Motor oil is a necessary evil for the proper functioning of car engines, but when it leaks onto the driveway or garage floor, it can be very difficult to clean.
In this article, we’re going to discuss five different solutions you can use to clean an oil stain from the asphalt, tar or tarmac of your driveway or garage floor. Let’s get started!
Cardboard
First of all, you can make do with what you have on hand! It is always a good idea to try the popular method of using a piece of cardboard. First cover the stain on the asphalt or tarmac of your driveway with the cardboard, then press it down with a heavy object. The idea is that the cardboard absorbs the oil, making it easier to remove.
That being said, this solution will only work for small, fairly recent stains. For more stubborn stains on your tarmac driveway, we invite you to read the rest of this article.
Baking Soda
Cleaning an oil stain can be tricky, but with the right ingredients, it’s easy to make your driveway or garage floor look like new again. Baking soda is a natural absorbent that can help soak up oil and lift the stain from the surface. Simply pour a generous amount of baking soda on the stain and let it sit for a few hours. Then, sweep the baking soda away and you will see that the stain has been removed. You may need to repeat this process several times for tough stains, but it’s a safe and effective way to clean oil without damaging your concrete.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
Another solution that involves good old-fashioned baking soda, but this time add vinegar to it. Simply mix equal parts vinegar and baking soda, then use a brush to work the mixture into the stain. The acid in the vinegar will break down the oil, and the baking soda will act as a mild abrasive to help loosen the stain from the surface. Once you’ve scrubbed the area, rinse it with water and your driveway will be as good as new.
Commercial Degreaser
If you’ve already tried soap and water or baking soda but the stain persists, you may need to consider a commercial degreaser. Degreasers are designed to break down oil, making it easier to remove. To use a degreaser, simply apply it to the stain and scrub with a brush. For best results, leave the degreaser on for several minutes before rinsing with water. You may need to repeat this process several times to remove the entire stain. However, once the degreaser has done its job, you should be able to easily remove the oil from your driveway or garage floor.
Cat litter!
And yes, you read that right, Felix’s litter box will come in handy here! Your feline’s litter also acts as a strong absorbent with oil stains. Again, you’ll need to cover the stain with cat litter, wait for it to absorb the oil, then sweep it up. You may need to apply several layers of litter to completely remove the stain. For best results, use non-clumping litter made from natural materials such as clay or sand. Clumping litter can stick to the oil and be difficult to remove.
When it comes to oil stains, the sooner you act, the better. If an oil stain is fresh, you may be able to simply blot it with a paper towel. For older stains, you’ll need a little more elbow grease!
After using one of the solutions listed in this article and once most of the oil has been absorbed, you can use a pressure washer to remove the remaining residue. Just be sure to use a wide angle nozzle to avoid damaging the surface of your driveway or garage floor. If you have a particularly stubborn stain, you may need to call in a professional.
