How to Remove Oil Stains From Concrete

Oil stains can be pesky and hard to remove, especially if you don’t know how to do it correctly. When they penetrate concrete garages or driveways, it can be more troublesome because they impact your property’s curb appeal. Using the right tools and materials to properly clean concrete is essential, and so is working with a professional to achieve better results. Here’s how to remove oil stains from concrete.

Understanding Oil Stains on Concrete

Concrete is naturally porous, meaning it absorbs substances through the tiny pathways within its pores. Oil’s low surface tension allows it to spread out thinly and penetrate deep within the crevices.

There are different ways oil can stain concrete, but two common ways to categorize oil stains are:

Fresh: Stains that have not set in on the concrete and are generally easier to remove through basic cleaning and rinsing.
Old or deep-set: Stains that have penetrated the concrete and require specialized treatment and cleaning for complete removal.

Essential Tools and Materials

The common causes of concrete oil stains include gasoline, transmission fluid, motor oil, rock salt, and other ice melt products. Tools and materials often used for removing stains caused by these products are:

Concrete cleaner or degreaser
Oil and grease stain remover
Automotive brake cleaner
Household oven cleaner
Cat litter or sawdust
Baking soda
Laundry detergent or dishwashing liquid
WD-40
Stiff brush
Pressure washer

Step-by-Step Methods for Removing Oil Stains

Follow these simple guides on how to get oil off the driveway or garage concrete.

For Fresh Oil Stains

Remove surface-level or fresh oil stains by:

Blotting the surface using baking soda, sawdust or cat litter.
Scrubbing the area with a stiff-bristled brush and detergent or concrete cleaner.
Rinse thoroughly with water and repeat as necessary.

For Dried/Old Oil Stains

To remove old oil stains that have penetrated your concrete:

Absorb excess oil using baking soda or cat litter.
Apply concrete oil remover and let it sit for a few hours.
Remove the hardened material using a stiff brush or scraper.
Clean the residue and rinse the area with water.

Pressure Washing

Remove stubborn or older stains from the concrete by using a pressure washer.

Apply oil cleaner on the affected area.
Get the appropriate nozzle attachment for your washer.
Direct the stream at the stain until it covers the area.
Move back and forth to lift the stain from the concrete.

When to Call a Professional

Simply knowing how to remove oil stains and having all the recommended products may not be enough. Sometimes, it’s better to rely on a professional for help. If you’ve exhausted all the means to remove oil stains from concrete or prefer efficiency over DIY methods, R. J. Potteiger Construction Services, Inc. offers concrete cleaning and maintenance solutions for residential and commercial properties.

Schedule a Service Today

R. J. Potteiger Construction Services, Inc. is a trusted construction services company in Central, PA. We offer comprehensive solutions to residential and commercial property owners, including concrete construction and maintenance services. With over 30 years of industry experience, you can count on us to deliver exceptional results for your property. Explore real-world applications of our services and contact us to request an estimate or schedule a service.