HELP - How to remove oil stains from concrete?

"Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2" (pompei426)
10/30/2017 at 11:51 • Filed to: None

Hey everyone. I messed up and accidentally dumped a boatload (4qts) of use oil on my concrete driveway. Well, I really forgot it was behind my car, and backed it out of the garage. This happened 2 days ago. I’ve thrown down Purple Power and scrubbed the concrete with a brush, and it has improved, but it’s not enough. Power washing didn’t help at all. I’ve watched 10,000 videos with several potential answers, but I’d like to hear what has worked for you. I like the idea of using a blowtorch to burn it out, but that will take days. Without spending a ton of money or having to dress like Heisenberg, how can I remove the stains?

DISCUSSION (27)

Klaus Schmoll > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
10/30/2017 at 11:54

My dad made me hammer kitty litter with a rubber hammer into the oil stains whenever my friend parked his leaking Polo in the driveway. Let it sit for a day and then brush off.

Nibbles > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
10/30/2017 at 11:54

I haven’t had a chance to use it myself yet (though I really need to) but my coworker swears by Chomp:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Chomp-32-oz-Concrete-Stain-Remover-53019/203082110

YMMV but at 8 bucks a bottle, hard to go wrong

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
10/30/2017 at 11:55

There really is nothing that will get it all the way out. Concrete is a little porous, and there will always be some discoloration in the area of the spill. A blow torch will just discolor it further and weaken the concrete.

bobbe17 > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
10/30/2017 at 11:56

I’ve used brake cleaner with pretty decent success, though I haven’t tried it on large areas.

MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
10/30/2017 at 11:56

Remove concrete...pour new concrete

HammerheadFistpunch > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
10/30/2017 at 11:56

The only thing that seems to work remotely well for me is to get laundry detergent right on the spill to soak and bleach it, then hose it off.

Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2 > bobbe17
10/30/2017 at 12:00

Yah, I’ve used brake cleaner on small spots, but with the current situation, it would cost a fortune, take hours, and probably send me to the ER from the fumes.

Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2 > HammerheadFistpunch
10/30/2017 at 12:01

So, could I make a paste of powdered detergent and bleach, then smear it on?

Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2 > Klaus Schmoll
10/30/2017 at 12:02

I’ve heard that works. I think I’ll use kitty litter, baking soda, or powered detergent.

HammerheadFistpunch > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
10/30/2017 at 12:03

you could...but I think the secret is that the detergent soaks up the oil like kitty litter, so a 2 day old stain may not be affected the same was as a freshie.

Nibby > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
10/30/2017 at 12:07

lick it til its gone

rillweid - Now with more TRD and less TDI > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
10/30/2017 at 12:25

You could try the David Tracy method of scrubbing bubbles.

Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2 > rillweid - Now with more TRD and less TDI
10/30/2017 at 12:27

Go on

gettingoldercarguy > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
10/30/2017 at 12:30

Pressure washer

random001 > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
10/30/2017 at 12:32

Kinja'd!!!

random001 > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
10/30/2017 at 12:32

That said, it’s not that hard.

https://www.familyhandyman.com/garage/removing-oil-paint-and-other-concrete-stains/view-all/

Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2 > gettingoldercarguy
10/30/2017 at 12:35

Tried, no change.

gettingoldercarguy > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
10/30/2017 at 12:48

Wow, I’d like to hear if the kitty litter treatment works.

kanadanmajava1 > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
10/30/2017 at 16:51

With some suitable solvents you be might be able to get some amount out from the surface but getting everything out is probably impossible. And even if you would manage to get the oil out the black carbon residue would likely still remain in the concrete.

Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
10/30/2017 at 17:23

Kitty litter works well for me. Older stains take longer to pull and you may never get it 100%, but certainly way better. I’ve also heard of the litter+acetone (or other chemical) soak, but not tried it.

MM54 > Nibbles
10/30/2017 at 18:17

I may have to try this. Between the chevelle and the rx7 my garage floor looks like the exxon-valdez was parked there.

PG; the scalpel wielder > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
10/30/2017 at 21:14

I normally just use degreaser from a spray can. But might not be enough for you

sn4cktimes > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
10/30/2017 at 21:30

When I acrylic coated my garage it had 45+ years of oil stains. I got them out with oil absorbing sand, then very concentrated Simple Green and a LOT of scrubbing with a push broom. Pressure washed it off. Rinsed. Repeated I think 4 times with SG. I had to be cautious with the pressure washer as some off the concrete was very old and brittle.

pip bip - choose Corrour > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
10/31/2017 at 06:57

fresh concrete?

rillweid - Now with more TRD and less TDI > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
10/31/2017 at 14:01

https://thegarage.jalopnik.com/heres-how-to-get-used-motor-oil-off-of-your-walls-1796228270

Hydrazine > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
11/12/2018 at 09:03

The three major lazy ways to do this, sawdust/ kitty litter

fire

and pressure washer,

conviently this is also the order you do this in. Yes do all three

Rick Cavaretti > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
05/23/2019 at 22:29

Concrete is porous. Anything you do to the surface will not affect material (oil) which already migrated to a location under the surface. Time, and gravity, will eventually allow most of it to sink lower, lowering the discoloration. However, you can beat it at its own game. A really runny slurry of cement will cap the stain, after its had some time to clear the surface.