Having oil stains on your driveway can be an eyesore and make the area look unkempt. Thankfully, there are several methods you can use to get rid of oil stains efficiently. With a bit of time and elbow grease, you can restore the look of your driveway.
Assessing the Stain
Before doing anything, take a close look at the oil stain and try to determine what kind of oil caused it. Was it motor oil that dripped from your car? Or was it cooking oil that spilled when taking out the trash? Identifying the oil type will help you choose the best removal method.
Also, consider how long the stain has been there. A newer stain will be easier to remove than one that has set in over time. For older stains, you may need to use more intense cleaning solutions.
Trying a Degreaser
One of the most effective ways to tackle oil stains on a driveway is using a degreaser. Degreasers work to break down thick, sticky oil residues.
Look for a heavy-duty degreaser specifically formulated for concrete and asphalt. Popular products include Simple Green Concrete Cleaner, Krud Kutter Concrete Cleaner, and Zep Driveway Cleaner. Read the product label to check that it can handle motor oil, transmission fluid, grease stains, and more.
To use a degreaser:
- Sweep the area to remove any loose debris. This allows the degreaser to penetrate the stain better.
- Apply the degreaser liberally over the stain according to the product instructions. For a larger stain, use a spray bottle for even coverage.
- Let the degreaser sit for 5-10 minutes so it can start interacting with the oil. Don’t let it dry completely.
- Use a stiff scrub brush to work the degreaser into the stain. Apply some elbow grease to lift the oil from the concrete.
- Rinse the area thoroughly with a garden hose. Check to see if the stain has lightened or lifted.
- For stubborn stains, repeat the process as needed until the oil is removed.
The degreaser’s active ingredients will break down the oil over time. Be patient and keep scrubbing and rinsing periodically to get rid of all traces.
Trying Absorbents
Another option is to use oil absorbent products to lift the stain. Absorbents work by attracting and soaking up the oily residue. Some popular options include:
- Kitty litter – Sprinkle a thick layer over the stain and let it sit for a day or two. The clay in kitty litter will soak up the oil. Sweep away the litter once it’s absorbed the stain.
- Baking soda – Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the stain and give it a day to work. The baking soda will draw out the oil. Rinse it away with water.
- Corn starch – Similar to baking soda, corn starch can work to absorb oil from the driveway. Let it sit before rinsing.
- Flour – Regular flour can also be an effective absorbent. Apply it to the stain and let it sit before sweeping it away.
- Sand – Covering the stain with a layer of sand can help extract the oil. Let it work for a couple days before removing the sand.
Absorption works best on newer, milder oil stains. You may have to repeat the process a few times for heavy staining. Make sure to thoroughly rinse the area afterward to remove any residue.
Using a Pressure Washer
For extremely stubborn oil stains on an asphalt driveway, firing up the pressure washer can do the trick. The high-powered spray helps scour and lift embedded oil from the pavement.
When using a pressure washer:
- Make sure the driveway is dry before starting. Avoid pressure washing after rain.
- Start with a wider-degree nozzle and keep the pressure washer wand about 8 inches above the surface. This avoids damage to the asphalt.
- Apply a degreasing solution to the stain and let it soak for 5-10 minutes first. This helps loosen the oil so the pressure washer can remove it more effectively.
- Move the nozzle slowly back and forth across the stain to lift debris.
- Rinse the area with clean water when finished to prevent re-staining.
Take precautions when pressure washing, as the pressurized water can damage surfaces if not used properly. Keep the wand moving and don’t concentrate in one area too long.
Using an Oil Eater
For an even more heavy duty cleaning solution, try using an oil eater product. Oil eaters contain powerful active ingredients and emulsifiers that work to break down tough oil deposits.
Some popular options to try include Oil Eater Original Cleaner, Krud Kutter Driveway and Concrete Cleaner, and Simple Green Concentrated Cleaner.
To use an oil eater on driveway stains:
- Sweep and pre-rinse the area to prepare the surface.
- Apply the oil eater liberally over the stain. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
- Use a stiff bristle brush to scrub the solution into the concrete.
- Add more elbow grease and scrubbing to help activate the cleaner.
- Rinse thoroughly with a garden hose when finished.
Oil eaters are strong and may require gloves and eye protection. But they can be highly effective at removing even old, set-in oil stains on driveways. Be sure to rinse any residue away completely after use.
Preventing Future Oil Stains
Once you get your driveway looking clean again, take steps to avoid future oil staining:
- Keep your vehicles well maintained to prevent leaks in the first place. Fix any leaks or drips right away. Use drip pans under the engine if needed.
- Immediately soak up any fresh oil drips or spills using absorbents. This prevents the oil from seeping in.
- Avoid parking vehicles long-term in the same spot to prevent oil concentration. Shift parking locations periodically.
- Check on the driveway after rain storms. Water can cause oil residue to spread and stain a larger area. Spot clean as needed.
- Consider using a driveway sealer that contains oil and grease resistance. This barrier helps prevent stains. Reapply the sealer periodically.
With the right methods and products, you can successfully tackle ugly oil stains on your driveway. A little time and effort goes a long way to restoring the clean look you want. Be patient, persistent and proactive, and you can outsmart those persistent oil stains.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for oil stains to come out of concrete?
It depends on the intensity of the stain, but most oil stains can be removed from concrete within 1-2 hours using the right cleaning methods. Mild stains may come out quicker, while old or heavy stains may take more applications over several days. Be patient and persistent.
What is the best oil stain remover?
Good options include degreasers like Simple Green or Krud Kutter, oil eaters such as Oil Eater Original, or absorbents like kitty litter. Choose a cleaner made specifically for concrete. The best product depends on the type and age of the stain.
What should you not use to remove oil stains?
Avoid dish soap, laundry detergents, acid-based cleaners, bleach, and solvents like gasoline or paint thinner. These can damage concrete and asphalt surfaces. Stick to cleaners formulated for driveway use.
Can I pressure wash oil stains on my driveway?
Yes, you can use a pressure washer for old, stubborn oil stains on an asphalt driveway. Use a fan-tip nozzle, keep it 6-8 inches away, and don’t stay in one spot too long. Avoid pressure washing new stains as it may drive the oil deeper into the pavement.
How can I prevent oil stains on my driveway?
Regular maintenance and cleaning helps prevent oil stains. Spot clean drips quickly, use absorbents on leaks, shift parking locations, and consider a driveway sealer. Proper vehicle maintenance also prevents leaks onto the driveway surface.
Conclusion
Oil stains on driveways can happen easily, but they don’t have to be permanent eyesores. With the right cleaning solutions and techniques, you can successfully remove oil stains from concrete and asphalt driveways. Using degreasers, absorbents, pressure washing, and oil eaters can all be effective options. With some work, your stained driveway can look clean and pristine again. Be persistent and patient when tackling those pesky oil stains.