Many types of fluids can leave oil stains on asphalt driveways. Most of them are difficult to avoid. Knowing the kind of oil stain on your driveway can help you determine how to remove it.
This article will cover the most common fluids that can stain asphalt. We will be focusing on the transmission fluid and how to remove it from asphalt driveways.
Common Fluids That Can Ruin Your Asphalt Driveway
Gasoline
If you notice a gasoline stain on your driveway, you should immediately take your vehicle to the repair shop. When filling up your lawnmower or another gas-powered car, be careful not to spill. It’s essential to dispose of gasoline as soon as possible because it is very flammable.
Rock Salt and Ice Melt Products
Once snow removal salt has been used and saved you from a slip on the ice last winter, it will likely leave stains on asphalt because it melts the snow and ice, and water drains away.
Motor Oil
Leakage of engine oil from any vehicle is quite common and should be addressed immediately. Although you can easily remove oil from asphalt driveways, it can cause severe damage to your home and floors if it is tracked onto carpets and flooring.
Transmission Fluid
Transmission fluid can stain your driveway. Transmission fluid usually drips from the center of your truck or car and is typically red. Transmission fluid becomes more challenging to remove the longer it rests on asphalt.
How to Remove Transmission Fluid from a Driveway
Asphalt driveways, also called “blacktop” driveways, can absorb oil spillages and other fluids from vehicles. An oil-based lubricant, automatic transmission fluid, is dangerous for your asphalt driveway. As with any oil-based stain, you remove this mixture of oil and other chemical compounds from the asphalt. It would take more than plain water and soap.
Asphalt oil leaks can appear as shiny, slick spots, and transmission fluid leaks and spillages can leave a red stain on asphalt. You can use this DIY remedy to fix these oil stains.
Absorb Any Oil That Remains on Asphalt Driveways
The wearing of protective gloves and goggles is recommended. If you can catch the stain before it gets too bad, add some cornmeal, baking soda, cornmeal, or cornstarch to it. It will absorb most oily liquids and make them less likely to penetrate asphalt surfaces. It will also make driveway cleanup easier. Remove and discard the material after spraying it with transmission oil.
Spray And Let It Dry with Oven Cleaner
After you soak up all the transmission fluid, an oven cleaner is your secret weapon to treat any remaining stains. It’s a common household solvent that can also be used as a degreaser. Let the cleaner dry for 10 minutes before covering the entire stain.
Brush and Wash the Stained Area
If the stain is already dry, you can wet it with water. Then scrub the area with a stiff brush, using a paste mixture of baking soda and water. You can then rinse the stain with a high-pressure hose. Make sure you use enough water to dilute the oven cleaner. Allow it to air dry.
Repeat the Process If Needed
Continue to repeat the process until the stain is gone completely. Repeating this process will ensure that oil stains disappear entirely.
You can also try a commercial solution to remove these stains. Both online and auto supply stores sell oil stain removal products for asphalt. They target fluids like engine oil, brake fluid, antifreeze, or transmission fluid.
Some commercial products work just like the oven cleaner trick and require an application and a rinse. Others go on as liquids and absorb the stain, turning it into powder. Simply brush off the powder and throw it away once it has turned into powder.
Although they are more potent than oven cleaners and can remove long-lasting stains more effectively, absorbent oil stain removal products take much longer to work than just a few minutes. There are many brands to choose from, so make sure you thoroughly review the instructions before applying.
A-Rock Asphalt Services is one of the leading names in asphalt installation and maintenance services. We provide quality customer service to ensure that we can restore your asphalt driveway to brand new. If you have some problems with your asphalt driveway due to oil stains, we are here to help you. We also provide tips and tricks on how to take care of your asphalt. Contact us now to learn more.