Engine Oil on Tarmac

Ringmaster · 15-07-20, 09:54 PM

Folks,

I've had some engine oil get onto my drive.

I've previously used Swarfega driveway cleaner and carb cleaner with success on a block paved driveway, but now it's on red tarmac and proving stubborn.

So far I've only managed to spread the stain more.

Any recommendations, please?

tractor Dave · 16-07-20, 06:24 AM

Oil on tarmac is not good. Any solvent will melt the tar and the oil also softens it.
Try cheap washing powder on wet tarmac and leave overnight before jet washing. There will be a stain I'm afraid you won't be able to remove without damaging the tarmac itself.

Isimmo · 16-07-20, 07:00 AM

‘It’s true, I was going to suggest anything that’ll soak up as much oil as possible such as sharp sand, garage spill sand or even flour (don’t add a twist of salt, beaten egg & breadcrumbs otherwise you’re drive will look battered) to absorb as much as possible. But, if its been down this long, you’ll probably still end up with a mark.

BackintheFold · 16-07-20, 08:24 AM

Cat litter is great to mop up fresh spills.
For old ones, it may be easier to dye the stain the same colour as the drive.

Hanuman · 16-07-20, 09:52 AM

The less popular, more cheeky suggestion might be to dye the rest of the drive to match.
Probably not so helpful.

Davids · 16-07-20, 03:12 PM

I think some of the old F1 races used to use cement to soak up the oil, I have used it on an old drive and it did work a bit and lighten the area almost to blend in. Didn't get it wet as I understand once wet in tarmac it will leave a light stain.

Just a thought

Ringmaster · 18-07-20, 08:23 PM

Tried more driveway cleaner then had a go with Bicarbonate of Soda, which seems to have lifted some more of the oil out and also little of the red dye within the tarmac

I'm resigned to there being a stain there now, but it looks a bit better than before, so I'm gonna call it quits on this battle. Thanks for all your tips chaps.

vagdream · 19-07-20, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ringmaster

Tried more driveway cleaner then had a go with Bicarbonate of Soda, which seems to have lifted some more of the oil out and also little of the red dye within the tarmac

I'm resigned to there being a stain there now, but it looks a bit better than before, so I'm gonna call it quits on this battle. Thanks for all your tips chaps.

I never did get rid of the oil staining on our red tarmac drive, but it did not matter in the end, because after about 12 years or so the red dye had bleached and the drive had become a shade of grey!

4WDrifter · 21-07-20, 03:55 PM

Get some of the dry sand you use to vibrate into concrete pavers after they are first laid. Heat it up in an old saucepan and dust it onto the oil to soak it up.

16-07-20, 07:00 AM	#3
Isimmo Super Moderator Classic Audi Club Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Sissix-by-the-sea Posts: 15,218	‘It’s true, I was going to suggest anything that’ll soak up as much oil as possible such as sharp sand, garage spill sand or even flour (don’t add a twist of salt, beaten egg & breadcrumbs otherwise you’re drive will look battered) to absorb as much as possible. But, if its been down this long, you’ll probably still end up with a mark. __________________ 1985 WR quattro, 1985 20vT RallyRep, 1993 MTM ABY S2 Avant. 2010 S3 Sportback.

16-07-20, 08:24 AM	#4
BackintheFold Senior Member Classic Audi Club Member Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: Near an MB ur Quattro Posts: 1,171	Cat litter is great to mop up fresh spills. For old ones, it may be easier to dye the stain the same colour as the drive. __________________ 2006 A3 (daily drive) 1987 MB ur

16-07-20, 09:52 AM	#5
Hanuman Trickster Classic Audi Club Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Heckling from the cheap seats, Phnom Penh, KoW Posts: 7,006	The less popular, more cheeky suggestion might be to dye the rest of the drive to match. Probably not so helpful. __________________ I wish they would keep the damned Chinese away now that I can go home, so that I can enjoy Fish amok and a draught Angkor

16-07-20, 06:24 AM	#2
tractor Dave Senior Member Classic Audi Club Member Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Wales Posts: 1,157	Oil on tarmac is not good. Any solvent will melt the tar and the oil also softens it. Try cheap washing powder on wet tarmac and leave overnight before jet washing. There will be a stain I'm afraid you won't be able to remove without damaging the tarmac itself.

16-07-20, 03:12 PM	#6
Davids 4 ring whore! Join Date: Jan 2017 Posts: 3,124	I think some of the old F1 races used to use cement to soak up the oil, I have used it on an old drive and it did work a bit and lighten the area almost to blend in. Didn't get it wet as I understand once wet in tarmac it will leave a light stain. Just a thought

18-07-20, 08:23 PM	#7
Ringmaster Senior Member Classic Audi Club Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 1,326	Tried more driveway cleaner then had a go with Bicarbonate of Soda, which seems to have lifted some more of the oil out and also little of the red dye within the tarmac I'm resigned to there being a stain there now, but it looks a bit better than before, so I'm gonna call it quits on this battle. Thanks for all your tips chaps.

21-07-20, 03:55 PM	#9
4WDrifter Grown up member Classic Audi Club Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Northern Ireland Posts: 209	Get some of the dry sand you use to vibrate into concrete pavers after they are first laid. Heat it up in an old saucepan and dust it onto the oil to soak it up.