It can be difficult to clean up after a spill on an asphalt surface.A dark stain can be left if it is left to sit.The oil can prevent the paint from bonding with the asphalt if you decide to paint or seal it later on.Whether it's been sitting for a while or just happened, there are a number of ways you can treat it.
Step 1: Place cat litter in the area.
Ultra-absorbent cat litter can remove a lot of the fluid from the asphalt.This works best on a fresh spill, but it can be an effective first step at treating the fluid that has soaked in.You can use another absorbent material if you prefer.
Step 2: You can spread the litter over the stain with a push broom.
Spread the cat litter evenly, and try to push it into the oil as much as you can.The smaller the litter, the more effective it will be.Use the soles of your shoes to grind the cat litter.
Step 3: The cat litter should be left overnight.
You want to give the litter plenty of time to absorb the oil, so resist the temptation to remove it too soon.If you can't wait overnight, give it at least 4-5 hours.
Step 4: It is a good idea to sweep up the litter and dispose of it safely.
If you want to dispose of cat litter in a safe place, use a stiff-bristled broom to sweep it onto newspaper or into a dustpan.It's the best way to dispose of it.Don't put used litter in your yard.The oil will get washed out when it rains.
Step 5: Liquid detergent can be used if there's a stain left.
Put liquid detergent over the greasy spot and scrub it with a stiff-bristled brush.When you're done, wash the area with hot water.You could spread a thick paste made from baking soda and water over the stain and rinse it away.You may need to try another method if the stain is still obvious.
Step 6: If you have excess oil, clean it.
If the spill is fresh, you need to absorb the oil from the driveway before you do anything else.If it's a small stain, you can use absorbent pads.If you want to absorb the excess oil, you can spread sawdust or clay over the area.
Step 7: Put a bottle of cola on the oil spill.
The soda can help break up the fluid.The oil can be forced out of the crevices in your asphalt by the fizzing action.
Step 8: Use a bristle broom or scrub brush to get the cola in the area.
You want to mix the two materials as much as possible, so force the brush down into the asphalt, working in a circular motion.This will increase the effectiveness of the cola.
Step 9: The cola should be left on for 20 minutes until it stops making noise.
Cola will no longer be effective once it becomes flat.You have to clean it up if you don't let it dry.
Step 10: The area should be cleansed with water.
Turn the hose to the highest pressure you can.Let it dry after spraying the area.If you don't have a hose, you can dump water onto the stain.
Step 11: If there are stains left, apply bleach, detergent, and hot water.
After you wash the cola, it can leave a greyish spot.Pour a mixture of bleach, detergent, and hot water onto the area if it does.Continue pouring hot water until the stain is gone.Make sure the detergent is free of ammonia.A very dangerous gas can be created by mixing ammonia and bleach.
Step 12: If there is excess oil, absorb it with sawdust or cat litter.
If the spill is recent, sprinkle an absorbent material over the fluid.The bulk of the oil will be absorbed by this.When you're done, take the oil to the landfill.
Step 13: The affected area can be sprayed with an oven cleaner.
The oven cleaner is made to tackle the toughest jobs.Make sure to saturate the stain and spray the cleaner all the way to the edges.You don't have to worry about rinsing harmful chemicals into your lawn if you choose a biodegradable product.
Step 14: It will take about 30 minutes.
The cleaner will have plenty of time to eat into the fluid, dissolving the oils deep in the porous surface of the asphalt.Wear protective gloves or a mask if it's recommended and follow all safety directions on the packaging.Children and pets should be kept away from the area when the cleaner is present.
Step 15: The cleaner needs to be washed away with water.
Once the 30 minutes are up, turn the spray nozzle on your hose as high as you can and wash away the cleaner.You should notice an improvement in the appearance of the oil stain.If you don't have a hose, pour buckets of water onto the area until you rinse off all of the cleaner.