Oil stains on your parking lot or driveway aren't just unsightly, they can actually break down asphalt over time if left untreated. Whether it's a fresh drip from a delivery truck or a stubborn spot that's been baking in the sun for weeks, knowing how to remove oil stains from asphalt can save you from costly repairs down the road. 

  

The good news? Most oil stains respond well to common household products and straightforward techniques. From dish soap and kitty litter to baking soda and pressure washing, you have several effective options depending on how fresh or set-in the stain is. 

  

At Sunset Facility Management, we handle asphalt maintenance and cleaning for commercial and industrial properties across New Jersey, Delaware, and Pennsylvania. We've seen what works, and what doesn't. This guide breaks down practical DIY methods you can use to tackle oil stains yourself, plus when it might be time to call in professional help. 

  

What to know before you start 

Before you tackle that oil stain, you need to understand what you're working with and protect both yourself and your asphalt surface. The wrong approach can make the stain worse or even damage the pavement itself. 

  

Check your asphalt condition first 

Take a close look at your asphalt before applying any cleaning solution. If you notice existing cracks, crumbling edges, or a heavily weathered surface, aggressive scrubbing or high-pressure washing could cause further deterioration. Older asphalt that hasn't been sealed in years is more porous and vulnerable to damage from harsh chemicals or excessive water pressure. 

  

Fresh oil penetrates asphalt within hours, so the sooner you act, the better your results. 

  

You should also identify how old the stain is. Fresh spills (less than 24 hours old) respond well to absorbent materials like kitty litter or sawdust, while set-in stains that have been baking for days or weeks require stronger degreasers and more elbow grease. 

  

Gather your materials and protect yourself 

Stock up on basic supplies before you start. For most methods of how to remove oil stains from asphalt, you'll need absorbent material (clay-based kitty litter works best), dish soap or a commercial degreaser, a stiff-bristle brush, and access to water. Keep a bucket, gloves, and safety glasses on hand. 

  

Wear chemical-resistant gloves when handling degreasers, and work in a well-ventilated area if you're using stronger solvents. Avoid petroleum-based products like gasoline, which can dissolve the asphalt binder and create a bigger mess. Test any new cleaner on a small, hidden spot first to make sure it doesn't discolor or soften the surface. 

  

Step 1. Blot and absorb fresh spills fast 

The first step in how to remove oil stains from asphalt is acting immediately when you spot a fresh spill. Oil penetrates deeper into the porous surface with every passing hour, so quick action prevents permanent staining and protects your pavement from degradation. 

  

Cover the spill with absorbent material 

Pour a generous layer of clay-based kitty litter directly onto the wet oil, covering the entire stain and extending about two inches beyond the edges. Clay litter pulls oil up from the surface better than clumping varieties. Alternatively, you can use sawdust, cornstarch, or baking soda if you don't have kitty litter on hand. 

  

Let the absorbent material sit for at least four hours, or overnight for better results. 

  

Avoid wiping or spreading the oil around. The absorbent needs time to draw the liquid out of the asphalt pores before you sweep it away. Once the material looks saturated and darkened, sweep it into a dustpan and dispose of it properly. You may need to repeat this process two or three times for larger spills until no fresh oil transfers to the absorbent layer. This simple method catches most of the oil before it bonds permanently with your pavement. 

  

Step 2. Scrub with soap for light stains 

After you've absorbed the fresh oil, you'll likely see a faint shadow or light residue left behind on your asphalt. This is where basic dish soap becomes your best friend. Regular dish soap is designed to break down grease and oil without harsh chemicals that could damage your pavement, making it perfect for this next phase of how to remove oil stains from asphalt. 

  

Mix your cleaning solution and scrub 

Pour about two tablespoons of liquid dish soap into a bucket with a gallon of hot water. Mix it thoroughly until you see suds forming. Hot water helps the soap penetrate the remaining oil molecules more effectively than cold water alone. 

