Oil stains on your concrete driveway are more than just an eyesore—they can actually damage the surface over time and lower your home's curb appeal. Fortunately, with the right tools and techniques, you can restore your driveway to a cleaner, more attractive state.
Join our Durham concrete contractor experts from Martinez Brothers NC Landscaping Inc. as we explain how to remove oil stains from concrete.
Table of Contents
What Causes Grease Stains on Concrete?
Oil stains can appear on your driveway or garage floor for a variety of reasons. Before we dive into explaining how to remove oil stains from concrete, it's important to know where the stain came from as this can help you prevent future stains and protect your home's concrete surfaces.
Vehicle Leaks
Leaking engine oil, transmission fluid, or brake fluid from cars, trucks, and motorcycles is the most common cause of driveway stains. Even a small amount add up over time, especially when a vehicle is parked in the same spot regularly.
Lawn Equipment and Power Tools
Mowers, trimmers, and generators often release oil or gasoline during use or maintenance. Spilling oil during a refill or storing equipment without cleaning it properly can lead to stains.
DIY Projects and Garage Work
Changing your oil, tuning up your car, or using oil-based products like lubricant can leave behind spills. Without proper containment or cleanup, oil leaks can drip or splash onto the concrete.
Why Are Oil Stains Tough to Remove from Concrete?
Concrete may seem like a hard, durable surface, but it's surprisingly vulnerable to oil and other automotive fluids. The reason oil stains are so persistent comes down to how concrete is made and how oil interacts with it over time.
Concrete Is Porous
Concrete is filled with tiny pores that absorb liquids like a sponge. When oil is spilled, it quickly soaks into these pores and settles below the surface, making it difficult to fully remove with surface-level cleaning.
Oil Breaks Down Slowly
Unlike water-based spills, oil doesn’t evaporate or break down easily. It tends to cling to the surface and harden over time, especially under sun exposure—making older stains more resistant to removal.
Weather Can Make It Worse
In a humid, warm climate, oil can seep deeper into concrete before you even notice it. High summer temperatures can cause oil to thin and spread, while rain can push it further into the pores.
Improper Cleaning Methods
Trying to rinse oil away with just water or using the wrong cleaner can actually set the stain, especially if it's been allowed to dry. Scrubbing excess oil without a degreaser may only spread the oil around, making the stain larger or more visible.
Tools and Materials Needed to Remove Oil from Concrete
Make sure you have everything you need on hand before cleaning oil stains on your concrete driveway, garage, or patio.
Here's what you'll need for the best results:
- An absorbent, such as clay-based cat litter or baking soda
- Concrete degreaser or dish soap
- Stiff-bristled brush or broom
- Paper towels for cleanup
- Pressure washer (optional)
- Water hose with spray nozzle
- Gloves and eye protection
How to Remove Oil Stains from Concrete Surfaces
Tackling oil stains on concrete doesn’t require professional equipment, but it does require the right approach and a little bit of elbow grease. Follow along as we explain how to remove oil stains from concrete.
Step 1 – Soak Up Fresh Oil
Cover all the oil that spilled with a generous layer of clay-based kitty litter or baking soda, pressing it into the surface. Let it sit for several hours or overnight, then sweep or vacuum it up. This step pulls out as much surface oil as possible before it soaks deeper into the concrete, making future cleaning efforts easier and more effective.
Step 2 – Apply a Degreaser or Cleaning Agent
Pour a concrete-safe degreaser, dish soap, or oil-fighting cleaner directly onto the stain. Allow it to soak in for 15 to 30 minutes so it can break down the oil. Degreasers chemically break up the oil molecules, loosening their grip on the concrete’s porous surface so they can be lifted away in the next step.
Step 3 – Scrub the Area Thoroughly
Use a stiff-bristled scrub brush or push broom to scrub the area in circular motions, working the cleaner deep into the concrete. Rinse thoroughly with warm water when done. Scrubbing agitates the oil and cleaner, helping dislodge grime trapped in the pores of the concrete, and rinsing clears away the residue so the stain doesn’t resettle.
Step 4 – Pressure Wash (If Needed)
If the stain remains, use a pressure washer to remove lingering oil and deeply embedded residue. Move the nozzle consistently and avoid focusing on one spot too long. Pressure washing
provides extra power to lift stains that scrubbing alone can’t handle, especially if the oil has set into the concrete over time.
Alternative Methods for Tough Oil Stains
If standard cleaning methods didn’t do the trick, try one of these proven alternatives to help lift deeper, older oil stains from concrete:
- Poultice Cleaner: Apply a paste of degreaser and baking soda or laundry detergent, cover it, and let it sit for 24–48 hours to draw out deep oil.
- Repeat Degreaser Applications: Multiple rounds of degreaser may be needed for thick or set-in stains.
- Contact a Professional: If stains persist after multiple cleanings, a concrete cleaning expert can safely and thoroughly remove stubborn stains without damaging the surface.
Contact Our Concrete Maintenance Team in Durham Today
If oil stains, cracks, or weathering are taking a toll on your driveway, Martinez Brothers NC Landscaping Inc. is here to help. We can help you learn how to remove oil stains from concrete or install a brand new concrete surfaces such as a driveway, patio, or walkway. We offer professional concrete, landscaping, lawn care, and hardscaping services in Durham and the surrounding areas.
Contact us today to request a FREE estimate and see how our expert team can improve the look and longevity of your concrete. Get started by filling out our easy to use contact form below.
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