How to Remove Oil Stains From Your Driveway

Is your driveway covered with oil stains?

Next to cracks, stains are some of the most unsightly things that can be sitting right in front of your home (especially since they will most likely be the first thing people see when they visit).

You don’t have to live with oil stains. You can do something about them — and you should!

First Things First…

Have the cars in your driveway inspected for oil leaks.

Oil stains don’t just appear on the driveway randomly. They’re there because of an oil leak in your car (or lawn mower, snow blower, etc.).

Make sure you have the oil leak fixed by a professional before you attempt to remove any stains from your driveway. Otherwise, you’re going to keep getting stains and all of your cleaning efforts will have gone to waste.

Removing Oil Stains From Your Driveway

Oil stains can set into place rather quickly, so those that have been around for a decent period of time will be extremely hard to remove — but not always impossible.

Apply Some Kitty Litter

You may be reading this and thinking “Really, kitty litter?”

Yes, kitty litter!

This stuff works wonders on cleaning up spills (even antifreeze spills).

• Apply a generous amount of kitty litter to the oil stain, so that it’s completely covered. (Otherwise, you’ll have to repeat this process by adding more kitty litter later.)
• Once applied, allow it to sit for a few hours — although overnight is recommended.
• Once all of the oil has been soaked up by the kitty litter, sweep all of it up into a dustpan and throw the contents into the garbage.
• There still might be a slight stain on the driveway, but don’t panic…

Washing the Stain

• Once all of the oil has been removed, cover the stain with some water.
• Now you will have the option to either cover the stain with baking soda or dish detergent (both are great at removing stains). Whichever one you decide on, cover the stain generously like you did with the kitty litter before.
• Allow the baking soda or detergent to sit for roughly 10 minutes; in the meantime, start boiling some water.
• Once the water comes to a boil, pour it over the affected area of the driveway. Wait a minute to allow the water to cool off a bit (so you don’t burn yourself) and then begin scrubbing the stain with a hard-bristled brush.
• Repeat this step until the stain has disappeared — or has significantly lightened if it’s an older one that’s already been set.

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A driveway filled with oil stains and cracks is one that will seriously bring down your home’s curb appeal. If yours looks like the floor of an auto repair shop, then it’s time to make a change!

All you have to do is make one small call, and we’ll have it done before you know it!