Quick and easy guide to remove grease from driveways
Got oil or grease stains on your driveway? Everybody knows they’re a huge pain to remove, but don’t worry! With this step-by-step guide, you can get rid of those pesky stains fast and easily. Find out the top-secret tips for achieving a long-lasting, pristine clean!
Sweep away the loose debris
Start by sweeping away any loose debris or dirt from the affected area of the driveway. This will help prevent more dirt and dust from being picked up by your cleaning products. Be careful not to spread the grease to other parts of the driveway, as this can make it harder to remove later on. If you have a small amount of grease on your driveway, you can use a soft-bristle broom to sweep it up. If you have a larger amount of grease (or if the dirt is really dry), you'll need to use a garden hose with a spray nozzle attached to it.
Blot up any remaining grease with a rag
Take a damp cloth and press it down on the grease stains. Apply pressure to absorb any remaining grease, and repeat until the stain is no longer visible. Be sure to rinse the rag frequently to avoid spreading the grease around your driveway. Depending on how large the stain is, you may need to allow part of it to air dry before moving on to the next step.
Apply a baking Soda and dish detergent mixture
Combine one tablespoon of baking soda and a few drops of dish detergent to make a paste. Use a soft scrubber brush to apply the paste to the affected area, adding more water if necessary. Let this mixture rest for 15-20 minutes before rinsing it off with warm water. Make sure all remains are washed away - you may need to use a pressure washer or a garden hose. If any excess grease is still present, repeat steps 1 and 2 until satisfied with the results. These tips are also amazing to work for a commercial walkway.
Apply hydrogen peroxide
When you’re dealing with greasy stains, try applying hydrogen peroxide. It will break down the grease and neutralize it. Just spray it on the area, let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse it off with water.
Pray down the area with a foam sprayer
A foam sprayer is an ideal tool for removing grease from driveways and other hard surfaces. It's also a great alternative to traditional chemical-based cleaners.
Combine baking soda with vinegar
Baking soda, which is one of the best natural cleaners and stain removers, can be used to remove grease stains from driveways and concrete. Mix equal parts baking soda and vinegar (1 tablespoon baking soda, 1/4 cup vinegar). Apply this mixture to the stain using a rag or sponge to scrub away any excess grease. Rinse away with water when done.
Salt and sand
Adding salt and sand together will help break down the grease and make it easier to remove. Mix about 2 cups of salt and 1 cup of sand into a bucket of warm water. Add more water as necessary to get the right consistency (not too wet). Use a toothbrush or shovel to scrub away any remaining grease or dirt from your driveway. Then use a stiff brush to scrub off any residue left behind by the salt/sand mixture.
Spray vinegar on stubborn areas
If the grease is particularly stubborn and won’t come off, it is time to try a more powerful method. Vinegar is a great solution for oily substances that won’t come off with simple scrubbing alone. Spray straight white vinegar onto the affected area, then give it a few minutes to work. These are amazing hacks for your regular house cleaning. Once it has had some time to break down the grease, scrub it off using a brush or cloth and rinse the residue with warm water from your garden hose or pressure washer.
Mix lemon juice with dish soap and water
Mix 1 tablespoon lemon juice with enough dish soap (dish soap is sold in bulk) to create a paste-like consistency that you can apply directly to the stain on your driveway or flooring in your garage or basement after cleaning up any other spills or messes first! Let it soak into the grease before rinsing away cleanly with plenty of water afterward!
Treat Your Driveway with a Pressure Washer or Steam Cleaner for the Best Results
Using pressure washing or steam cleaning will help to loosen stubborn grease and oil stains from your driveway. They are more powerful than garden hoses so they can penetrate deeper into the concrete to remove more of the stain. Avoid using a high-pressure nozzle when steam-cleaning, as this could damage your driveway’s surface. The best way is to use an attachment that allows you to regulate the pressure and water flow.
Fortunately, the above solutions are an easy and efficient way to remove grease without resorting to extreme measures. This is simply a matter of applying the right cleaning substance correctly. Sounds easy right? Well, it is.
