I’m a property expert – my 79p hack removes even the most stubborn oil stains from your driveway, in just 30 minutes
A PROPERTY expert has revealed a 79p trick to remove oil stains from your driveway.
Oil stains can be some of the most stubborn to remove, and can end up being an eyesore if not dealt with properly.
However, whether they’re from a leaky car or an accidental spillage during a DIY project, there is an all natural way to get rid of them.
Traditional cleaning methods for this type of stain often involve the use of commercial cleaners, which are packed full of chemicals, which may end up causing health risks to those who come in to contact with them.
They can also cause damage to the driveway, leading to a more unsightly appearance.
Therefore, property expert Gregory Smith has revealed that the best thing to use on your driveway is white vinegar.
He said: “White vinegar works wonders for cleaning your driveway.”
Vinegar contains acetic acid, which can effectively break down and remove stains.
Make sure to only use white vinegar, as other types of vinegar may contain additional ingredients that could make the stains even worse.
Sharing his four-step method for removing oil stains from the driveway, Gregory suggested mixing a solution of one part white vinegar and one part water in a bucket.
If your driveway has particularly stubborn stains, you may have to use slightly more vinegar.
Then, pour the solution over your entire driveway.
You may have to use more than one bucket if you have quite a large driveway.
Leave the solution on the driveway for around 30 minutes, while it works its magic.
Then, use a few buckets of clean water to rinse the vinegar off the driveway.
Make sure to direct the water towards a drainage point, so as not to cause any flooding.
May gardening jobs
The Sun's Gardening Editor, Veronica Lorraine, has shared the tasks you need to crack on with in May.
GARDEN growth can go from nought to ninety in May, depending on the weather. The last UK frosts are generally seen at the beginning of the month, so all of a sudden there’s so much more to do and grow.
Plant out dahlia tubers
It’s a joy to finally plant out your dahlia tubers. Remember how big they can get – and space accordingly – anything up to half a metre apart.
It’s a good idea to put your support stakes in now instead of trying to work around them.
And make sure you include lots of well rotted manure or decent compost to feed it and then mulch to keep it moist and suppress weeds. They generally start blooming in July.
Final feed to Spring flowers
You can give a cheeky feed to all your remaining tulips and daffodils.
Although the majority of bulbs aren’t guaranteed to come back year after year any more, as long as you’ve left them to die back naturally there’s a good chance they’ll have stored enough energy to come back again. Tomato feed is fine.
Tie up climbers
Your clematis, honeysuckle and rambling roses should be well on their way by now – try to use plastic free string to tie them back into their support, or tuck them round each other to make sure they don’t sprout off in crazy directions.
Feed the lawn
It’s not too late to give your lawn a good feed.
Whether you use granular or liquid, it can give it a good boost to see it through the harsher summer months.
While mowing, don’t go too low with your cut length yet and never take more than a third off the grass height.
Get creative
It’s also time to get creative with hanging baskets and pots.
Trailing pelargoniums, which a lot of people call geraniums, and Begonias are a good, low cost way of getting lovely returning blooms throughout the summer in your baskets.
And pots can be planted with spring bulbs.
Don’t forget the greenhouse!
Give your greenhouse a good tidy and clean the glass inside and out.
The improved light will help plants grow quicker inside and tidying is good for the soul.
You can just use a household white wine vinegar and water solution – or even neat if you’re feeling spendy – which gives a really good shine.
Finally, leave your driveway to dry naturally in the sun.
White vinegar can be used to clean a variety of surfaces in the garden and inside the home, such as patios, fences, and mould covered surfaces.
It is also super cheap and can be picked up from B&M for just 79p.
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