Diesel spillage

Caz · 17-05-2009, 13:43

Can anyone tell me the most efficient way to remove diesel from tarmac.
Ta

flashy · 17-05-2009, 13:44

sand? isnt that what the police use when that happens on motorways?

MITZY · 17-05-2009, 13:46

Like Flashy says Sand,it is all fuel stations put on any spillage, then sweep it up after a few hours.

Caz · 17-05-2009, 13:46

It's not a recent spillage Flashy, nowt much to soak up. Had a leak under the car, so now the tarmac is discolouring. Was wondering what's best thing to scrub it with.

Neil · 17-05-2009, 16:02

I have used hot water and strong mix of clothes detergent to clear up spilt oil. It works very well. The problem you have is that diesel makes tarmac soft, it almost eats it away.

katex · 17-05-2009, 16:15

Had to laugh Caz, on one forum they were suggesting Cola ... soak it in a rag first and lay on the patch ... one lady swore by it ! Never know, might work ..

entwisi · 17-05-2009, 18:03

cat litter works well on oilo spills

Caz · 17-05-2009, 18:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by katex

Had to laugh Caz, on one forum they were suggesting Cola ... soak it in a rag first and lay on the patch ... one lady swore by it ! Never know, might work ..

I spotted that too Kate! Will go for the washing powder, hot water and a stiff brush..if the rain keeps away long enough!

katex · 17-05-2009, 18:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by Caz

I spotted that too Kate! Will go for the washing powder, hot water and a stiff brush..if the rain keeps away long enough!

Make sure is a biological powder ... contains enzymes which break down a stain. Grease is the hardest though unfortunately. Get scrubbing gal .. LOL.

Neil · 17-05-2009, 18:34

Does biological power break down mineral oil and diesel though?
I am not sure but I know you will be making bubbles when you hose it down for ages afterwards

It works for me though. Other things like Gunk and Jizer you can use to clean off engine oil will melt your tarmac unless you rinse them away soonish. Diesel melts tarmac but petrol is not too bad. I think Petrol evaporates before it does much damage but diesel does not evaporate as for ages as it is more of an oil.

katex · 17-05-2009, 18:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neil

Does biological power break down mineral oil and diesel though?
I am not sure but I know you will be making bubbles when you hose it down for ages afterwards

It works for me though. Other things like Gunk and Jizer you can use to clean off engine oil will melt your tarmac unless you rinse them away soonish. Diesel melts tarmac but petrol is not too bad. I think Petrol evaporates before it does much damage but diesel does not evaporate as for ages as it is more of an oil.

Well, most launderers use other products for grease stains, so may not lift too well. Talking about textiles here though.

Tarmac is covered with a protective layer though, and if where I think she has spilled it, is fairly new, so the diesel may not have been able to get through the surface.

Retlaw · 17-05-2009, 18:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by flashy

sand? isnt that what the police use when that happens on motorways?

Sand is only used to stop others skidding on it, it still leaves a stain. Either washing soda or in the extreme Caustic soda, there are oter products like Stone cleaner.

Diesel will act as a solvent on tarmac, you might find tat if you used a power washer of a really stiff brush, you may end up with holes in it.

Retlaw.

Caz · 17-05-2009, 19:03

[QUOTE][and if where I think she has spilled it, is fairly new, so the diesel may not have been able to get through the surface./QUOTE]

Yes it is Katex, lol

Neil · 17-05-2009, 20:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by Retlaw

Sand is only used to stop others skidding on it, it still leaves a stain. Either washing soda or in the extreme Caustic soda, there are oter products like Stone cleaner.

Most stone cleaners are acid, I don't think that would not clean tarmac