Remove stubborn oil stains from the driveway with 1 everyday household item

If you’ve ever faced the frustrating challenge of removing from your driveway and , you need to try one of these expert-approved tricks using household staples.

can be a nightmare to remove because oil repels water, making it challenging to lift the stain with regular washing.

And, what’s worse, the longer you leave an oil stain, the harder it becomes to remove and the more likely it is to set permanently.

As a result, you can’t simply hose down oil stains from your driveway, and leaving them for an extended period can compromise the integrity of the surface.

Moreover, leaving an oil stain on your driveway can cause discoloration, deterioration of the concrete or asphalt, and potential cracks or crumbling, according to American firm .

As the oil seeps into the material, weakening its structure and making it more susceptible to further damage from water and weather elements, an oil stain can significantly shorten the lifespan of your driveway if not cleaned promptly.

Nevertheless, experts have revealed that you can get the job done by using common household products.

According to experts at – which provides driveways, patios and landscaping services in the UK – laundry detergent “works the best” for removing oil stains because it “contains surfactants and often a mild alkali”.

These are molecules that increase the ability of water and other substances to mix which makes it “effective at dissolving dirt as well as oil quickly”. 

The experts added: “Remember that oil is hydrophobic so a surfactant can help to lift it even when it wouldn’t naturally.”

Powdered laundry detergent also works, but it should be mixed with warm water to create a paste which you can then apply to the oil stain. 

The substance should be left to sit for approximately 30 minutes before being scrubbed with a stiff wire or nylon brush to remove any remaining residue.

You can pour liquid laundry detergent directly onto the stain and then go through the same scrubbing process with a bristle brush. 

The final step is to rinse away any remaining oil and laundry detergent using a hose. Once the surface is dry, experts recommend checking for any remaining oil residue. If any is found, simply repeat the process to treat the oil stain again.

A second method for removing oil stains involves another household staple: baking soda. According to the experts, baking soda has “ultra-absorbent” properties, and using it is more effective for “oil leaks that are still wet”.

Baking soda is effective at removing stains because it is alkaline, meaning it can neutralise acidic components often found in stains like grease, wine, or pet urine, effectively breaking them down and lifting them from surfaces, German multinational company explains.

Using baking soda to remove oil stains on driveway

For this method, you’ll simply need to create a paste of baking soda and warm water and apply it to the oil stain. Once again, leave the mixture for 30 minutes or let it sit overnight if it is a particularly large stain.

With a stiff brush and some dish soap, or even laundry detergent, proceed to scrub it, and voilà! Your driveway should be as good as new.