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How to Remove Oil Stains from Your Driveway
Most of us have been faced with the daunting task of removing oil stains from a driveway. Sometimes this is from oil spills of your own, sometimes it's from a family member or friend. It's really tough because it seems as if the oil just simply absorbs into the concrete and we can't get it out no matter what we do. There are expensive cleaners that you can buy at the auto parts stores that really do not work. Since these cleaners do not work, be sure that you save money and use the steps below. Remember, there is also a slew of oil removing tips that you can find all over the internet that work to varying degrees. I'm going to tell you some fail proof ways to remove oil out of your driveway. 1. You will need some kitty litter and its highly absorbent properties. The generic stuff is fine so save money and buy the cheapest thing you can find. Sprinkle the kitty litter over the oil stain in your driveway. Cover the stain thoroughly and with at least 1/2 inch in every spot. Put on an old pair of shoes. Walk all over the kitty litter crushing it into the stain. For people that can, try to spin on one foot in a grinding fashion to grind the kitty litter down into the oil stain. Grinding in the kitty litter is a fail proof method and greatest step in removing an oil stain in your driveway. 2. Sweep away the kitty litter from the oil stain and repeat the process. Grind it in again. Work in the kitty litter back and forth and in circular motions. Be sure that you turn it into powder by grinding it with your foot. Then sweep it away again. 3. Get some good concentrated dish soap and a heavy duty plastic cleaner brush. Wet the entire area and brush in the soap again in a circular motion. The soap will combat the remaining oil. 4. Pour mineral spirits on the stain. Mineral spirits is a type of oil based paint thinner. It combines with the oil and thins it out. Scrub it again with the dish soap mixture and brush. 5. Hose off the entire area and be sure that you get all the chemicals off your driveway. It is safe at this point to grind in more kitty litter after the water dries and just leave it there. Sometimes it takes a while to absorb all the oil. Repeat all of these steps until you are satisfied with the results. Remember that through time, the sun will bleach out almost all oil stains.
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