How To Keep Concrete Driveway Oil-Free

Meta Description:  Don’t know what to do when your concrete driveway has oil stain? Take a look at these efficient ways and on how to maintain an oil-free driveway.

How To Keep Your Concrete Driveway Oil-Free?

In general, driveways are made out of two materials - asphalt or concrete. For your guidance, concrete is a permeable surface. It may absorb a hefty amount of oil which often results to dark stains, depending on the sealing or finish.

A curved concrete driveway leading to a house surrounded by pretty landscape

Whether you like it or not, getting an oil stain on your driveway is inevitable. Commonly, oil stains happen when you own classic cars. In addition to that, they are an unpleasant blot on the paved driveway. If you’re not going to pay attention to recent spillage, it could harm you or your family.

Sad to say, keeping it clean is too daunting. It has been known that oil stains are extremely stubborn. You don’t need to ask anymore your friends what is the best way to clean a concrete driveway since there are many ways to keep your driveway oil-free. Achieve a second-to-none clean-up result with the following steps:

1. The Power of Pressure Washing

Pressure wash cleaning must be controlled in order not to damage your driveway.

Wondering what is the best way to clean a concrete driveway? With the help of a medium or heavy-duty pressure washers, you can lighten and eliminate oil stains on the concrete driveway particularly if the spill is just new.

●       What you need to do first is to put a commercial-grade cleaner right on the oil stain.

●       Scrub it out with a broom or brush.

●       Add some detergent on the pressure washer and then start spraying.  I

High-pressure water jet is perfect for cleaning the concrete block floor.

In pressure washing, make sure that you’re using the recommended pressure washer and are staying at an even area. Always keep the nozzle at the same distance from concrete’s surface to avoid any streaking. Leave the detergent solution on the spot for about 5 to 10 minutes prior to rinsing. You can also use a garden hose to clean sensitive parts of your driveway like the newly painted parts.  Other than that, another solution is to treat poison ivy rash with www.buyrhustox.com

2. The Natural Method

Cat litter in a blue scoop

●       Using Cat Litter

Still in doubt in what is the best way to clean a concrete driveway? Cat litter can be an effective natural solution to fresh oil spills. Apply a generous amount to the affected spot of your driveway. Then, utilize a nylon-bristled brush so you can spread it well.

Let this sit for about one hour or more to absorb the oil. As soon as the oil is fully absorbed into the cat’s litter, get a broom and clean the mess.

Dishwashing liquid can also be used as an oil control solution.

●       Dishwashing Detergent + Baking Soda

On the other hand, you can also utilize your dishwashing detergent and baking soda to get rid of the stain. Slightly wet the area with water, and then sprinkle lots of dishwashing detergent or baking soda. Leave it for some time.

Meanwhile, boil water in a big pot. Once the water is already boiling, dispense it over the whole area. Next, scrub the place with a stiff-bristled brush. When you’re done, wash any excess detergent. If you want to obtain better results, repeat the process.                                                                                                       

As much as possible, don’t use a metal-bristled brush on your driveway. They could destroy its surface or worse, causing rust stains when its bristles get stuck.

3. Trusted Chemical Removers

If you want to be more aggressive against larger oil pigments on your concrete driveway, then you’ll need a commercial concrete degreaser. Typically, these degreasers are known to be concentrated alkaline soap, which slackens the oil on the concrete in order to allow easier removal. 

Chemical degreaser can be used on stubborn oil stains.

However, these products don’t guarantee 100% effectiveness on spills which have been sitting for quite some time or on bigger spills. For smaller oil stains, a poultice is known to be an effective treatment. In case you weren’t aware of it, it is mixture of a certain absorbent material such as a strong solvent (acetone) and cat litter. This a mixture will be covered by plastic while getting rid of the oil stain out of the driveway.

In using chemical removers, don’t forget to wear any protective eyewear and clothing. More importantly, keep those small children, as well as pets, away from the area.

4. Preventative Measures Are Important.

A driveway gives your vehicle the needed space for safe keeping.

Oftentimes, preventative measures lead to less staining. Seal your concrete driveway (by means of clear waterproof products) regularly to avoid oil from penetrating down to the surface of your driveway. A quick cleanup of excess oil may also lessen oil penetration. Spending some time to eliminate oil stains from your concrete driveway doesn’t just enhance the curb appeal of your home, it also safeguards your driveway’s structure. You don’t need to cram around while asking what is the best way to clean a concrete driveway because you’ve got pretty good preventive measures.

Conclusion

With just a little effort, you can’t just protect your home (your investment), you can also bring back the original glory of your driveway. Follow these steps and enjoy a clean and oil-free driveway.

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Hi there! I’m Lucy - founder of GardenAmbition.com and I’m a self-confessed garden fanatic. Gardening has always been a passion of mine and will always be my favorite pastime. Now that I am married and have one adorable son, I have the time to write and share my personal experiences with other garden enthusiasts like me.