A driveway in San Francisco – if you're lucky enough to have one – is most likely a significant part of your property's frontage. But ugly oil splotches can add a discordant note to an otherwise perfect first impression.

Fortunately, these stains do not have to be permanent. New ones can be easily removed with soap and water, a nylon scrub brush, and a little elbow grease. Unfortunately, older blotches are more stubborn. For tips on how best to get rid of these, go to AskTheBuilder.com.