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  • Jul 26, 2005, 08:41 PM
    0pera
    Oil on asphalt driveway
    Can anyone tell me how to remove oil of a leaky car from my asphalt driveway?
  • Jul 27, 2005, 10:24 AM
    kp2171
    Here is a reply I found to the same question:

    Without knowing what material you are trying to clean off the asphalt, it is kind of hard to tell you what chemical to use. But remember, most of the chemicals we all use in this business are designed to break down the same things that are used to bond asphalt together. So a strong degreaser is going to cause more damage than do anything good. Your chemical supplier will best help you here.

    We usually clean with warm water and about 1,800 psi. The most common problem on these types of driveways are oil leaking from cars. I usually try to sell my customers on a clean and seal job. Sealing is very easy here and it makes the driveway look brand new again.
  • Sep 1, 2007, 02:30 PM
    tommysgirl
    Here's a bunch that I just got for the same question... hope they help
    I'd mix a mild batch of any of the Oxi cleaners.
    Put it directly on the stain and work in in (not necessarily a lather) and after it's soaked a while, a few minutes or so, rinse with a hose.
    Inspect your progress and, if you need to, do it again.

    If it's your car, after you're done have an auto tech look for and repair the oil leaks.
    This one is courtesy of "CaptainRich"
    Try the first suggestion, then work your way down the list as necessary. Whatever you do, don't procrastinate. Bare concrete floors are porous and permanently stain if oil, grease and dirt are not removed quickly. End each remedy by hosing down and air-drying the treated area.
    Instructions
    Difficulty: Moderate
    Steps
    Step One
    Pour cola on the oily or dry stained areas, and leave the cola on overnight. Squirt a generous amount of dishwashing liquid into a bucket until you have a good lather. Rinse with the soapy water, then with a garden hose.

    Step Two
    Sprinkle baking soda or an absorbent powder such as cornmeal or sawdust on the oily spots. If the stain is dry, wet it first to make a scouring paste. Scrub with a stiff brush or push broom.

    Step Three
    Sprinkle automatic dishwasher detergent on the oily concrete. Leave it for several minutes, then pour boiling water on the stained area. Scrub with a stiff brush or push broom, then rinse.

    Step Four
    Try a commercial concrete cleaner such as Garage and Driveway Cleaner by Red Devil Co. or a grease solvent such as Benzine. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.

    Step Five
    Sprinkle trisodium phosphate (TSP) on the oily concrete. If the stain is dry, wet it first. Let it stand for 30 minutes. Scrub using a stiff broom. TSP is a dangerous product; if you must use it, wear rubber or latex gloves, safety goggles and protective clothing. Also, never wash a TSP product down storm drains.

    Step Six
    As a last resort, combat tough spills with muriatic acid and a pressure washer. Apply the acid following the manufacturer's directions, and let it soak for several seconds. Follow with a pressure washer set at 2,500 to 3,000 lbs. per square inch (psi), or 176 to 211 kg per square cm. Like TSP, muriatic acid is a dangerous product; likewise, if you must use it, wear rubber or latex gloves, safety goggles and protective clothing, and never wash such a product down storm drains.

    Step Seven
    After trying any of the strategies above, sprinkle baking soda over the cleaned area to neutralize the solution you've used.

    Overall Tips & Warnings
    Place cardboard under an oil drop or lawn mower to catch stains before they happen.
    Seal concrete to prevent staining. See How to Seal a Garage Floor.
    Get that leaky car fixed!
    Grease solvents are flammable, so make sure you have excellent ventilation and avoid spark and flame.

    Overall Things You'll Need
    Muriatic acid (available at a hardware or janitorial supply store)
    Stiff Brush Or Push Broom
    Garden Hose
    Plastic Bucket
    Commercial Concrete Cleaner Or Grease Solvent
    Cola
    Safety Goggles
    Automatic Dishwasher Detergent
    Rubber Or Latex Gloves
    Dishwashing Liquid
    Pressure washer (to rent one, look under Pressure Washing Equipment in the yellow pages)
    Baking soda, cornmeal or sawdust
    TSP
    The last one is courtesy of "firmbeliever"
    I hope they help, I have the same problem

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