How to Clean Oil Off Asphalt: Tips and Tricks

If you’re reading this, you’ve probably had your share of “oh no!” moments when it comes to your asphalt driveway. It’s as if one minute you’re admiring your clean, sleek pavement and the next… boom! An oil spill. Now, that once neat driveway has taken on a different look, dotted with unsightly stains that just don’t want to leave. Sound familiar?

My husband is a very big fan of fixer-upper trucks which means we deal with this issue a little too often. 

But don’t worry! Just like a splash of spaghetti sauce on your favorite shirt, these stubborn stains don’t have to be permanent. I’ve got some fantastic tips to share on the best way to clean oil stains off your asphalt driveway. So, buckle up and let’s tackle this issue together, mama to mama. After all, a clean driveway is only a few steps away. Let’s get that asphalt looking as good as new again!

How to Clean Oil Off Asphalt:

Absorbing Excess Oil

Alright, lady, let’s dive right in! Picture this: You’re in the kitchen, just pulled a piping hot lasagna out of the oven, and bam! A dollop of that cheesy goodness lands right on your kitchen floor. What’s the first thing you do? You clean it up, right? The same principle applies when you’re dealing with an oil spill on your driveway.

Soak It Up: The Quick Fix for Fresh Spills

When you first notice an oil spill, the best course of action is to grab some absorbent material and soak up that excess oil. 

And yes, I can hear you now: “But where do I find absorbent material?” Well, the good news is, your local hardware store should have plenty of commercial products designed for this exact purpose. They’re pretty handy, especially if you’re dealing with larger spills.

Common Household Items to the Rescue

But, hey, we’re moms—we know all about making do, right? So if you’re in a pinch and can’t make a quick hardware store run, guess what? You’ve got options right at home.

Did you know that common household products like kitty litter, baking soda, or even clay cat litter are surprisingly good at absorbing fresh oil spills? It’s like the time you discovered baby powder could lift that grease stain right out of your favorite blouse—pure magic! Just sprinkle a generous amount over the spill, let it sit for a bit (think of it as a time-out for that naughty oil spill), then sweep it up. Voila!

Using Household Cleaners: The Best Option for Fresh Oil Stains

Okay, mama, it’s time to put those trusty household staples to good use. Think of this step as giving your driveway a bubble bath. You know, like the ones you used to clean up the little rascals after they’ve had a field day in the mud. Only this time, we’re tackling fresh oil stains.

Soap and Water

Now, what’s one thing you reach for when cleaning just about anything in your house? That’s right, good old dish soap. It’s not just for greasy pots and pans. It can be a real lifesaver when it comes to fresh stains on your asphalt driveway too.

Just like the magic you make when tackling dirty dishes, mix some dish soap with hot water. This mixture of liquid soap can work wonders on a fresh oil stain. It’s like how that soapy water lifts the grime off your dishes; it works similarly to lift that stubborn oil off your driveway.

The Power of Elbow Grease

Now, here’s where we bring in a little bit of muscle. Grab a stiff brush or a nylon scrub brush. These are like your trusty scrubbing brushes that you use to clean off stubborn grime in the bathtub, only this time, they’re hitting the pavement.

Scrub the stained area in a circular motion, just like how you would clean a stubborn stain on your bathroom floor. And if it feels like a bit of a workout, well, that’s just a bonus!

Rinsing and Repeating

After you’ve given your driveway a good scrubbing, it’s time for the rinse cycle. Using your garden hose, rinse the area thoroughly. Remember how you use powdered laundry detergent for those stubborn clothes stains? It’s kind of the same idea here, especially for fresh oil spots.

And here’s a pro tip, mama: If the stain’s still there, don’t sweat it. Just like with those pesky grass stains on your kids’ jeans, you might need to repeat the process a couple of times. But hey, persistence is our middle name, right?

Commercial Cleaners: Your Go-to for Stubborn Stains

So, you’ve tried the home remedies and maybe they’ve worked pretty well, but what about those really nasty stains that just won’t budge? You know, the ones that are as stubborn as a two-year-old refusing to eat their veggies? Well, for those stubborn stains, it’s time to bring in the big guns.

Oven Cleaner

When you’re dealing with a particularly stubborn stain, it’s kind of like when you’re tackling that burnt casserole residue on your oven floor—you need something a little more powerful. An oven cleaner can work wonders on stubborn oil stains, believe it or not.

Concrete Cleaner

You could also try a commercial concrete cleaner, especially if you’ve got some spots on a concrete driveway too. These products are designed to tackle tough stains and they can certainly handle some stubborn oil spots.

Oil Stain Removers

And then, of course, there’s the dedicated oil stain removal product. It’s like the superhero of cleaning supplies when it comes to banishing those stubborn stains from your driveway.

Safety First

Remember though, just like when you’re using bleach or other strong cleaners, it’s important to use these products safely. Always follow the instructions on the label, wear gloves, and keep the kids and pets away while you work. It’s all about keeping everyone safe while you get your clean driveway back!

Unconventional Methods: 

Coke and Snow Removal Salt

I bet you never thought you’d be cleaning your driveway with the same stuff you use for a weekend BBQ treat or to keep your walkway ice-free in winter, did you? A can of Coke or snow removal salt can do more than you think!

Coke isn’t just a tasty treat, it can help break down oil stains. And snow removal salt? It can help absorb that nasty oil. Who knew?

Clean Driveways Ahead!

And there you have it, mama! Just like the journey of raising our little ones, tackling oil stains can be a bit messy, a little challenging, but oh so rewarding in the end. From kitty litter to a can of Coke, and even the mighty power washer, we’ve covered all the tips, tricks, and trade secrets to banish those unsightly stains. Remember, patience and persistence are your best friends here, just like in parenting. Now, go forth, roll up those sleeves, and reclaim that beautiful, clean driveway. You’ve got this!