  

Apply the soapy solution directly to the stained area and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. This dwell time allows the surfactants in the dish soap to surround and lift oil particles from the asphalt pores. Then take a stiff-bristle brush (not wire, which scratches asphalt) and scrub in circular motions, applying firm pressure. 

  

For stubborn spots, sprinkle baking soda directly on the stain before scrubbing to create a mild abrasive boost. 

  

Rinse the area with clean water and inspect your results. You may need to repeat this soap-and-scrub process two or three times for complete removal of lighter stains. 

  

Step 3. Use a degreaser for set-in stains 

When soap and water fail to budge that stubborn stain, you need a commercial degreaser specifically formulated for asphalt surfaces. Set-in oil stains that have penetrated deep into the pavement require stronger solvents that can break down hardened petroleum molecules without dissolving the asphalt binder itself. 

  

Choose the right degreaser 

Look for biodegradable, asphalt-safe degreasers at your local hardware store or automotive supply shop. Products labeled "concrete and asphalt cleaner" typically contain alkaline surfactants that lift embedded oil without damaging the pavement. Avoid gasoline, kerosene, or other petroleum-based solvents, which can soften and dissolve your asphalt surface. 

  

Always read the product label to confirm it's safe for asphalt before applying. 

  

Check that the degreaser lists "asphalt" or "pavement" in its approved uses. Some industrial degreasers designed for metal or concrete can be too aggressive for asphalt surfaces. 

  

Apply and let it penetrate 

Pour the degreaser directly onto the stain, covering the entire affected area. Let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes depending on stain severity (check product instructions). The chemical needs time to penetrate and emulsify the oil trapped in the porous asphalt. After the dwell time, scrub vigorously with a stiff-bristle brush using circular motions. This mechanical action helps how to remove oil stains from asphalt by working the degreaser deeper into the surface while lifting loosened oil particles. 

  

Step 4. Rinse safely and avoid asphalt damage 

After scrubbing with degreaser, you need to remove all chemical residue without causing surface erosion or water damage to your pavement. Improper rinsing can undo your hard work or even create new problems like surface deterioration or pooling water that seeps into cracks. 

  

Use low-pressure water flow 

Avoid high-pressure washers on older or compromised asphalt, as they can blast away the top layer of aggregate and create pitting. Instead, use a garden hose with moderate water pressure to thoroughly rinse the treated area. Start at the highest point and work downward, allowing the water to carry loosened oil and degreaser away from the surface. 

  

Rinse until you see no soap bubbles or chemical residue, typically requiring 3 to 5 minutes of steady water flow. 

  

Make sure the runoff doesn't flow into storm drains, which directly connect to natural waterways. Direct the contaminated water toward a grassy area where soil can filter the chemicals naturally. 

  

Inspect and repeat if needed 

Once the surface dries completely (usually 2 to 4 hours depending on weather), check your results. A faint shadow may remain on old stains, but the surface should feel clean to the touch. If visible staining persists, repeat the degreaser application and scrubbing process. Multiple treatments work better than one aggressive attempt when mastering how to remove oil stains from asphalt. 

  

When to call a pro and stop repeat stains 

DIY methods for how to remove oil stains from asphalt work well for occasional spills, but some situations require professional intervention. If you're dealing with large stained areas covering multiple parking spaces, deep penetration that won't respond to repeated treatments, or an asphalt surface showing significant cracks and deterioration, a professional facility management company can assess the damage and recommend proper remediation or resurfacing. 

  

Prevention matters just as much as removal. Instruct drivers and maintenance staff to report leaks immediately rather than letting oil accumulate. Consider applying a quality asphalt sealer every two to three years to create a protective barrier that resists oil penetration and makes future cleanup easier. 

  

Regular maintenance catches problems before they become expensive repairs. Contact Sunset Facility Management for professional asphalt maintenance, pressure washing, and facility services across New Jersey, Delaware, and Pennsylvania. Our OSHA-certified team uses commercial-grade equipment to handle stubborn stains and protect your pavement investment.