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It’s happened to all of us. We’re working in the garage or driveway, and we slip on a spot of oil. Or, we’re changing the oil in our car and spill some. Oil stains on concrete can be difficult to clean, but with the right method, you can get rid of them for good.
There are a few different ways to clean oil off the concrete, but the best way will depend on how big the stain is and how long it’s been there.
Here are 10 tried and true ways to clean oil stains from concrete:
Outline
10 Best Ways to Clean Oil Off Concrete
1. Baking Soda
Baking soda is a natural cleaner that can be used on many different surfaces, including concrete. To clean oil off the concrete with baking soda, make a paste with baking soda and water.
Apply the paste to the stain and let it sit for 15 minutes. Then, scrub the stain with a brush and rinse it off with water.
2. Vinegar
Vinegar is another natural cleaner that can be used to remove oil stains from concrete. To use it, mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and mist the stain.
Let the solution sit for a few minutes, then scrub with a brush. Rinse with water and let the area dry.
3. Dawn Dish Soap
Dawn dish soap is another common household cleaner that can be used to remove oil stains. To use it, mix equal parts of Dawn and water in a spray bottle and mist the stain.
Let the solution sit for a few minutes, then scrub with a brush. Rinse with water and let the area dry.
4. Cat Litter
One of the quickest and easiest ways to clean oil off concrete is with cat litter. That’s right, the stuff you use to scoop your cat’s litter box can also be used to clean up oil stains. Just pour a generous amount of cat litter over the stain and let it sit for a few hours.
Once the cat litter has absorbed the oil, sweep it up and dispose of it. The stain should be gone, too.
5. Oven Cleaner
One household cleaner that can be effective at removing oil stains is oven cleaner. Oven cleaner is a strong degreaser, so it can cut through the oil and lift the stain from the concrete.
To use oven cleaner to clean an oil stain, simply spray it on the stain and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, scrub the stain with a brush or scrub pad. Be sure to wear gloves when you’re using oven cleaner, as it can be harsh on your skin.
After you’ve scrubbed the stain, rinse it off with water. You may need to repeat this process a few times to completely remove the stain.
6. Sawdust and Paint Thinner
One way to clean oil off concrete is to use sawdust and paint thinner. This method works best for small stains that are fresh.
First, sprinkle sawdust over the oil stain. Then, pour paint thinner onto the sawdust. The paint thinner will break down the oil, and the sawdust will absorb it.
Let the sawdust and paint thinner sit for a few minutes, then sweep it up and dispose of it.
7. Poultice
If you have a really stubborn oil stain, you can make a poultice. To do this, mix equal parts of flour and dish soap with enough water to make a paste. Spread the paste over the stain and cover with a piece of plastic wrap. Let it sit for 24 hours, then scrape off the paste and rinse with water.
8. WD 40
WD 40 is a good option for small oil stains. Just spray it on the stain and scrub with a brush or rag. For bigger stains, you can use a power washer. Just be sure to use a low-pressure setting, so you don’t damage the concrete.
9. Oil Eater Cleaner Degreaser
Oil Eater Cleaner Degreaser is a good option for small oil stains. It’s biodegradable and non-toxic, so it’s safe to use around the house. To use it, just wet the area with the cleaner and scrub with a brush or cloth. Then, rinse the area with water.
If the stain is bigger, you may need to use a power washer. You can rent one from a hardware store or home improvement center. Be sure to read the instructions carefully before using it, so you don’t damage the concrete.
10. Coca Cola
One of the easiest ways to remove oil stains from concrete is by using Coca-Cola. Pour a can of Coke over the stain and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, use a scrub brush to scrub the stain. You may need to do this a few times to get rid of the stain completely.
No matter what method you use, be sure to scrub the area well with soapy water after you’ve removed the oil stain. This will help remove any residual oil and cleaner that could potentially damage your concrete.