How To Remove Oil Stains From Concrete: Tips And Tricks

Oil stains on concrete can be an eyesore and, if left untreated, can damage the surface. Whether you have a driveway, garage floor, or patio with an oil stain, it’s important to remove it as soon as possible. In this article, we will go over the best ways to remove oil from concrete using common household items and commercial products.

What You Will Need To Remove Oil Stains From Concrete?

Before we get into the different methods for removing oil stains from concrete, it’s essential to gather the necessary supplies. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Protective gloves
• Safety glasses
• Clean rags or paper towels
• Baking soda
• Dawn dish soap
• Hot water
• Cat litter or sawdust
• Power washer or garden hose with a high-pressure nozzle
• TSP (Trisodium Phosphate) cleaner
• Scrub brush or stiff-bristled broom
• Oil stain remover

Method 1: Use Baking Soda And Dawn Dish Soap

One of the most popular and effective ways to remove oil stains from concrete is by using baking soda and Dawn dish soap. Here’s how to do it:

1. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the oil stain.
2. Use a stiff-bristled brush or broom to spread the baking soda evenly over the stain.
3. Mix Dawn dish soap with hot water in a bucket.
4. Pour the soapy water over the baking soda and stain.
5. Use the brush or broom to scrub the mixture into the stain.
6. Let the mixture sit on the stain for 30 minutes.
7. Rinse the area with hot water.

If the stain is particularly stubborn, you may need to repeat this process a few times. Once the stain is gone, use a power washer or garden hose with a high-pressure nozzle to rinse the area thoroughly.

Method 2: Use Cat Litter Or Sawdust

If the oil stain is fresh and still wet, you can use cat litter or sawdust to absorb the oil and remove it from the surface of the concrete. Here’s how to do it:

1. Pour a generous amount of cat litter or sawdust over the oil stain.
2. Use a stiff-bristled brush or broom to work the material into the paint.
3. Let the material sit on the stain for 24 hours.
4. Sweep up the cat litter or sawdust and dispose of it properly.

Once you’ve removed the material, you can use a TSP cleaner to wash the area and remove any remaining oil residue. Follow the instructions on the TSP cleaner carefully to ensure you use it safely and effectively.

Method 3: Use An Oil Stain Remover

If the oil stain is particularly stubborn or has been on the concrete for a long time, you may need to use a commercial oil stain remover. Here’s how to do it:

1. Put on protective gloves and safety glasses.
2. Apply the oil stain remover to the stain according to the instructions
3. Use a stiff-bristled brush or broom to work the remover into the stain.
4. Let the remover sit on the stain for the amount of time specified in the instructions.
5. Rinse the area with hot water.

Be sure to follow the instructions on the oil stain remover carefully to ensure you use it safely and effectively. Some products may require additional steps, such as using a pressure washer to remove the stain.

Method 4: Use A Power Washer

A power washer is a high-pressure water sprayer that can be used to remove a variety of stains from concrete, including oil stains. Here’s how to use a power washer to remove an oil stain:

1. Connect the power washer to a water source and turn it on.
2. Use the high-pressure nozzle to spray water directly onto the oil stain.
3. Move the nozzle back and forth over the stain, applying enough pressure to remove the oil without damaging the concrete.
4. Once the stain is removed, rinse the area thoroughly with hot water.

Using a power washer can effectively remove oil stains from concrete, but it should be used with caution. Make sure you use the appropriate pressure setting and stand a safe distance away from the surface to avoid causing damage.