow a series of steps to ensure that you can remove most of it. It is very important that, if you can, you should address oil spills immediately. Keeping specialised oil absorbents at home or your business site can be handy. Let us look at some of the ways which can help you remove oil and oil stains.

Cat Litter

You read that right. Cat litter can not only be used for keeping your home free from bad smells but also for removing oil and oil stains. Litter is typically prepared from absorbent clay, which can quickly soak up oils and lubricants. However, please note that you cannot use just any cat litter. Premium cat litter brands usually clump together when they come in contact with moisture. It is therefore recommended to use the cheap litter. You can read the back of the bag for ingredients, and if it says absorbent clay, you are good to go. To use the litter:

1. Pour it on the spilt oil and let it soak.
2. Check if the amount is sufficient for absorbing all the oil. If you have old oil stains, cat litter might not be that effective, but you can check that out by pouring litter and letting it sit for an hour.
3. When all the oil has been absorbed, use a broom to clean the area.
4. Next, put some dry detergent over the area and use a bristle brush to scrub it. Rinse with water after scrubbing.
5. Repeat the process if necessary.

Oven Cleaner

Oven cleaners can do more than cleaning ovens. They have substances which can remove liquids with a thick consistency, such as grime, grease, and oil.

• Thoroughly spray the cleaner on the stained area of your driveway and wait for ten to fifteen minutes.
• With the help of a bristle brush, scrub the area, followed by rinsing
• Using a pressure washer would be best if you want deep cleaning.
• Repeat the process if necessary.

Sawdust and Paint Thinner

One of the best things to absorb oil from dryways is sawdust. It can quickly soak up oil spills. However, the effect can be enhanced when used side by side with paint thinners.

• Mix sawdust and paint thinner together.
• Spread the mixture over the stains.
• Let it sit for a few minutes
• Sweep the mixture once it has dried
• Repeat the process if necessary.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is a magical ingredient readily available in your kitchen. From cleaning upholstery to absorbing oil, it can have various applications other than cooking.

• Pour baking soda over the spilt oil.
• Give it 20 to 30 minutes.
• With the help of a pressure washer or hose, wash the area thoroughly.
• Use a bristle brush to scrub the stained area.
• Rewash it with water.
• Repeat the process if necessary.

Liquid Detergent

If the spill is not too large and is fresh, you can also use liquid detergent.

• Use a strong liquid detergent.
• Pour it all over the stain.
• Pour some warm water.
• Scrub and scrub with the help of a stiff brush.
• Rinse it with a pressure washer or hose.

Poultice

Stain-removing poultices can be bought from online platforms like Amazon, but you can also make one at home.

• Use fine sawdust and talc to make a homemade poultice for removing stains.
• Mix it with hot water and liquid soap
• Wet the oil stain area and pour the poultice
• Let the poultice sit for a while
• Use a bristled brush to scrub the area
• Wash it with water.

The Magic Method

The magic method can be a combination of two or more cleaning methods mentioned above.

• Get cat litter, detergent, cola, and a bleaching agent.
• Also, get your hands on tools such as goggles, gloves, and a broom.
• Apply a layer of litter over the oil.
• Pour a can of cola over the area.
• Use a broom to mix them.
• Wait for 20 minutes.
• Mix 1/4 cup laundry detergent and 1/4 cup of bleach
• Add a gallon of warm water
• Pour it all over the area
• Let it sit
• Use a hose or pressure washer to clean the area.

WD-40

The last on our list and yet the most effective way of removing oil and oil stains from your driveways is WD-40. A household name around the globe.

• WD-40 is a multi-purpose solvent and is used for various purposes such as degreasing, stain removal, and others.
• If you have a fresh oil spill, try to absorb as much oil as possible using cat litter, sawdust, paper towels, or specially manufactured absorbents.
• Spray WD all over the stained area. Use a generous amount.
• After letting it sit for ten minutes, wipe it off with a cloth.
• For stubborn stains, pour some dish soap after the above step.
• Rinse it with hot water, and you should be able to eliminate the oil and the stain.