Asphalt Cleaning Tips: How to Remove Oil Stains from Parking Lots
A clean parking lot says a lot about your business. It says you care about the little things. It gives your customers/clients that extra sense of calm knowing that you will take care of them the same way you take care of your parking lot.
Seems crazy, doesn’t it. Well, it is not far from the truth.
Like the cover of a book, the exterior of your building and your parking lot are what your customers base their first opinions on. I know, I know…don’t judge a book by its cover. Well, guess what? People still do. That is just the way it is. And you only get to make one first impression, so it is important to make it a good one. After all, who wants to lose business because their parking lot is a mess? So if you find an oil stain on your parking surface, act quickly.
Here are 10 unique ways to remove oil stains from asphalt surfaces:
1. Soap and Water: If you come across a fresh oil spot, emulsify it with a mixture of liquid soap and water. This will keep the oil from drying and staining the asphalt. The soap surrounds small droplets of grease and does not allow it to congeal into a solid.
This will not remove the oil all together, but it will make complete stain removal significantly easier.
2. Kitty Litter: First mop up any excess oil. Then cover the oil stain with a bag of kitty litter. Begin stomping on the kitty litter (this will help absorb the oil). Leave the kitty litter out overnight. Then come back the next morning and scoop up the kitty litter and dispose of the waste. Remember, the kitty litter now contains oil, making it a bihazardous material.
Kitty litter is effective method on wet areas, not on established oil stains.
3. Baking Soda: Baking soda is great for absorbing excess oil. Sprinkle baking soda onto the oil stain and scrub with a stiff brush. Allow the baking soda to sit for a half hour and then rinse it away with a hose.
Once again, this method is only effective with fresh oil spills.
4. Coca-Cola: No, not because getting rid of an oil stain works up a thirst! Coke can actually be used to remove oil stains. First, wipe up any excess oil. Next, pour a couple cans worth of coke onto an oil stain and allow the soda to sit overnight. Then clean the area with a clean cloth.
While this is not the MOST effective method to remove oil stains, it is economical. So why not give it a shot before moving on to more expensive solutions.
5. Steam Pressure Washing: The heat of the steam will liquefy the oil as the pressure whisks it away.
This is one of the most effective methods of removing oil stains!
6. Tri-Sodium Phosphate (TSP): This substance can be quite dangerous, so use caution.
First, make a paste using TSP and water. Then scrub the paste onto the oil stain with a scrub brush. Let the paste sit for thirty minutes to absorb the oil and then rinse it away.
7. Laundry Detergent: Sprinkle the powdered laundry detergent onto the stain, add water, scrub with a stiff brush and then let the solution sit for at least 30 minutes. Then, wipe the surface clean!
8. Commercial Degreasers: Commercial degreasers for asphalt surfaces work by breaking down the oil into a bio-degradable substance that is safe for the environment and your driveway.
9. Muriatic Acid: Muriatic acid should be a last resort as it will harm your skin and eyes. Wear protective eyewear and gloves when using this substance.
Mix a mild solution and allow it to sit for about a minute. Then rinse with a pressure washer.
10. Sealcoating: If you come across a stain that seem impossible to remove, asphalt sealer may be your best option. Cover your parking lot with a fresh seal coat and move on.
