Closeup floor priming process with sun light. Worker use primer on concrete floor before leveling, strengthening surface.
Exposed Aggregate Concrete Maintenance Tips
January 11, 2024
Closeup floor priming process with sun light. Worker use primer on concrete floor before leveling, strengthening surface.

How to Remove Oil Stains from Your Melbourne Driveway

Removing oil stains from your Melbourne driveway sure isn’t the best time for any driveway owner. Seems like it’s something we all run into now and then (and even more if you’re a bit accident-prone). Doesn’t really matter if it’s just a tiny drop from your car or a huge mess, these stains are a real eyesore and a pain to clean up.

So, we thought, “Why not put together a handy guide for everyone? Because let’s face it, oil stains don’t make any driveway look good.” We’re going to share some simple tips, a bunch of stuff we’ve tried and found works, and the best ways to get rid of those stains for good.

Let’s dive in and figure out which methods are winners and which ones you’re better off skipping.

The Stubborn Oil Stain

Why They’re Such a Headache

Oil stains are like that one guest who just won’t leave your party. They stick around, sinking deep into your driveway’s surface and leaving a mark that’s tough to ignore. In Melbourne, where our driveways get a lot of action, these stains aren’t just ugly spots. They can mess up the surface quality over time and getting to know what makes these stains so clingy is key to getting rid of them.

Melbourne’s Stain Situation

Our awesome Melbourne isn’t just known for its killer coffee and vibrant culture. Our weather’s a bit of a rollercoaster, right? From boiling hot summers to those drenching winters, it all affects how oil acts on our driveways. Add in the frequent coming and going of cars, and it’s no surprise oil stains are a regular headache for many of us living here.

Tried and Tested Methods

DIY Tricks That Actually Work

First, let’s talk about some home remedy heroes – cat litter and baking soda. These guys are superstars at sucking up fresh oil, especially if you give them a whole night to do their thing. 

Next up, good old dish soap, something we’ve all got in our Melbourne kitchens. It’s like a superhero against grease, making it a top choice for fighting those stubborn oil stains. This wasn’t overheard from someone drunk in a bar, these ACTUALLY WORK.

When It’s Time for the Big Guns

Though sometimes, those nasty stains just won’t budge, and that’s when commercial degreasers step in. You can find a bunch of these tough stain fighters at any local hardware store in Melbourne. If you’re worried about the planet, eco-friendly degreasers are your go-to. 

They get the job done without being harsh on your driveway or the environment. Just remember to read those instructions carefully, and don’t be shy to give it another go if the first round doesn’t cut it.

What to Avoid

But hey, not all methods are winners. Heavy-duty solvents like acetone might draw out the oil, but they can also do a number on your driveway. And Muriatic Acid (Hydrochloric Acid)? Sure, some folks use it, but it’s pretty dangerous stuff and needs a lot of care. Think of these options as your last line of defence, and only go there if you really understand what you’re dealing with.

Work with a pneumatic orbital machine in a hand in a white glove on a dark putty surface

Your How-To Guide for Your Melbourne Driveway

1. Getting Ready to Clean

First things first, you have to prep the area. Get rid of any loose dirt or debris hanging around the stain. If the oil’s still fresh, blot it up with some old rags or paper towels but be careful not to spread it around. And hey, don’t forget to wear gloves for safety and be kind to the environment when you’re tossing out the used stuff.

2. Soaking Up That Oil

If you’ve had a nice talk with other homeowners, you know that absorbent materials are your first move. We’re talking cat litter, baking soda, or even powdered cement for those new stains. Pile it on thick over the stain and let it sit for a few hours, or better yet, overnight. This gives it time to soak up as much oil as possible. Once it’s done its thing, sweep or vacuum it up. 

Quick Tip: The faster you jump on an oil spill, the easier it’ll be to clean up.

3. Time for the Degreaser

Got the oil soaked up? Great, now let’s deal with what’s left. An eco-friendly degreaser is a solid choice for being effective and earth-friendly. Slather it all over the stain so it really gets in there. If you’re dealing with a really stubborn or old stain, you might need a tougher degreaser. Just make sure to follow what the bottle says about how long to leave it on.

4. Scrub-a-dub-dub

With the degreaser on, it’s time to scrub. Grab a brush with stiff bristles and get to work. This is where you really need to put some muscle into it to break down and lift off the oil. If the stain’s big or really stuck on there, you might want to use a pressure washer. Just be careful with the pressure settings so you don’t damage your driveway.

5. Rinse and Maybe Repeat

After you’ve given it a good scrub, rinse off the area with water. If the stain’s still hanging around, you might have to do the degreasing and scrubbing dance again. Sometimes it takes a few tries to completely get rid of the stain, especially if it’s been there for a bit.

6. Taking Care After Cleaning

Once you’ve kicked that oil stain to the curb, think about resealing your driveway. It can help keep future stains from sinking in and makes cleaning up easier. Keep on top of new spills and give your driveway a regular clean to keep it looking sharp.

electrician and general worker washing the industrial site concrete

Tailored Tips for Different Driveway Types

Concrete Driveways

Concrete driveways are prime choices and pretty common around Melbourne, but they need a bit of TLC. Sure, degreasers do a great job, but make sure they’re eco-friendly to avoid any damage to the concrete. A good scrub and sometimes a pressure washer can work wonders, especially if you catch the stain early.

Asphalt and Other Driveways

Now, asphalt driveways are a different story. They’re a bit more sensitive, so you gotta be careful with harsh chemicals. Absorbents like cat litter or powdered cement are great for soaking up oil. 

If the stain’s deep, a gentle degreaser and some good old-fashioned scrubbing will do the trick. Just remember to think about what your driveway’s made of before you start, so you don’t end up doing more harm than good.

Oil-stained floor. A professional man cleans the garbage room floor, with a professional scrubber.

Final Words

Maintaining exposed aggregate concrete involves regular care, including cleaning, timely sealing, and addressing wear or damage promptly. Proper maintenance ensures that your exposed aggregate surfaces remain functional and visually appealing. It’s not an easy feat all the time but if you can maintain it, you can be sure to enjoy its beauty for the next decades to come.

Jason Halilovic

Hey there, I'm Jason Halilovic, your go-to guy for all things concrete. With over 20 years in the business, I've dedicated my life to crafting durable and stunning concrete spaces. I treat every project like it's for my own home, ensuring you get nothing but the best. Let's create something beautiful together!

Jason Halilovic
Jason Halilovic
Hey there, I'm Jason Halilovic, your go-to guy for all things concrete. With over 20 years in the business, I've dedicated my life to crafting durable and stunning concrete spaces. I treat every project like it's for my own home, ensuring you get nothing but the best. Let's create something beautiful together!

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