Is there an easy way to remove oil stains from concrete driveway?

Busy grandma
by Busy grandma

My niece purchased her first car, she wanted to make this purchase all on her own. Unfortunately what she could afford is leaking probably every fluid it's ever containED. She proudly came over to show off her "new" car but left a long oil trail. Any suggestions?

  10 answers
  • Janice Janice on Jun 29, 2018

    There are several things that might help with the stains left on your driveway. It depends on what the stain is, of course, and you may not know that as seems there's multiple stains...maybe oil, maybe transmission fluid, maybe, radiator leakage. Sometimes coca-cola works well, sometimes WD-40, and sometimes fine sand scrubbed into the concrete works well. You may have to try multiple methods but most of them are readily available and inexpensive. A good stiff scrub brush helps too! Maybe let us know what worked best! Here's a link with more methods in it.

    https://www.telegraph.co.uk/cars/advice/how-can-i-remove-oil-stains-from-my-driveway-or-garage-floor/

  • Wwh10295751 Wwh10295751 on Jun 29, 2018

    cat litter to soak up loose oil and try dawn dish soap


  • Jan Clark Jan Clark on Jun 29, 2018

    We use clay cat litter. It works really well. If the stain is still present after the oil is absorbed, try a heavy duty degreaser. Even Dawn dish soap works.

  • NanaBeth85 NanaBeth85 on Jun 29, 2018

    Pressure wash with special clean formula. There is an old cleaner (Lestoil) we see now & again that removes any oil it is poured on only. Pour it on half a spot, it cleans half a spot! Especially on work clothes.

  • Pla33666537 Pla33666537 on Jun 29, 2018

    CLAY CAT LITTER

  • Nancy Turner Nancy Turner on Jun 29, 2018

    Use floor dry to sop up any oil or liquid that leaked on the driveway. Grind it in a bit and let it sit to absorb before you sweep it up. I have found that soaps good for grease and oil, like Tide, Dawn and Simple Green, etc. do well to get the rest off. Put it down to cover the stain, scrub it in well and let it sit to soak in. Scrub it in again and rinse it well. It may take more than one try, but at least most of the stain should come out. Finish the rinse with a power washer if you have one, that will really get into the concrete.

  • Chubby58 Chubby58 on Jun 30, 2018

    Use some baking soda to absorb as much as you can. Then purchase a bottle of Super Clean from any auto parts place and Walmart also carries it. Spray it on and let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse really well.

  • Michelle Leslie Michelle Leslie on Apr 11, 2021

    Hi there, if the oil is new apply a some clay cat litter over the stain. Let it sit and absorb as much as possible. Sweep away and repeat a few times if it's saturated. Then apply a degreaser and pressure wash. You can also use a good cleaner degreaser from the automotive store and a stiff broom.

  • Michelle Michelle on Apr 11, 2021

    I've used cat litter Then dishwasher detergent

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Dec 12, 2022

    I use kitty litter, leave it on the stain for 1-2 days and sweep up. If some remain then use blue dawn dish soap and scrub in with a stiff bristled brush. Power wash after that.