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Can Oil Stains Be Removed from Asphalt Driveways?

Wondering if those unsightly oil stains can be removed from your asphalt driveway? The experts at Epic Paving are here to tell you: they can! And the good news is, stains can be removed without needing a professional. In this article we will share several effective methods to help you break up or remove the oil using common household items. 

Tips To Remove Stains

Fresh oil stain? Check your cupboards! If you’ve got Dawn Dish Soap, clay-based cat litter, a can of Coca-Cola, baking soda, or WD-40 lying around…then you’re in luck! All of these items can help break down or absorb the oil before it settles into the asphalt. Simply apply the substance, let it sit, scrub with a bristle brush, then rinse with a hose! 

Side note: Coca-cola and cat litter should sit overnight before rinsing. It is also VITAL to absorb the excess oil with a mop or cloth before applying these items to the stain.

Having a hard time? Tough stains may require more than one application. You can also try any number of the above combinations. Just make sure not to try them at the same time. Some chemicals simply don’t mix!

How Does It Work?

So how do these products work to remove oil stains from asphalt? Granular clay and cat little will absorb the oil, while baking soda’s mildly abrasive properties will break up the oil. Since “like removes like” low-viscosity spray oils, like WD-40, will also be effective. However, many of these items, such as oven cleaner, are toxic. Luckily green degreasers are available on the market, which utilize alcohol ethoxylates to remove the oil.

Older stains will be slightly tougher to remove, but can still be done. You can use a pressure washer of at least 3,000 PSI to effectively remove the oil. However, the pressure washer should be used cautiously to avoid breaking up the asphalt. You can also hire a professional pressure washer, who will use a flat surface cleaning head that removes the stain without harming your driveway.

We hope you’ve found these techniques useful for removing oil stains from your asphalt driveway! Have more paving questions? Contact our qualified team of professionals today at 416­-701-1881 or info@epicpaving.ca.

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    Peter Christensen
    Peter Christensen
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    Epic Paving completed the installation of a concrete pad with bollards, including paving and curb repairs. The end result was great. The focus on making a finished product to meet full customer satisfaction was very evident. A great job completed by Epic Paving & Contracting. They left the site clean and exceeded my expectations. Thank you!
    Max Rivshin
    Max Rivshin
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    This is very good and reliable company. Working with them for over four years and love both attitude, quality and service. Way to go!!! Great job!
    Black and Yellow Pavement Inc
    Black and Yellow Pavement Inc
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    We have been working with Epic Paving for just about 5 years now. They are our number one choice for asphalt paving. Francesca and Manousos are extremely helpful, knowledgable, and very easy to work with. The job quality is always top notch and and delivered on time. I would highly recommend their services to anyone seeking asphalt paving and construction.
    BS_Shees Gaming
    BS_Shees Gaming
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    Morris is a hard working guy. They have done my driveway and so professional. Driveway looks like salavator so handsome nice and clean. Recommended 10/10 Amazing staff.
    Maria Rozents
    Maria Rozents
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    Working with this company on a regular basis over two years. Always professional service and exceptional quality of work.
    Shawn Michael
    Shawn Michael
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    Great company the best thing about those guys are safety , great environment . Morris and Givione is a cool and friendly guy.
    Susan Calamatta
    Susan Calamatta
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    Anthony did my driveway and pathway. His crew did an exceptional job. They price is fair. I highly recommend them.
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