Oil stains aren’t uncommon on your driveway or garage floor, and while they may be common, they certainly aren’t aesthetically appealing. In fact, oil spills can leave a pretty bad impression on your guests and detract from the overall look of your property. Fortunately, you don’t have to live with these stains—there are effective ways to get rid of them with a little hard work and the correct technique.

In this article, we’ll check out a few helpful tips and methods you can use to remove oil stains from your concrete driveway or garage floor, whether they’re small spots or larger, more stubborn stains.

Removing Small Oil Stains or Spots

Relatively new and often small oil spots can be removed with some hot water and soap. Start by applying a generous amount of detergent to the spill, then scrub the area with a steel brush. Rinse with water and repeat the process until the stain disappears. This tip is especially helpful for minor spills that haven’t had time to penetrate deep into the concrete.

Removing Large Oil Stains

Larger and more stubborn oil stains will require a stronger approach, such as using a degreaser. A degreaser is a powerful and highly concentrated cleaner designed to remove oil, dirt, and grease deposits. It can effectively clean various automotive fluid stains without damaging the surface of your driveway or garage floor. Most importantly, it works with relatively less effort than traditional methods.

However, before you begin, make sure to check the instructions on the degreaser bottle and wear protective gear like goggles and gloves to ensure safety during the cleaning process.

Steps for Removing Oil Stains Using A Degreaser

While using a degreaser to clean oil stains is straightforward, if you’re new to this, please follow the steps below to ensure the best results:

  1. Apply the Degreaser: Start by applying the recommended amount of degreaser onto the oil stain. For lighter-duty cleaning, you can dilute the product with five parts water, but for stubborn stains, we recommend using it at full strength.
  2. Let It Sit: Leave the degreaser on the stain for around 1-3 minutes. For heavily soiled driveways, you may want to let it sit longer, but be careful not to let the degreaser dry completely.
  3. Scrub the Stain: Use a steel brush or stiff nylon brush to scrub the area vigorously, working the degreaser into the concrete.
  4. Wait and Wash: Let it sit for another 5-10 minutes before washing the driveway or garage floor with water.

Important Tip: Any oil that may have penetrated the concrete substrate can re-surface within 24 hours after cleaning. If you notice stains reappearing, you may need to repeat the process.

 

A Better Way to Get Rid of Oil Stains

While the DIY methods discussed above can be helpful, they may not always be effective, especially for large or deeply embedded stains. Cleaning oil off your concrete driveway or garage floor can also be laborious and time-consuming. For a more efficient and thorough solution, consider hiring a professional pressure washing service.

Professional driveway cleaning is an excellent way to remove oil, dirt, and other stubborn stains from your concrete surfaces. It’s faster, less labor-intensive, and delivers better results than DIY methods. If you want to learn more or schedule a professional driveway pressure clean, give the experts at Pressure Cleaning Guys a call today.

 

FAQs

How can I remove oil stains from a driveway using simple household items?

To remove oil stains from concrete driveways, you can start by soaking up any excess liquid with litter or a similar absorbent material. Next, pour a chemical like WD-40 or a degreaser onto the affected area and let it sit for a few minutes. Use a stiff brush to scrub the area, then rinse with water. This method helps keep your driveway looking clean and free of unsightly black stains. If the stain doesn’t come off completely, you may need to repeat the process or use different equipment.

Can I prevent oil stains on my driveway during an oil change?

Yes, to prevent oil stains during an oil change, it’s a good idea to place a protective sheet or litter under your car to catch any spills. This simple step can help avoid spreading oil onto your driveway. If an oil spill does occur, quickly sweep up the absorbent material and apply a stain remover or chemical cleaner to the affected area. Acting fast can prevent the oil from penetrating deep into the concrete and creating unsightly stains.

What’s the best way to remove stubborn oil stains from concrete?

For stubborn oil stains on concrete, you’ll probably need a stronger approach. Start by using a specialized chemical cleaner or degreaser designed for oil stains. Apply it to the affected area, let it soak, and then scrub with a brush. For extra effectiveness, you can follow up with a pressure washer to ensure the stain is fully removed. Keep in mind that some stains may require multiple treatments, especially if they’ve been left to set for a long time.