Automotive oils can leave unsightly stains on your driveway. Fortunately, you can remove oil stains from a driveway with a few simple cleaning methods. Learn how to get oil off a driveway using common household products, such as dish soap and baking soda. Plus, read up on products specifically designed for tackling tough oil stains on concrete.
Before Getting Started
Removing oil stains from a driveway starts with choosing the right cleaning solution, as a variety of household supplies can be used. However, you might need to call on a more powerful cleaner specially formulated to clean driveways or concrete. First, determine whether your driveway is concrete or asphalt. If it's asphalt, skip solvents and opt for soap.
For driveways on an incline, start at the highest point and work your way down so dirty water and residue don't flow over portions you've already cleaned. Keep an eye out for plants and landscaping when using cleaners. Some cleaners provide instructions for protecting plants from runoff and errant sprays. The manufacturer might recommend saturating the surrounding plants, grass, and vegetation with water before using the cleaner.
Remember: Oil is flammable. Be diligent with cleaning up spills, and safely discard any materials that have been in contact with the oil.
How to Remove Oil Stains from a Driveway Using Household Products
Common household products such as cat litter, baking soda, dish soap, and even laundry detergent are prime tools for tackling oil stains. Here's how to use household supplies to get rid of oil stains on a concrete or asphalt driveway.
Step 1: Remove Excess Oil
Start by absorbing any oil sitting on the surface of the driveway. The ultra-absorbent properties of cat litter make it an ideal material for this task. Sprinkle cat litter over a fresh stain and let the cat litter absorb the oil.
Step 2: Scrub the Stain
Once the cat litter has absorbed any excess oil, give the stain a good scrubbing with a paste of baking soda and water, then rinse with clean water. Baking soda is a mild alkali that's effective at dissolving dirt and grease.
Step 3: Lather and Rinse
Formulated to cut grease, dish soap is another effective solution for treating oil stains on a driveway. Squirt some dish soap on the oil stain. Scrub the stain with a heavy-duty brush. Then rinse away the soap with water. Repeat the process until the oil stain fades.
Keep in mind that tough driveway materials like concrete and asphalt can withstand heavy scrubbing. Don't shy away from using a little elbow grease and a heavy-duty brush to remove the oil stains.
How to Get Oil Off a Driveway with Laundry Detergent
If you have powdered laundry detergent on hand, try this method for treating oil stains on a driveway. This method works for both concrete and asphalt driveways.
Step 1: Apply Detergent
Sprinkle powdered laundry detergent over the oil spill. Carefully apply enough warm water over the laundry detergent to form a paste.
Step 2: Scrub the Stain and Rinse
Scrub the spot with a stiff nylon brush for approximately two minutes, then let it sit for 15 minutes. Scrub the spot for one additional minute, then rinse away the laundry detergent with clean, warm water.
How to Remove Oil from a Driveway with WD-40
WD-40 is a blend of lubricants that can be put to use cleaning oil from a concrete driveway.
Step 1: Apply WD-40 to Stain
Spray WD-40 onto the oil stain on your driveway. Make sure the entire effected area is covered.
Step 2: Scrub and Rinse
Scrub the oil stain with a heavy-duty scrub brush until clean. Once the stain has been lifted, rinse the area with water.
Step 3: Apply Cat Litter or Baking Soda (Optional)
If a faint oil stain remains, apply cat litter or baking soda to the spot and let it soak up the oil for at least an hour. Once saturated, sweep up the litter or baking soda, and rinse the area with water.
How to Remove Tough Driveway Oil Stains
Tough or old oil stains might require more potent cleaning products. Some concrete cleaners and oil stain removers are formulated to be diluted before application, but can also be used full-strength for difficult stains. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper usage.
Power washing is another method for cleaning oil stains on a driveway. If you don't own a power washer, check your local hardware store or home improvement retailer for rental options. Use a concrete and driveway cleaner formulated for use with a pressure washer. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to ensure the best results.
A good deck scrub brush is also a must-have for cleaning stains on a concrete driveway. Wear work gloves to protect your hands as you scrub to avoid scraping your knuckles on the concrete. You should also wear proper safety gear, according to the product's instructions.
What Causes Oil Stains on Driveways
Below are some of the most common types of oil stains you might encounter.
- Gasoline: According to the US Energy Information Association, gasoline is a fuel used in vehicle engines that is made from crude oil and other petroleum liquids. If you spot this type of oil on your driveway, apply one of the cleaning methods above as soon as possible, and get your vehicle checked by a professional for any leaks.
- Transmission Fluid: Transmission fluid helps lubricate the bearings and moving metal parts within the transmission of a vehicle. This type of oil stain may be redder in appearance and also come from your car.
- Motor Oil: Another driveway stain caused by your car comes from motor oil. This oil leaks from the engine. Motor oil is fairly easy to clean off a driveway but should be treated as soon as possible.
How to Prevent Oil Stains in the Driveway
The best way to get rid of oil stains is to prevent them in the first place. Here are a few ways to avoid automotive oil stains on the driveway.
- Lay Down Cardboard: Place a piece of cardboard under your vehicle to catch oil drips. Do the same when filling lawn equipment with fuel.
- Keep Up with Car Maintenance: Ensure routine maintenance on your vehicle to prevent it from leaking oil.
- Seal Your Driveway: For concrete driveways, seal every 5 years. For asphalt, seal every 2-3 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do about dried oil stains on my driveway?
Laundry detergent, dish soap, and commercial products are all effective at removing dried oil stains on a driveway.
Are oil stains on a concrete driveway permanent?
No. While oil stains can be difficult to remove, they are not permanent. However, it is best to treat fresh oil stains soon after they occur to avoid the oil from further seeping in.
Can bleach remove driveway stains?
For tough oil stains, mix bleach and water in a bottle and spray it onto the stain before letting it soak for a few minutes. Scrub the stain and repeat until it's removed. This method should only be used for concrete driveways.
