How to Remove Transmission Oil From an Asphalt Driveway

Do it Yourself Asphalt Curbing
Written By
Dawn Gibbs
Dawn Gibbs
Published: Oct 5, 2010
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
2 minute read

Before you wash the asphalt, absorb the excess oil on the surface of the driveway.

Things You Will Need

  • Oil cleanup compound
  • Shovel
  • 5-gallon bucket
  • Liquid dish soap
  • Push broom
  • Garden hose
  1. Pour oil cleanup compound over the spot on the asphalt until you have completely covered the stain. The oil cleanup compound, which is a material that resembles kitty litter or coarse sand, will absorb the oil on the surface of the asphalt.

  2. Leave the compound for one hour, then remove it with a shovel.

  3. Fill a 5-gallon bucket with water and pour in 1/2 cup of liquid dish soap. Agitate the water with the push broom to make it sudsy. Add more soap if the water is not forming suds.

  4. Dip the push broom into the soapy water, then scrub the oil stain on the asphalt. Allow the excess water to drip onto the stain as you scrub. Dip the broom into the water again after 30 seconds and continue scrubbing.

  5. Rinse the asphalt with the garden hose. If the spot still appears shiny and has a rainbow-colored surface, the oil is not completely gone. Continue scrubbing with soapy water and rinsing with the garden hose until the spot is gone and the water runs clear.

The Drip Cap

  • An asphalt driveway, also known as a blacktop driveway, can easily absorb oil spills or other fluid leaks from vehicles.
  • Pour oil cleanup compound over the spot on the asphalt until you have completely covered the stain.
  • The oil cleanup compound, which is a material that resembles kitty litter or coarse sand, will absorb the oil on the surface of the asphalt.
  • Dip the push broom into the soapy water, then scrub the oil stain on the asphalt.

Photo Credits

asphalt texture image by MAXFX from Fotolia.com

asphalt texture image by MAXFX from Fotolia.com

Dawn Gibbs

Based in Richmond, Va., Dawn Gibbs writes about topics such as history, fashion, literature, crafts, alternative medicine and healthy living. Her work has appeared on GreenDaily.com and several style websites. Gibbs holds a Bachelor of…

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