How To Clean Antifreeze Off An Asphalt Driveway

By  Anne Rose

Things Needed

  • Garden hose or pressure washer

  • Stiff bristle broom

  • Tri-sodium phosphate powder (TSP)

  • Dish soap

Tip

The same cleaning process used on asphalt also works on concrete and paver bricks. Rinse thoroughly when done.

Warning

Plant life adjacent to the asphalt driveway might be at risk from the effects of the TSP. Use dish soap, along with vigorous scrubbing and pressure washing, for the same end result.

Antifreeze, also called auto coolant, is ethylene glycol. Antifreeze is used in automobile radiators. Leaking radiator hoses, spills during refilling coolant or from tipping over an antifreeze container can result in antifreeze residue on an asphalt driveway. Antifreeze is highly toxic for humans and pets and should be cleaned thoroughly from outdoor surfaces. Antifreeze is formulated to mix with water, so removing it from any driveway, including asphalt, is relatively simple.

Step 1

Wash the driveway asphalt with water from a garden hose, preferably with a spray nozzle to provide strong water pressure. If the antifreeze is not completely removed, take a more aggressive approach.

Step 2

Wet the antifreeze-stained area with water. Sprinkle TSP (tri-sodium phosphate) powder on the stain. TSP is available at home improvement stores.

Step 3

Scrub vigorously with a stiff bristle broom. Add more water as needed. Treat a stubborn or large stain with a pressure washer.

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