How to Remove Oil Stains from the Driveway? 7 Methods

Utilize these seven simple cleaning techniques like bleach, WD-40, and other methods to get rid of oil residue and bothersome driveway stains.

Oil spills or leaks can be troublesome for your driveway in addition to your car. These dribbles and splotches are unsightly flaws that take away from the beauty of your house and yard.

You’ve come to the right place if you’re looking for advice on how to get oil stains out of a concrete driveway. We’ll demonstrate how to carry it out correctly. The best advice for removing oil stains from the driveway is provided below. Check them out.

Further Reading: How To Get Motor Oil Out Of Clothes?

Must-Know Tips Before Getting Started

Start at the top of an inclining driveway and work your way down to prevent soiled water and residue from flowing over areas you’ve already cleaned. When using cleaners, be cautious around plants and landscaping.

Some cleaners offer guidance on how to shield plants from runoff and careless sprays. Before using the cleaner, the manufacturer may advise thoroughly wetting the nearby plants, grass, and vegetation.

Recall that oil can catch fire. Clean up spills thoroughly, and dispose of anything that has come into contact with oil safely.

Methods to Remove Oil Stains from the Driveway

Here is a guide for using common household items to remove oil stains from a driveway.

Dish Soap Or Laundry Detergent

According to American Family Insurance, oil stains can be successfully removed using a good laundry detergent or dishwashing soap with grease and stain removers. Here’s how to do it:

1. Make sure the oil stain is completely covered before applying the soap or detergent.
2. Let the soap or detergent soak into the oil stain after that.
3. Scrub the area with a wire brush or one with sturdy bristles after it has had some time to soak.
4. Allow the stain to sit for about an hour after thoroughly cleaning it.
5. Rinse the stain with water after an hour has passed.
6. If required, repeat each step.

WD-40

WD-40 works well to remove oil stains in addition to being a good lubricant. In fact, using WD-40 to get rid of oil stains in your driveway is fairly easy, according to American Family Insurance. To do so, try the following:

1. Spray WD-40 over the entire stain. 
2. Utilize a wire brush or brush with thick bristles to scrub the stain.
3. Use a pressure washer or a water rinse to clean the area.
4. To absorb any remaining oil, use baking soda or cat litter.

Baking Soda

In addition to odors, baking soda absorbs. According to Allstate, it is also effective at lifting and absorbing moisture. To use baking soda to remove oil stains from your driveway, give the following instructions a try:

1. Baking soda should be applied in a thick layer over the area.
2. Give the baking soda at least 30 minutes to soak.
3. With a wire brush, scrub the area.
4. Follow these instructions again and again as needed.

Coca-Cola

There’s much more to Coca-Cola than just a drink. Due to its high acidity, Coke effectively removes old oil stains from driveways.

Remind yourself that the coke should be at room temperature before using it. Therefore, it’s a good idea to wait for your Coca-Cola to warm up if it came from the refrigerator.

1. A 12-ounce Coca-Cola can suffice if the stain is small. Pour it directly on the oil stains.
2. Allow it to soak for two to three hours.
3. If you want to ensure that all of the stains are removed, scrub it for 5 minutes.
4. When you’re finished, rinse with water.

Vinegar

Oil can be removed from concrete using vinegar as well. It can act as a natural degreaser thanks to its acidity properties.

The drawback of vinegar is that it might not be as potent an irritant as other common products. Consequently, it works best for simple stains.

1. Cleaner and water are combined in a bowl. A dash of dish soap, 3 tablespoons of vinegar, and 1/2 cup of washing soda can be added.
2. Apply the mixture to the area that needs treatment, then let it sit for 20 to 30 minutes.
3. Cleaning the area with the cleaner and the brush is recommended. Scrub it in a circular motion for the best results.
4. Rub until all of the oil has been removed, then rinse with water to remove the mixture.

Bleach

As far as stains are concerned, bleach is already known to be very effective. The fact that bleach can be used to remove oil stains from concrete is something that many people are unaware of.

Oil stains frequently contain other contaminants, which makes it challenging to clean and remove them. Thus, a long-standing oil stain on a driveway can be removed with bleach.

1. All you need to do to avoid exposure is to wear protective gloves and a face mask.
2. Always dilute bleach in water at a 1:1 ratio.
3. Next, either apply the mixture directly to the affected area or put it inside a spray. Using a spray bottle makes it easier to manage how much of the mixture you want to apply to the area.
4. Make sure to lightly scrub the stains, and after that, rinse with water.

Pressure Washer

Concrete stains can easily be eliminated using a pressure washer. Just make sure your pressure washer has a minimum of 1700 psi power.

A pressure washer with a power of 2000 to 3000 psi would be the best option for you to get if you’re going to buy one specifically to clean motor oil off the concrete.

1. Douse the pressurized water with detergent.
2. Start spraying and move the washer linearly.
3. Before washing it off, let the water and detergent sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
4. After rinsing with water, you’re done.

Can Old Oil Stains Be Removed?

Most of the time, oil stains can be eliminated or at least greatly diminished. Older, dried-out stains are usually harder to get rid of than more recent ones that still contain some moisture. This is due to the fact that moisture can be lifted out of the driveway’s concrete if it is present.

Use a pressure washer to help get rid of stains if you have access to one. The stains and other gunk that cover your driveway’s surface are easily removed with a good pressure washer. If nothing else works, and you’re really determined to get the stain out, call a professional cleaning company and have them take care of it.

Conclusion

You simply need to decide which approach will remove oil stains from a driveway from the many that are offered. Baking soda or the standard detergent method are good options if you don’t have a pressure washer.

Always keep in mind that recent stains are much simpler to get rid of than older ones. So, get to cleaning it as soon as possible.