Maintaining your home is more than simply completing repairs on time. Home maintenance also includes maintaining your home’s curb appeal. When your home’s appearance is allowed to slip, it can easily start to affect the value of your home and your attitude toward it.
Keeping concrete clean and attractive is an important way you can maintain your home’s curb appeal. This quick guide will provide you with information on how to clean oil stains from your concrete surfaces.
Oils That Cause Stains
Different types of fluids can cause oil stains. Unfortunately, many of these liquids often find their way onto your concrete. The type of oil stain you are dealing with will determine how to best remove the stain.
Gasoline – Gasoline stains on driveways is a sign that your vehicle may have a fuel leak. Unless you remember spilling gasoline on your driveway, be sure to have your vehicle evaluated by a mechanic as soon as possible. Not only will gasoline stain your concrete, but it is also flammable.
Transmission fluid – If this type of fluid is leaking onto your driveway, you should definitely plan a trip to the auto shop. Transmission fluid is difficult to remove if it is allowed to remain on concrete for too long.
Rock salt or ice melting products – When rock salt or ice melt products are used on your driveway, it can cause staining.
Motor Oil – Motor oil leaks are common but should be cleaned up quickly to prevent long-standing staining.
How To Clean Concrete
If you are faced with oil-stained concrete, it is important to know how to clean the area properly so that you will not deal with permanent, unsightly staining. Luckily, there are lots of easy ways to remove an oil spot from your concrete.
You should try to avoid using environmentally harmful or harsh chemicals to clean your driveway. These can contaminate groundwater as well as cause a dangerous situation for pets.
Apply absorbents – Absorbents can often be used to dry up and clean up oil spills that are still wet. You can apply cat litter on concrete to quickly dry up most oil spills. The kitty litter may need to stay on the spot overnight.
Sweep up absorbent – After the cat litter has been left to dry, you can sweep it up.
Scrub – Next, you will want to scrub up the oil-stained concrete area with a hard-bristled brush and detergent.
Rinse – Rinse the area thoroughly after scrubbing.
Baking soda – You can now apply baking soda to the area. This step will lift any remaining moisture that may still be lurking in the spot. You should sprinkle a thick layer of baking soda and allow it to soak in for thirty minutes. Repeat the previous steps for scrubbing and rinsing. You may need to repeat these steps to get the spot completely cleaned.