Asphalt is durable and cost-effective, but it needs regular care and maintenance to look its best and last longer. Sweep away leaves, dirt, and debris before they have a chance to leave a stain, and tackle stains as soon as they occur to prevent permanent discoloration.
Colored mulch, oil, and grease can stain your asphalt driveway or parking lot. Here are some tips to remove those unsightly stains and keep your asphalt looking fresh and clean.
How To Remove Mulch Stains
It’s much easier to clean mulch stains than it is to remove oil stains. Follow these simple steps for immediate results:
- Rinse the surface with water.
Tip: Don’t power wash the stain because the high pressure will drive the stain deeper into the pavement.
- Apply household soap, dishwashing liquid, or diluted vinegar to the surface. Use a stiff-bristled brush and scrub the stain using circular motions.
- Rinse the soap and mulch dye away using a low-pressure water rinse.
If the stain is still there, follow these additional steps:
- Combine 2 cups of bleach with 2 gallons of warm water.
- Using the same circular motion, scrub the bleach solution into the stain.
Tip: Scrubbing in small circular motions allows the soap/bleach solution to absorb into the stain.
- Completely cover the stain with the bleach solution and allow it to sit for 30 minutes.
- Using a low-pressure rinse, wash away the bleach solution.
How To Avoid Mulch Stains
Don’t have the mulch delivered if rain is in the weather forecast. Wait for dry weather. Rain makes the dye on the mulch bleed into the asphalt pavement.
How to Remove Oil Stains
There are several options for removing an oil stain from your asphalt:
- If the stain still has excess oil on the surface, blot up the oil as much as possible. One way to do this is to sprinkle cat litter over the entire stain and allow the cat litter to soak up the oil. Once the excess oil is soaked up, you can sweep up the litter and throw it away.
- One popular method to remove the stain is using Tri-Sodium Phosphate (TSP). Use TSP and water to create a thick paste. Scrub the paste into the stain with a long brush. Let the paste sit for thirty minutes and then rinse it off with water.
- Commercial degreasers can also be effective. Follow the directions on the bottle. Scrub the degreaser into the stain to break down the oil. Next, rinse with water.
Tip: Don’t use a degreaser with solvents in it, or it will damage the asphalt.
Premium Asphalt Paving & Sealcoating has been proudly serving the College Station, Bryan, Brenham, Waco, and Temple areas for over 10 years. Our experienced paving contractors are ready to help with your next residential or commercial asphalt project from a new installation to parking lot repair to driveway sealcoating. Contact us today for a free estimate, and let’s get started!
