What can I use to remove motor oil stains off my concrete driveway?

Answer 1

WD-40 works like a charm...

Answer 2

I'd say to get the leak fixed first, right? What I do for getting the stains out, as much as possible, is to get a bunch of kitty litter, pout it in an arc or semi-circle downhill from the stain so that it will absorb any runoff from the cleanser you use. I like SimpleGreen or ZEP's Citrus Cleaner, both available at The Chrome Despot (you know who I mean...) or other places like a janitorial supply house. Pour the cleanser onto the stain, let it sit for as long as it can; if some evaporates, add more. After several hours, scrub it vigorously with stiff brush, then sweep the kitty litter onto the scrubbed area, adding more if needed. : be generous. Dance, jump up and down, drive on it if you wish--or not. Leave it on the stains overnight if you want, then sweep up the dirty kitty litter and put it in a heavy-duty garbage bag. Next, make another arc or semi-circle below the treated area, then pour a weak bleach solution onto the treated area, scrub with a clean scrub brush or clean throw-away old broom, then sweep the kitty litter on top of the cleaned area, let it sit for an hour or so, then sweep it up and bag it. THEN rinse off the cleaned area. You could even try a pressure-washer at this point. And don't be surprised if you have to repeat the procedure at some point, after the driveway dries and you see if any stains remain. You're trying to minimize as much as humanly possible any toxic substances from getting into the drain/sewer system, some of which feed directly into nearby streams, rivers or bays. Thanks for caring. By the way: the driveway is concrete: is the street concrete or asphalt? The asphalt, being black, would tend to absorb and/or 'mask' the leaking fluid(s). Would you post the results of what the mechanic finds and repairs?

Answer 3

I don't believe it's possible! I lived in Raleigh, NC where concrete abounds, everywhere, and I have seen many people attempt to get the stains out because someone pulled into their driveway with an oil leaker! I would think possibly the automotive parts stores have a solution and used with a pressure washer might be your best shot! Beyond that I don't think you're going to have much luck! Do what I did and put a sign at the end of the driveway stating "If your car leaks oil-leave it in the street,please"!
Hopefully people respect your wish! Thank god we have blacktop!

Answer 4

There is stuff called OILDRY that most part stores carry, but you can use kitty litter as well. If your talking the oil is soaked into the concrete, try a silly solution of using DAWN brand dishsoap as a paste, and scrub with a hard bristle brush. Do this a couple times and you should see a BIG difference. Good Luck! :)

Answer 5

thank god it was concrete and not asfault. Go to your nearest auto parts store and look for purple power. I know that Auto Zone carries this or to a NAPA store and buy concrete floor cleaner.
you will need a stiff broom to work either cleaners into the concret
now the NAPA stuff may work a little better but when you rinse the stuff off with a hose, the runn off will probabley kill all of the grass that gets wet, purple power is a little more envirtomily friendly but you must read the lable. this stuff is what profess. gareges use and they have no grass to worry about!!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 6

Try detergent (liquid laundry or dishwashing detergent). Soak the stain in detergent, scrub with a stiff brush or broom, dump boiling water on it, and scrub some more. Repeat as required.

There's a more sophisticated method at the URL posted below.

Answer 7

Drive-up available from O'reilly Auto Parts.

Spray it onto the oil spots and let it sit for an hour and hose off. Biodegradable so it is not hazardous and no scrubbing needed. We use it at our shop all the time.

Answer 8

Kitty litter and a block of wood! Sprinkle regular (not scoopable) kitty litter on the grease spot, then use the block of wood to scrub the kitty litter, then sweep it up. The stains should be gone.

Answer 9

Use regular detergent and scurb with a broom. Rinse with a hose or just use a bucket of water. It won't shine, but it'll get the stain out.

Answer 10

if it is a set in oil stain, allot of the others won't work as well, go out buy yourself a stiff bristle push broom and a gallon of sulfuric acid you can dilute it or pour it strait on it, scrub with the push broom rinse with more acid or water

Answer 11

Dawn dish liquid. Use a brush, like a tire cleaning brush, dampen the spot, the put dawn on it, and rub it in. It will take a little elbow grease, but Dawn is great. I use it in my garage for alot of different uses.