Oil stains and grease on garage floors and driveways can be a real nuisance, but the cleanup process does not have to be. Whether you are being forced to remove these stains by a landlord or simply want to make your driveway look new again, there are a couple tried and true methods that will work flawlessly. Despite how careful you can try to be, oil is a substance that always seems to get the best of us. Drips and spills happen quite often, and it is a good idea to address them as quickly as possible. The longer the stain sits on the concrete, the more difficult it will be to remove. Like anything, the oil will be absorbed into the ground with time. Here is a step-by-step guide to remove these stains and to make your garage or driveway look new!
How to Remove Oil Stains the Right Way
- When working with fresh stains, the first thing you will want to do is get some dish soap, hot water and a nylon brush.
- Apply water to the concrete surface (on the stain and the surrounding area).
- Place the dish soap directly on the stain and allow it soak in for a couple of minutes.
- Take the nylon brush and start scrubbing the stain in circular motions. The dish soap will work to lift the stain off of the concrete, thus making it easier to remove.
- Repeat this process a few times until the stain has been removed (you will likely need to proceed further if the stain has already settled).
- You can also use kerosene or muriatic acid to dissolve the stain, but remember to be very careful when working around these chemicals. Wear the proper attire (mask and gloves) and apply the solvents to an old cloth. After the removal process, you will want to safely dispose of the cloth; be sure to contact the local authorities for recommended disposal methods.
- A cheaper, safer and just as effective solution can be had with cat litter or baking soda. Cover the oil stain with plenty of cat litter and apply pressure with your feet to grind the litter into the oil. This will work to absorb the stain from the concrete surface. Sweep the litter away and you should be good to go. The baking soda method should be applied just like dish soap; it typically works better too.
