Fairfax VA homeowners who have paver driveways should always clean oil spills or stains as soon as possible.
Here are some steps to follow to clean small oil spills or stains on Fairfax VA driveways:
- If a spill is new and it’s laying on top of the pavers, use two dustpans or two halves of a paper plate, and scrape up as much of it as possible. Then put down paper towels or rags to soak it up what is left. Don’t rub it at this point.
- Next, put down some clay kitty litter, which will soak up the oil. Let it set on the stain for a few hours or overnight. Then sweep up the litter.
- After sweeping up the litter, put down some concentrated Blue Dawn dish soap. Use a nylon brush to scrub the stain. (Just be careful to only scrub in the areas that are stained.)
- If there is still a stain, put down a commercial degreaser (sold at automotive supply stores). Follow the directions on the label of the degreaser. (More is not better, it’s just wasted product.)
- Rinse the area thoroughly.
Things to avoid:
- Waiting - the stain will set in, and makes it so much harder to remove.
- Power washing the area (you can do a lot of damage, and the stain can still remain)
- Using fire to “burn off” the oil; some web sites give how-tos about this method - don’t do that - it’s dangerous, and can damage your pavers
If the stain is set in and the above steps don’t remove work - or if the stain is large - you should contact Premier Paving & Planting, Inc. as soon as possible.
As a reminder, the best way to keep Fairfax VA paver driveways cleaner for a longer period of time, is to have them cleaned and sealed by professionals. If you have questions or concerns about your brick pavers in Arlington VA please contact the experts at Premier Paving & Planting. Established in 1987, Premier Paving & Planting, Inc. delivers a full complement of high quality landscape services, including concrete work and lawn and garden services, along with installation of permeable and non-porous paver and hardscape surfaces and structures.
