How To Remove Oil Stains From Concrete

Posted on: March 15th, 2023 by webolutions

Oil stains on concrete surfaces can be tough to remove, but with the right tools and techniques, you can restore your concrete to its original condition. Whether it’s a garage floor, driveway, or patio, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to remove oil stains from concrete. However, if you want an easier solution for removing oil stains, feel free to skip to the bottom of this article.

Steps to Remove Oil from Concrete

Step 1: Absorb the Oil

The first step in removing oil stains from concrete is to absorb as much of the oil as possible. If the stain is fresh, you can use cat litter, baking soda, or sawdust to absorb the oil. Sprinkle the absorbent material over the stain and let it sit for a few hours or overnight. Then, sweep or vacuum up the absorbent material and dispose of it properly.

If the stain is old or has set in, you can use a commercial degreaser to absorb the oil. Look for a degreaser that is specifically designed for use on concrete surfaces. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application and allow the degreaser to sit on the stain for the recommended amount of time.

Step 2: Scrub the Stain

After the oil has been absorbed, the next step is to scrub the stain. Use a stiff-bristled brush and a mixture of warm water and dish soap to scrub the stain. Work the mixture into the stain using circular motions. If the stain is particularly stubborn, you can add a bit of baking soda or oxygenated bleach to the mixture for added cleaning power.

For tough stains, you can also use a pressure washer. Use a low-pressure setting to avoid damaging the concrete surface. Be sure to keep the nozzle at least six inches away from the surface and use a sweeping motion to cover the entire area.

Step 3: Rinse the Surface

Once you have scrubbed the stain, rinse the surface with clean water. You can use a hose or pressure washer to rinse the surface thoroughly. Be sure to remove all traces of the cleaning solution and any remaining oil residue.

Step 4: Repeat as Necessary

If the stain is still visible after the first round of cleaning, repeat the process as necessary. For particularly stubborn stains, you may need to repeat the process several times.

Step 5: Seal the Surface

After the stain has been removed, it’s a good idea to seal the concrete surface to prevent future stains. Look for a concrete sealer that is specifically designed to repel oil and other stains. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application and allow the sealer to dry completely before using the surface.

Tips and Tricks for Removing Oil Stains from Concrete

Here are a few additional tips and tricks for removing oil stains from concrete:

• Use a degreaser that is specifically designed for use on concrete surfaces. Avoid using bleach or other harsh chemicals, as they can damage the surface.
• Always wear protective gloves and eyewear when working with cleaning solutions.
• Test any cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area of the surface before applying it to the stain.
• Use a pressure washer with caution, as it can damage the surface if used incorrectly.
• Avoid using hot water, as it can set the stain into the concrete surface.
• Don’t use a wire brush or any other abrasive tool, as it can damage the surface.
• Never use a flame or other heat source to remove oil stains from concrete.

Concrete Oil Stain Removal Made Easy

All the above steps may not sound easy – and they are not.

Fortunately, we have a VERY easy solution for you with Terminator-HSD Concrete Cleaner for you. As the industry’s most eco-friendly and powerful oil stain remover, Terminator-HSD naturally breaks down and dissolves the oil into naturally occurring byproducts of CO2 and water. It is as easy as:

1. Sprinkle Terminator-HSD onto the oil stain
2. Mist with water
3. Reapply as needed

No scrubbing and no chemicals. We just let nature take its course and remove your oil stain from concrete over. The only other item needed is just a little patience to let nature run its course.