Owning a vehicle has its advantages, but that comes with a series of responsibilities. Not only do you need to take care of its repair and maintenance but also make sure that the driveway it runs on stays in a good state.
If you have been looking for effective ways to get rid of oil strains, here is a step-by-step guide from Premier Paving, a leading company that provides residential and commercial paving, and snow removal services in Annapolis, Pasadena, Arnold, Baltimore, Columbia, Bowie, Millersville, Eastern Shore, and surrounding area.
Step#1: Absorb Excess Oil
Removal of excessive oil from the surface of an asphalt driveway is an effective cleaning strategy. It stops the oily or greasy substance from penetrating deep into the driveway materials. There are selected reusable and disposal absorbent materials that we found effective for cleaning asphalt driveway in Annapolis, Baltimore & Bowie, and other areas. Cotton, kapok, cattail, and sawdust are some of those affordable and easily available natural absorbent fibers that you can find at home or online. They quickly absorb any excessive oil from the driveway.
Step#2: Scrub Stain
After the removal of spilled oil or grease from the driveway surface, prepare a solution of baking soda and water and spread it over the surface and scrub it. The solution dissolves the dirt and grease, which you can wash away easily. We recommend using a scrubber machine for asphalt driveway in Annapolis, Baltimore, Bowie, or other areas. It has a scrubber.
Step#3: Lather and Rinse
Driveway contractors in Annapolis and nearby areas often recommend using a solution prepared from dish soap or detergent in normal or lukewarm water. The solution obtained so has a strong hydrophobic (water-insoluble) part, such as a fatty acid or a rather long chain carbon group that attracts the dirt or grease and helps with cleaning.
Step#4: Bleach
Some stubborn oil stains do not leave the asphalt driveway in Annapolis, asphalt driveway in Baltimore, or asphalt driveway in Bowie easily as per our experience. Those need effective treatment using bleaching powder, which is chemically calcium hypochlorite. But to prepare its solution you should be careful about your skin. Use rubber gloves to handle the powder and solution. Pour it over the driveway and leave it for an hour or two or overnight, depending upon the strains. Use a brush to wash it away.
Prevention Tips
Prevention is better than cure. Reducing or eliminating the oil leakage problem at an early stage pays off in a big way. It safeguards your vehicles, cuts down its maintenance cost, and minimizes oil strains on your driveway. Proper, regular maintenance of the engine components and routine oil changes can be helpful. Make sure the oil filter, oil drain plug, oil filler cap and valve gasket are in the right condition. Replace any of the faulty components without any delay.