When you spill oil on your driveway, it can be a big problem. It’s difficult to remove, looks unsightly, and isn’t safe to walk on.
Fortunately, several household products can help get rid of the stain. Most stores can find them in your garage or the cleaning aisle.
WD-40
WD-40 is a lubricant that can remove oil stains from driveways. It has solvent properties that help dissolve the oil and water-displacing properties that can get in between the oil to loosen it up.
Initially created in 1953, a chemist developed the product in a small San Diego lab. He tried 40 times to perfect a water-displacing formula and finally got it right.
WD-40 can be used to remove oil stains from concrete, but it should only be used when there is no other option. It should not be sprayed over flammable materials or in spark plugs.
Oven cleaner
Oven cleaner is an effective way to eliminate oil stains on your driveway. Reader’s Digest says to spray it on the stain and let it settle for 10 minutes. Then, use a stiff bristle brush to scrub it and rinse it off with a hose.
This method works best with fresh spills of oil and transmission fluid, but it can also be used to remove old stains. For older stains, you may need to repeat the process a few times before they disappear entirely.
Another effective oil stain removal technique is to cover the stain with inexpensive cat litter, then crush and grind it into the oil until it absorbs the spill. You can also mix cat litter with paint thinners to create a poultice that breaks down the stain.
Baking soda
Baking soda is a mild alkali that dissolves dirt and grease. It’s a gentle but effective abrasive that can break up oil stains on concrete driveways and other hard surfaces.
If you’ve recently spilled oil on your driveway, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the stain. Let it sit for 30 minutes, then use a scrub brush to remove the stain.
Another effective option for removing oil stains from your driveway is powdered laundry detergent. Sprinkle it on the color, add a bit of water, and gently scrub it with a wire brush. The detergent should break up and remove the oil stain without leaving residue. Repeat as often as needed to altogether remove the oil stain.
Sawdust
Sawdust is an absorbent material that can soak up oil and remove it from your driveway. Mix it with paint thinner until damp, and spread the mixture over the stain. Leave it to soak for 20-30 minutes.
Alternatively, mix dish detergent with water and use a stiff brush to scrub the oil stain. After rinsing, use a garden hose to rinse off the remaining oil.
Sawdust can also be used as a weed killer in gardens. However, it is not recommended to spread it around the base of plants, as it can contain toxic chemicals.
Cola
Oil, fuel, and transmission fluid are all petroleum-based products that can leave stains on your driveway or garage floor. They are hideous and brutal to remove once they’ve settled in, but with vigilance and a few handy household products, you can get rid of these unsightly stains and have a clean driveway again.
Coca-Cola is a standard household cleaner with grease-fighting properties, making it an effective way to remove oil stains from your driveway. Its high acidity works to break down grease and rust.