Asphalt always looks great when it is first laid down. It’s dark black, smooth, and unblemished. But over time it can develop stains from vehicle fluids, leaves, and other debris. This is bound to happen from time to time. But the good news is that asphalt is easy to clean.
Here’s how to remove asphalt stains and keep your driveway or parking lot looking like new.
Cleaning Asphalt
To properly clean and remove stains from your asphalt, follow these steps:
- Absorb Oil Spots. If the stain is obviously oil or grease that has leaked from a vehicle, the first step is to absorb as much of it as possible. Sprinkle sawdust or cat litter (the non clumping kind) over the oil stain. Let it sit for a few hours or even overnight (if there’s no rain in the forecast). Sweep up the absorbent material as much as possible to keep the oil from spreading.
- Remove Debris. Use a hose or a pressure washer to remove any debris from your driveway like grass, leaves, gravel, or dirt. This will also remove any sawdust or cat litter that you were unable to remove. Be careful using a pressure washer if you don’t have experience with one. Learn how to use it properly so you can avoid damaging your driveway.
- Use soap. Dish soap is a good option for removing oil or grease. Powdered detergent will also work well. There are some specific cleaners that are made for asphalt, as well as some that are made to be environmentally friendly since the cleaner you use will run into the grass and soil around your driveway. Vinegar is an all-natural cleaning solution that works on asphalt as well.
- Rinse. Be sure to rinse the soap thoroughly off of your driveway or you could end up with soap stains that will require further cleaning to remove.
If you have any particularly stubborn stains, you can always contact your asphalt paving company and ask for suggestions.
Prevent Stains with Regular Asphalt Sealing
The best way to achieve a stain-free driveway is to avoid stains in the first place. Even if your vehicles are all in tip top shape and don’t leak any oil, there’s always that one friend’s car, a delivery truck, or just the leaves that fall from the trees to marr the surface of your driveway. But you can protect your driveway with regular sealing.
It is recommended that you have your asphalt sealed every 1-3 years or more often as needed. Sealant is a protective layer that is applied to your asphalt. Once it dries it has many benefits from preventing stains to keeping the asphalt from fading and cracking.
Topwest Asphalt Provides a Complete Range of Asphalt Paving Services
If you need a new asphalt driveway, parking lot, or other asphalt paving services, Topwest Asphalt is the expert you need. In addition to paving, we can help with upkeep of your asphalt, including sealing to prevent cracks and stains. An asphalt maintenance plan makes it easy to ensure your driveway or parking lot stands the test of time.
Call (604) 857-3126 or contact us today to discuss your needs with an asphalt paving specialist. We look forward to handling all of your asphalt needs.
