Here in Wisconsin, we know how important it is to get repairs and maintenance done before the winter weather hits. Once the snows start falling, it's virtually impossible to do any outside work, especially once the temperatures head below zero.
Asphalt driveway stains seem to accumulate in the summer and autumn.
- People spill oil while doing an oil change
- Crushed leaves decay and leave stains behind
- Dark 'shadows' on asphalt linger behind from piles of leaves or mulch.
Luckily, you don't need an asphalt paving specialist to clean a stained asphalt driveway. It's easy to do yourself, with nothing but common household items.
How to Remove Stains from Asphalt Pavement
Whether it’s leaves, oil, chalk or paint, removing stains from asphalt can be tough! Follow these DIY tips from our experts to remove unwanted stains from your driveway or parking lot.
Step 1: The first step to stain removal is to clean your asphalt surface. No matter what caused the stain or how you decide to remove it, use a hose to clear away as much of the debris as possible.Click here to learn more about the do’s and don’t of pressure washing asphalt.
Step 2: Next, use a household cleaner on the stain, like soap, diluted vinegar or dishwashing liquid. There are many environmentally friendly options that may be a good choice for you. Use a stiff bristled brush to scrub suds in, rinse and repeat. Get more tips on stain cleaning now, like how long you should let the cleaning solution sit on the stain.
Get more cleaning tips here: Sweep Away Leaves And Debris To Extend The Life Of Your Asphalt
How to Remove Oil Spills from Pavement and Parking Lots
Removing oil spills and vehicle fluids can be a very tricky business. Our experts have some sound advice you should consider trying.
Step 1: Try to absorb as much as of the excess liquid or spill as possible. Non-clump cat litter, sawdust or gravel are all great options for liquid absorption. These materials will soak up any of the liquid you cannot remove with a rag or towel. Sometimes it is best to leave the cat litter, or other material, on the stain overnight. Learn more about cleaning now.
Step 2: Sweep away the material and spray the stain with a hose to clean it off. Next, you’re ready to try a cleaning solution to help remove the stain.
How to Remove Mulch and Oil Stains from Driveways
Did you leave your pile of mulch on your driveway too long? Did you accidentally spill some oil while you were repairing your car? Don’t worry! We have some expert tips that can help you get the stains out of your asphalt surface.
Take a look now: Asphalt Maintenance Tips - Removing Mulch And Oil Stains
Driveway Cleaning Tools and Cleaning Solutions
When you are ready to tackle a stubborn stain, what types of tools and cleaning solutions should you use? You’ve just read about the power of Coca-Cola and kitty litter, well, we have even more information for you in this helpful blog.
Should you use a pressure washer? Maybe, but check your pressure settings. Can you use trisodium phosphate, bleach and baking soda? Perhaps, depending on the stain. Take a look as we review important driveway cleaning tips you should know.
Looking for more information? Read this educational blog where we breakdown how to clean concrete, asphalt, mulch, oil and grease.
Let’s take a look at some more stain-fighting advice for our asphalt pavement professionals.
- Important Driveway Cleaning Tips
- Asphalt Maintenance Tips - Removing Mulch And Oil Stains
- How to Repair and Clean Your Parking Lot
- 7 Reasons Why Parking Lot Cleaning Is Essential To Your Business
- Sweep Away Leaves And Debris To Extend The Life Of Your Asphalt
General Asphalt Pavement Cleaning Tips
Even if your driveway or parking lot doesn’t have problems with stains, you should consider seasonal cleanings to help extend the lifespan of your surface and to prevent damage.
Take a look a few reasons why you should consider scheduling professional parking lot cleaning regularly:
- A clean parking lot makes a good first impression.
- Regular street sweeping extends the life of asphalt, especially porous asphalt.
- A clean parking lot discourages littering.
- Clean surfaces minimize pollution to local waterways.
- Proper asphalt cleaning and care prevents erosion.
- A clean exterior helps deter rodents and other pests
To learn more benefits of parking lot cleaning and maintenance, click here.
Interested in more parking lot information? Read this helpful article: How to Repair and Clean Your Parking Lot
Trying To Remove Stains From Your Concrete Driveway?
Check out our blog Cleaning Concrete: What Products Should You Use? There you'll find a list of products commonly used to clean up fresh spills and set stains, along with instructions on what you should do prior to the cleaning.
At Wolf Paving, we own the materials and plants, which allows us to control the entire process and provide customers with the highest quality custom asphalt mixes to meet every specific paving need.
Looking to learn more about asphalt in general?
Visit our Everything You Need To Know About Asphalt Paving page.
With more than 75 years of paving experience, from highways to commercial driveways, we are your local source for all of your asphalt paving needs.
Request an estimate and get on our list for upcoming projects! Call Wolf Paving today. For the Milwaukee area, call us at 262-965-2121. For the Madison area, call us at 608-249-7931.
