Weather and traffic can often take a toll on asphalt paving in Vancouver, especially with the crazy weather these days! The good news is, cleaning a driveway can make it look almost brand new. We’ve prepared some helpful tips on cleaning asphalt paving. Vancouver isn’t a cheap city to live in, so hopefully these tips will offer you some affordable ways to keep your driveway looking clean and new.
Water, bucket, a long-handled brush, rubber gloves, hose, eye protection
Note: When working with chemical products, make sure to thoroughly read the labels, and take care to observe the warnings! Always wear eye protection and gloves to protect yourself.
Laundry detergent is an affordable and accessible option to remove oil stains from asphalt paving. Sprinkle some laundry detergent powder on the area you want to clean, pour a little bit of water to wet the powder, and leave for a few minutes to allow the detergent to set. Scrub vigorously with a brush, and rinse the asphalt paving off with a hose.
Similar to detergent, baking soda can be used on small oil stains. Dampen the area with water, and generously apply baking soda to the area you want to clean. Rub in with a hard bristled brush. Let it sit for around 30 minutes, and then rinse with water.
Dish soap is made to fight oil and grime on dishes and can do wonders on asphalt paving as well. Squirt some onto the stain, add a bit of water, and leave it for a few minutes to allow the oil to lift. Scrub the area, and then wash it off.
If the above doesn’t work, you can try bleach. However, make sure not to mix bleach with any ammonium based cleaners, as it can be extremely dangerous. If you’ve tried any of the above methods, make sure the asphalt is completely washed off first, and make sure to read all precautions on the packages. Work some bleach into the affected area, and scrub out remaining spots with a brush. Wear old clothes and proper protection!
Although slightly less accessible than the above options, commercial cleaners can be very effective, as these products are made specifically for this purpose. Make sure what you’re buying is made for asphalt though, as cleaners for concrete can damage the asphalt paving.
The above techniques work best for fresh oil stains, and may not be as effective for old stains. If your asphalt is very damaged, it may be time for a replacement. Thankfully, asphalt paving in Vancouver can be replaced fairly quickly with help from professionals – the damaged asphalt is softened with heat, scraped off, and replaced with a new layer. Professionals can also help you seal coat your asphalt paving to prevent future damage.