Check out these tips on how to remove tough stains from an asphalt driveway or parking lot.
Have you noticed stains on your asphalt parking lot? If so, it’s important to remove those stains to get your pavement looking clean for customers. Continue reading for a few tips on how to remove tough stains from an asphalt driveway or parking lot.
Summer and Fall Stains
As we enter summer, keep on eye out for more stubborn stains around your parking lot. Asphalt stains seem to accumulate more in the summer and fall, as crushed leaves decay and leave behind stains, or dark shadows on pavement will stick from piles of leaves or mulch. While the stains may look difficult to remove, it’s actually quite easy to do the task yourself with common household items.
Removing Stains
After finding a stain from leaves, chalk, or paint, follow these DIY tips to remove the unwanted marks from your parking lot. First, you must clean the asphalt surface with a hose to remove as much debris as possible. When the area is clear, you can move on to the cleaning solution. There are many environmentally friendly cleaning options to choose from, or household cleaners like soap, diluted vinegar, or dishwashing liquid. Use the solution of your choice and a stiff bristled brush to scrub, rinse, and repeat until the pavement is clean.
Removing Oil Spills
While the method above works for most stains, oil spills and stains may need a special solution. Fortunately, non-clumping cat litter is a very inexpensive cleaning method that works well! Start by cleaning any excess oil, then pour the cat litter over the stain. You can also use sawdust or gravel, as these are great alternatives for absorbing excess liquid like an oil spill. Stomp it down onto the parking lot to ensure it gets into any small cracks in the asphalt. It’s important to let the litter sit for a while, so leave it overnight, then come back the next day with a broom. Sweep up the litter, spray the surface with a hose, and continue will the method above to try a cleaning solution to help remove the remaining stain.
Maintenance You Can Trust from PTG Enterprises
If you want to protect your pavement and ensure it has a long lifespan, choose PTG Enterprises for your community sidewalks, parking lots and pavement maintenance needs. We offer commercial concrete, asphalt, masonry, paving, consultation, and survey report services throughout Baltimore, Harford, Anne Arundel, Howard, and P.G. Counties. If you are interested in hearing how we can help you, contact us online or give us a call at (410) 636-8777. For more tips and tricks, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Flickr.
Tags: asphalt, My Pavement Guy, PTG Enterprises, stains
