Picture this: a wonderfully designed modern home and a beautifully maintained garage. The only problem is that the driveway leading to the garage has a nasty oil stain right smack in the middle.
The most common stains that you often find in the driveway are due to gas or oil leaking from vehicles. These stains can be cleaned with the help of simple household cleaners and tools. Alternatively, you can call companies or individuals offering expert cleaning services for driveways to save you time and effort. These professionals have power tools and cleaning solutions that will clean driveways in no time at all.
For smaller, simpler cleaning tasks, here are a few things you can try.
Soda Soak
Many stains on the driveway, especially those caused by oil leaks, are very hard to remove immediately. For simple stains that are still fresh or new, pour a can of soda and allow it to soak on the stain overnight. The next day, use a laundry detergent diluted in water then give it a good scrubbing. Rinse thoroughly with water, and you will see that most of the oil stain has been removed.
Boiling Water
Boiling water is another effective alternative to remove gas stains. Pour boiling water over the stain and let stand for a few minutes. You can then scrub the spot with detergent and rinse with regular tap water. You will see that the gas stain will be quickly removed.
Trisodium Phosphate
Trisodium Phosphate or TSP is an amazing cleaning agent. It is used to clean roofs and is a must for heavy duty cleaning. You can buy TSP at any hardware supplier near you. Be cautious though; TSP is both a powerful cleaning and dangerous product. Be sure to wear protective gear like goggles and gloves when handling this substance.
You can apply TSP on the stained area and then scrub it thoroughly using a hard-bristled brush. Rinse with water immediately. Dispose of any leftover TSP properly or keep it in a secure place away from children.
Power Washer
Power washers are perfect for keeping driveways spic and span. These special washers use approximately 2,000 pounds per square inch of water pressure. It is effective in cleaning pavements, processing plants, abattoirs and factories. A distance of about 5 to 6 inches is enough to clean a stained driveway. Make sure you apply the right height or space when cleaning the driveway to avoid damaging your concrete or tiles.
Power washers require skill and expertise to operate. It can also be costly. If you are going to buy a power washer for the sole purpose of cleaning your garage or driveway, it may not be a worthwhile use of your money.
Regularly cleaning your driveway will ensure that there are no gas or oil stains left on the pavement. The cleaning tips and methods mentioned here may not always work. Deep-seated stains and oil leaks may require more advanced cleaning methods and equipment to remove. For stubborn stains, call a reputable driveway cleaning services company to do the heavy lifting for you.