How can I remove motor oil stains from my driveway? My car used to leak motor oil and it looks ugly now.?

Question

What should I do to clean up the driveway and make it motor oil free???

Answer 1

Let me start by saying newer stains are easier to remove then old stain so don’t wait. Pour some liquid dish detergent (one designed for cutting grease) onto the stain and add water. Pat down the area surrounding the stain as well to prevent oil from spreading during the cleaning process and causing a secondary stain. Scrub the stain vigorously with a nylon scrub brush (not a wire brush which can erode or scratch the concrete), adding enough water to make a rich soapy lather. Rinse with clean water. The soap will emulsify the oil and lift it out of the concrete, but it may take several attempts to completely remove all of the oil. When rinsing the area, it is more environmentally responsible to blot the area with a towel to remove the soapy water, since rinsing the mixture with a hose will allow the motor oil in the water to seep into the ecosystem or sewer system.
Another way to remove motor oil from cement is to spread a thick layer of cat litter over the stained area to absorb the excess motor oil on the surface. Allow the kitty litter to sit for a day or two, and then sweep it away. Be sure to gather both the cat litter and the dirty concrete in a bag and dispose of it properly so the motor oil doesn´t get into the ecosystem or sewer system. Contact your local waste collection service for more information.

Answer 2

Lots of great ideas here. (Gave out a buncha thumbs up)

I've used the kitty litter stuff for fresh spills and it works great.

A few years ago, I rented a water blaster before painting my house. While I had that high-pressure washer, I tried it on some caked-on greasy stains. It worked pretty well, taking the tarry stuff off easily, though there was a slight stain afterwards.

Muriatic acid is another thing I've used, but in the garage before I painted it with cement coating. It's nasty stuff and I'd go with that only as a last option. Your local builder's supply store will carry that.

Everyone else- thanks! Lots of great ideas here.

Answer 3

go to an automobile parts supply store and ask for a product called Absorb All pour it on the spill and sweep it around(also use the back of the broom the wood to rub the compound in) and it will remove oil stains from a concrete driveway. If your driveway is black top your SOL

Answer 4

If you have a dealer in your area that sales car detailing supplies, ask for some stuff called "white wall". Pour it on straight and use a brush to scrub it out. Rinse it off and repeat. It might take a few times to remove all of the stain, but it will work. If the stain is deep, let it set for a few minutes between scrubbing's and repeat.

Answer 5

Concrete acid is called Mauriac acid. This is a last choice as it is dangerous. (If you use it, have a bucket of baking soda and water around to neutralize it). Go to an automotive store and buy some concrete cleaner. Follow the instructions.

I don't remember the name but I used one a few years ago I got at Pep Boys. It was in a Purple container. You pour it on. sweep it in and then let it dry to a powder over night.

Answer 6

It won't make motor oil free, but cat litter helps remover old strains you have rub it in... like a sandpaper for it..to make work better... drive way should show so results fast! Kinda noisy...

Answer 7

Cat litter works but mainly for fresh oil, and acid works but expencive try using Tide laundry soap!(powder) apply it all over and wet it down let it soak for awhile and take you a old broom or something like that and scrub it in and let it sit awhile longer then rub it in somemore then wash off Good Luck

Answer 8

this stuff called tsp substitute, there's several brands and can usually be found wherever paint is sold. there are also many products made specifically for driveway cleanup, just go to a good auto parts store and ask the person behind the counter.

Answer 9

there are so many ways to clean your driveway.
just try these different methods.

listed on this website.
my driveway used to be greasy and liquid tide was the best solution for me, depends on the type of driveway and how long ago the stains were.

http://www.stretcher.com/stories/990830b.cfm

Answer 10

Find out what detergent garages use to clean their floors and approach areas. Then see if it is applicable in your situation. I have found that a good degreaser similiar to Pinesol which dilutes oil worked well on my drive.