6 Ways To Clean Oil Off Concrete

Discover six ways to remove oil stains from concrete, ranging from simple household items to professional-grade solutions.

So your car decided to leave a little “love” note on your driveway in the form of a heart-shaped oil stain…lovely. Luckily, you're not alone in this. 

At A-1 Concrete Leveling, we’ve been helping home and business owners clean, level, and protect their concrete for more than three decades. Whether you're facing a fresh stain or battling a stubborn, old spot, this guide walks you through six of the best ways to clean oil off your concrete.

1. Absorbent Kitty Litter

Got a fresh spill? Grab the litter box, but not for the cat. The porous nature of the litter pulls the oil up and out of the surface layer of the concrete before it seeps deeper.

How to Use It:

• First, blot excess oil with a towel (don’t rub!).
• Cover the stain completely with kitty litter.
• Let it sit for several hours or overnight.
• Sweep it up and inspect your progress.

For best results, lightly grind the litter into the surface using your shoe or a stiff broom. This method is especially effective when used as soon as possible after the spill.

2. Baking Soda

This one’s for both fresh and older stains. Baking soda naturally lifts and absorbs oil. It’s also safe, cheap, and easy to find.

Using Baking Soda on Fresh Stains:

• Blot away (again, don’t rub!) excess oil with a towel.
• Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the entire spill.
• Let it sit for a few hours or overnight.
• Sweep it away and repeat if needed.

Using Baking Soda on Set-In Stains:

• Mix baking soda with water to create a thick paste.
• Spread the paste ¼ inch thick over the entire stain.
• As it dries, the oil should absorb into the baking soda. When fully dry, sweep it up or pressure wash it away. 

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3. Dish Soap as a Gentle Degreaser

While it may not pack the punch of a commercial cleaner, dish soap is surprisingly powerful at lifting oil from concrete. The dish soap bonds to the oil and gets washed away with water.

How to Use It:

• Mix a few drops of dish soap with a gallon of warm water.
• Use a stiff-bristled brush to scrub the mixture into the stain.
• Rinse with clean water or pressure wash for a deeper clean.

This is a fantastic method for lighter stains or for following up on other techniques to finish the job.

4. Commercial Concrete Degreasers

Sometimes elbow grease needs a little backup. Concrete-specific degreasers, available at most hardware stores, are designed to break down tough oil stains.

These products are formulated to penetrate deep into porous concrete surfaces, targeting oil stains specifically.

Options include:

• Pre-treatment sprays: Apply and allow to sit for the recommended time before pressure washing.
• Additives for pressure washers: Mix directly into your machine for an enhanced wash.

Follow the instructions carefully. Let the product sit on the surface for the full recommended time (usually 15 to 30 minutes) for best results. Keep in mind that heavily stained areas may require multiple applications or scrubbing to fully lift the oil.

5. TSP (Tri-sodium Phosphate)

When other methods fall short, tri-sodium phosphate (TSP) steps up. This industrial-strength cleaner is effective, but also potent, so proper safety gear is a must.

To use TSP:

• Mix with water according to package directions.
• Apply to the stained area.
• Scrub with a bristle brush and rinse thoroughly.

TSP is known for cutting through tough grease and oil, and it’s often used in commercial or heavy-duty applications. Because it’s a strong chemical, make sure to protect surrounding grass or landscaping and avoid runoff into drains. It’s ideal for long-standing stains that other household products can’t budge.

6. Pressure Washing

While not a stain remover by itself, pressure washing works wonders in combination with other methods like baking soda or degreasers.

How to Use It:

• Pre-treat the stain with one of the above solutions.
• Use a pressure washer to rinse away residue, oil, and deep-down grime.
• For tough stains, repeat the process or try different combinations.
• Use the appropriate pressure washer nozzle (usually 15 to 25 degrees) and keep the wand at least 12 inches away from the surface to avoid etching the concrete.

Related Resource: How to Clean Concrete [Step-by-Step]

Bonus Tip: Seal Your Concrete

Once your concrete is clean, sealing it helps prevent future stains from soaking in. Penetrating sealers are a great choice to help protect against deep oil stains in areas like garages and driveways.

A-1 Concrete Leveling also offers professional cleaning and sealing services that protect your concrete and keep it looking its best year-round.

Goodbye Grease, Hello Clean Concrete

Whether you’re fighting a fresh drip or an old oil stain, one of these six cleaning solutions will help you get the job done. Start simple, escalate as needed, and don’t be afraid to combine techniques for maximum impact. Your driveway will thank you!

Need help keeping your concrete in tip-top shape? Request a free estimate from your local A-1 Concrete Leveling team for expert concrete cleaning and sealing services.