It is true that your asphalt driveway may hide those inevitable stains,however, It still is imperative you clean the stain to the best of your ability. This is because stains from any of the fluids from your vehicle (motor oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, brake fluid, gasoline, and household solvents),when soaked up by the asphalt the chemicals interact with the petroleum in the blacktop causing it to weaken and deteriorate. So it is not only important to clean it, but if there is a spill you must try to get it out right away. That way it won’t cause the asphalt to weaken, and the fresher a stain is, the easier it is to remove it. Keep in mind asphalt does require a bit more maintenance than concrete does.
There are several ways you can use to get an oil stain out:
1. Dawn Dish Detergent (you can get it at Wal-mart or your preferred store for approximately $4.00)
Squirt the soap onto the stain and add some water. Using a stiff brush, scrub stain thoroughly. This can be repeated for
the more stubborn stains. Rinse with the garden hose.
2. Cat Litter (approximately $8-$15)
After mopping up any excess oil, lay some cat litter down to absorb the rest. Crush the cat litter into the stain by
stomping the pile with your feet. Leave it on overnight. The next day simply sweep it up and rinse with the garden hose.
3. Powdered Laundry Detergent (approximately $5-$15)
Remove any excess oil with a cloth. Sprinkle detergent on the stain, add some water and using a stiff brush scrub the stain
thoroughly. Let sit for 30 minutes. Repeat for the more stubborn stains. Rinse it off with the garden hose.
4.Coca Cola (approximately $4-$10)
Wipe up any excess oil. Pour a can or two on the stain and let it sit overnight. Clean it off with the garden hose.
5. Baking Soda ($4-$8)
Using a generous amount, pour on oil stain and scrub with a stiff brush. Let it sit for 30 minutes before rinsing off with a
hose. Repeat for the more stubborn stains.
6. WD-40 ($8-$11)
Spray a generous amount on the stain, then rinse with the garden hose.
7. Oven Cleaner ($5-$10)
Spray the stain and scrub the spot with a stiff bristled brush. Then rinse it off on the highest pressure with the garden
hose.
There are several factors to keep in mind as well. Any cleaner you buy you must read the label carefully. Any cleaner you use cannot contain any solvents. Using a cleaner with solvents in it will react to the asphalt and cause further damage. It’s best to use a biodegradable cleaner or regular dish washing soap. If the stain is too heavy, it’s best to use a black seal coat. This coal/tar substance will cover any stain, and coats with a new looking black surface. One last thing to keep in mind is asphalt should be seal coated yearly. Doing this will prolong your asphalt driveway lifespan.
