Summer is approaching rapidly, and it’s the best time of year to tackle all those outdoor jobs you’ve been putting off until now, including sprucing up your outside areas like patios and driveways.
Your driveway plays a key role in what estate agents call ‘kerb appeal’, or the attractiveness of a property when seen from the street. It creates a strong first visual impression for visitors. So it’s a good idea to have it looking pristine, especially if you are considering selling up and moving.
Blast oil stains first
One thing you may need to do, especially if you park on it, is rid your driveway of unsightly oil stains before you do anything else. You may find that, even if you can’t completely get rid of these stains, you can at least significantly reduce them by treating and scrubbing them.
Clean the stained area first with water to wash off any dirt or debris that’s in the way.
You could try trisodium phosphate with talcum powder to make a paste to cover the stain. When it’s dry, scrub and scrape up – the talc should absorb the oil.
Other commercial products are also available, although you should try and steer away from harsh chemicals.
Safety first
When tackling oil stain removal, wear protective clothing if you can, including gloves, overalls and eye protection such as goggles.
Smaller stains
For smaller stains, you could try a common household product such as vinegar, laundry detergent or baking soda. If using a liquid detergent, allow this to sit on the stain for up to half an hour first. Then scrub with hot water and a stiff brush.
Larger stains
For bigger stains, a degreasing product is probably your best bet. Again, use a stiff brush, hot water and elbow grease.
Clearly, oil spot removal is just the start. With a high-pressure jet washer, you can have your whole concrete area looking spick and span.
However, for various reasons, not least of which is safety, this is a job for which you may well want to call in the professionals. Talk to us before you talk to anyone else.
Royal Stone Care is here to help
We cover all of the London area, with a full portfolio of professional driveway cleaning services for private and commercial premises. Talk to us about our steam jet washing solutions today, and have your outside areas looking spotless for summer.
