It is not an easy task to remove oil stains from concrete. It is a nuisance and an eyesore to see oil on your driveway or on your garage floor. The best defense for oil stains is to prevent them in the first place. However, this is not always possible. While it is important to know how to remove oil stains from concrete, it is also just as important to know how to prevent the oil stains in the first place. While preventing an oil stain is not always possible, it is better than having to clean up a lot of oil off of concrete. Concrete has many pores, making it hard to remove. Oil is very hard on asphalt pavement, which is commonly found on driveways. You may also be interested in how to care for a paved driveway.

Tools and Materials:

• Protective Gloves
• Protective Glasses
• Driveway or Engine Degreaser
• Steel Brush
• Hose or Pressure Washer
• Bucket

Tips on Preventing Oil Stains

• For small maintenance, such as adding antifreeze or coolant to the radiator, or adding or changing the oil, make sure you protect the surface under the place you are working. Protect your concrete by placing a tarp that is larger than your car or truck underneath.
• For oil changes, make sure you have a drip pan that is big enough to capture every drop. Take extra care when you move it.

How to Remove Oil Stains from Concrete

These simple tips could save you a lot of hassle; however sometimes it is just not possible to prevent oil from dripping onto the concrete. Whether you have a spill when you move the oil pan or you have a problem with your vehicle causing oil to leak, you need to know how to remove oil stains from your concrete. Some people live in areas where it is imperative they keep their driveways looking fresh and clean.

Tips on how to absorb oil stains from concrete:

• Absorb with Kitty Litter: Believe it or not, kitty litter is an excellent source for absorbing grease and oil. It has special clay that will draw moisture and clump up. Pour it right out of the new bag. Keep on the oil stain long enough so it can be absorbed. Use a push broom to push the litter back and forth.
• Blot with Rags, Paper Towels, etc.: If you do not have access to kitty litter, then you can absorb the oil with newspaper, paper towels, old terrycloth towels, cleaning rags, etc. Be sure to dispose of these rags right away. Leaving them on the ground is a potential fire hazard from spontaneous combustion. It is important to dispose of these rags correctly. If you can, take them to a recycle company. If you cannot take them in right away, leave them outside at a safe distance from your home.

Tips on how to remove oil stains from concrete:

For small, new oil stains, apply detergent and scrub with a steel brush. Wash away with a hose. Keep doing this until stain is gone. For large stains or old oil stains, purchase a degreaser. A degreaser will attach itself to the molecules in the oil. Use a hosepipe or power washer to clean the area up. A degreaser should not harm your concrete.

Steps for Applying a Degreaser to Remove Oil Stains

These are general instructions. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

1. Apply degreaser to area on concrete floor.
2. Leave on for approximately ten minutes, depending on the manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Use a stiff steel brush to work in the degreaser.
4. Leave on for another five to ten minutes.
5. Use a pressure washer or hosepipe to wash away degreaser.
6. If stain is still there, wait until area is dry and repeat the above steps.

IMPORTANT: Do not leave degreaser on too long because it will dry out and cause a stain itself.

Note: If you see the same stain appear the next day, you must repeat the process until it is completely gone. Although it may appear to be gone, oil can seep into the concrete, which depends on the hardness of the concrete.

These simple tips and steps on how to remove oil stains will keep your driveway or garage floor looking its best.

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Comments (1)

• |2011-07-27 10:36:12 marc weinberg  - Teak oil on concrete deck
  While using teak oil on patio furniture, a lot of the oil dripped on the concrete deck. The stain left, actually looked good, so I spread some of the oil on a large patch of the deck. It looks great! Only problem is the surface is a bit oily.
  
  How can I remove the oily skim from the concrete deck but keep the color (stain from the teak oil.
  
  Any thoughts?
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