Removing Oil Stains from Concrete Driveway: Step by Step Guide

Oil stains on concrete surfaces like driveways and garage floors can be unsightly but with the right techniques and products, you can effectively remove the stains!

Updated on:

November 7, 2024

Oil stains on concrete surfaces like driveways, garage floors, and patios can be unsightly and slippery. Fortunately, with the right techniques and products, you can effectively remove these stubborn stains. This guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions and tips to help you tackle oil stains on your concrete.

Understanding Oil Stains on Concrete

No one wants unsightly oil stains on their concrete driveway for the neighborhood to see. And for most people they are unable to avoid. These oil stains occur when oil penetrates the porous surface of concrete. The deeper the penetration, and the longer it is unaddressed, the more difficult it is to remove the stain. It is best to address these stains as soon as you see them so that you do not end up with a bunch of permanent, old oil stains. Early intervention is key to preventing the stain from setting in permanently!

Where do these oil stains come from? Most commonly, at least on concrete driveways and garage floors because that is where things like cars and lawnmowers are. Vehicle leaks are number one on the list of culprits for oil stains. Oil leaks from cars, trucks or motorcycles can drip onto the driveway, leaving unsightly oil stains.  Lawnmowers are also prone to oil leaks which can drip onto and stain concrete driveways or garage floors. Wherever they are parked, there is a risk of oil spots.

Finally, everyone spills things from time to time. Oil spills from things like motor oil, grease, or other oily things can also cause oil stains and grease stains on your concrete surfaces. Cleaning oil stains is a great diy project and homeowners do not have to hire a professional in most cases. Read on to find out how to get rid of oil stains.

Gathering Your Supplies

Before you begin this home improvement project, you will need to gather the necessary supplies. The supplies are fairly common, and may already be in your home! They include:

• Cleaning agents: Dish soap, laundry detergent, or a commercial degreaser
  • Dish soap and laundry detergent you may already have at home, like Tide, will break down most oil stains. Simple Green is often praised for its ability to cut through grease, grime, and oil without harsh chemicals. It is also considered environmentally friendly and biodegradable. You can find this at your local hardware store.
  • On the other end of the spectrum is brake cleaner, and while it is effective in getting out tough grease stains, it also comes with some risks. Brake cleaner is a powerful solvent designed to quickly dissolve grease and oil. While it can effectively remove stubborn oil stains, it is also highly flammable and can damage certain surfaces if not used properly.
  • A type of cleaner you should not use for getting rid of oil stains on a concrete surface is oven cleaner, although it does make sense that it would be good for cutting through oil spots. While oven cleaner is powerful enough to cut through grease and grime on oven surfaces, it can be too harsh for concrete. It could potentially damage the surface, especially if left on for too long.
• Absorbent materials: Cat litter, kitty litter, or sawdust
  • Do you have a cat that can spare some kitty litter? Well, given kitty litter’s job is to absorb. Sawdust is another animal related absorbent material. Great for hamster cages as well! If you do not have pets, you can use other absorbent materials such as paper towels and rags.
• Cleaning tools: Scrub brush, broom, or pressure washer
  • Brushes with strong bristles are needed for this job! Although a bristle brush and other types of scrub brushes can be effective for removing oil spots, a pressure washer is often more effective. But you should be careful to not damage the surface of the concrete if you decide to use a pressure washer.
• Protective gear: Gloves and eye protection
  • Since there will be cleaning agents being pressure washed or brushed around, you should wear protective gear.

Step-by-Step Methods to Remove Oil Stains from Concrete

Method 1: Using Household Items

1. Absorb Excess Oil: Use paper towels or rags to blot up as much of the excess oil as possible.
2. Create a Cleaning Solution: Mix a solution of warm water and a mild detergent like Dawn dish soap.
3. Scrub the Stain: Apply the cleaning solution to the stain and scrub vigorously with a brush.
4. Rinse: Rinse the area thoroughly with clean water.
5. Repeat: If the stain persists, repeat the process.

Method 2: Absorbent Poultice

1. Create the Poultice: Mix an absorbent material like cat litter or sawdust with warm water to form a thick paste.
2. Apply the Poultice: Spread the poultice over the stain and cover with plastic wrap.
3. Wait: Allow the poultice to sit for several hours or overnight.
4. Remove the Poultice: Scrape off the dried poultice and repeat the process if necessary.

Method 3: Commercial Concrete Cleaners

1. Choose a Cleaner: Select a commercial cleaner specifically designed for oil stains on concrete. Look for products that contain degreasers or solvents.
2. Follow Instructions: Apply the cleaner according to the manufacturer's instructions.
3. Scrub and Rinse: Scrub the area with a brush and then rinse thoroughly with water.

Method 4: Power Washing

1. Prepare the Area: Clear the area around the stain and protect nearby plants.
2. Adjust the Pressure: Set the pressure washer to a medium setting to avoid damaging the concrete.
3. Spray the Stain: Direct the spray at the stain, using a sweeping motion when pressure washing.
4. Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse the area with clean water to remove any residue.

Tips for Stubborn Stains on Concrete

If the methods above did not succeed in cleaning up the oil stain, there are additional steps you can take for the really stubborn stains! One of those is creating a baking soda paste to apply to the stain. Mix baking soda and water and then apply it to the stain. You will need to let it sit for a few hours, and then you can scrub and rinse.

Additionally, bleach can be used on those tough oil spots as well - but only outdoor concrete floors or concrete driveways. For this, you will need to dilute some bleach so that it is one part bleach to every 3 parts water. Apply by pouring or spraying on the concrete oil stain then scrub with your brush. But be cautious because bleach can damage the concrete surface and harm plant life.

Then there are always the store-bought, heavy duty oil stain removers. One example that we discussed in this article is called Simple Green. Products like these are designed to break down oil and grease. You can find this product and others on Amazon.

Preventing Future Oil Stains

Since it is really not that much fun to clean these oil stains off your concrete surfaces, prevention is key! You should try to keep an eye on the concrete driveway, garage, or floor to make sure you address stains as quickly as possible. Regularly cleaning your concrete surfaces prevents oil and grease buildup. You should also consider sealing your concrete, as sealers help to protect your concrete from future stains and damage.

If your oil stains are primarily coming from your car, you can place absorbent mats in your concrete garage or driveway. Those mats will help to catch the oil drips from vehicles and keep it from becoming an oil stain.

By following these methods and taking preventive measures, you can effectively remove oil stains from all of your concrete surfaces and keep them looking their best. If you encounter particularly stubborn stains or large areas, consider consulting a professional cleaning service. Good luck on your next DIY project!