What Can You Put on Driveway Pavers That Have Oil Spilled On?

Absorbent Materials

• The first step in cleaning up oil stains on pavers is to absorb as much of the oil as possible. Cover the area liberally with a 1 inch layer of cornmeal, kitty litter or sand. Wait at least three hours, or up to several days, to allow the material to absorb as much of the oil as possible. Remove and replace the material if it becomes saturated. Finally, sweep it up and discard it.

Enzymes

• Scrub the stain with a stiff brush and a laundry soap that contains enzymes. Enzymes are biological ingredients that dissolve stains from oil, urine, vomit and other organic materials. Rinse the area with hot water and allow it to dry.

Dishwasher Detergent

• Dishwasher detergent has powerful cleaners capable of breaking down oil and grease. Sprinkle dishwasher detergent on the oil stain and wait 10 to 15 minutes. Pour boiling water over it and allow it to cool slightly. Scrub the area with a stiff brush and rinse with clean water.

Alkaline Cleaners

• Try an alkaline cleaner, such as trisodium phosphate, or TSP. Trisodium phosphate is commonly used by painters to remove grease and dirt from surfaces in preparation for painting. Find this cleaner at a home improvement or hardware store if your grocery store doesn't carry it. Mix one-fourth cup trisodium phosphate with one gallon warm water. Apply the mixture with a stiff brush, scrubbing well to remove the stain. Rinse with clean water. Trisodium phosphate is somewhat caustic. Wear rubber gloves to avoid skin irritation.

Cautions

• Use muriatic acid with caution. This powerful acid can cause serious injury and can also damage pavers and surrounding vegetation. Solvents and power washers can also damage pavers.