How to Remove Old Oil Stains from Concrete Driveways & More in Westhampton, NY

A personalized parking spot just right outside your home is the driveway or the garage.  These spots offer safety for your vehicle, especially the garage as it keeps it from the elements and other hazards.  Oil spills seem to be a common stain left on the garage or driveway floor.  These spills often become unflattering stains. To help you remove the oil spots, we at Woodedge Powerwashing would like share how you can lift the oil stains. 

Cleaning Method Depends on Size of Stain

The most optimal method in treating oil stains depends on the size of the stain.  Where they can be a challenge to get out of the pavement, it is important to recognize that the bigger they are, the harder it is to remove.   Smaller stains can be treated with your choice of vinegar, baking soda, dish soap, kitty litter or laundry detergent, where the larger may require an industrial strength cleaner that is either a degreaser or microbial cleaner.   Have a hose with a pressurized nozzle handy and a steel brush or a brush with stiff bristles.

Tools & Equipment to Clean Oily Stains

Make sure you are wearing rubber gloves, safety goggles, as well as long sleeve shirts and pants; the clothes should be old clothes you don’t mind if they get ruined. Removing the dirt and debris first with a push broom will make the process easier.  Be sure to clean the surface of debris before applying any cleaners.

1)  Small Oil Stain Concrete Cleaning.  Once the area is free of particle debris, generously apply the selected detergent on the stain and let it soak in for up to 30 minutes.  Prepare a pot full of hot water and pour the water on top of the blemished area as you wait for the cleaner to loosen up the oil.  Use circular motions and heavy pressure with your brush to scrub up the stain for a couple minutes.  If the stain is still prominent after rinsing the area, repeat application and scrubbing.   Wait 24 hours, if the stain is still present, repeat your steps.

2) Small, but Stubborn Oil Stains Cleaning with Poultice Mixtures.  This method is also applicable on fresh oil spills.  You can pull the deep-rooted oil from porous concrete by mixing cleaning aids with absorbent materials.  Be sure to create a thick paste by mixing one of the solvents with one of the absorbent substances listed below.

Absorbent substance: Saw Dust, Kitty Litter, or Baking Soda

Solvent: Acetone, Lacquer thinner, or xylene

The solvent loosens up the oil while the absorbent material will soak it up for effective results.

• Over the stain, spread ¼ of an inch thick of the mixture.
• With plastic, held down by tape, cover the treated area.
• Remove the plastic, sweep up the remnants, and properly discard it after a day for the mixture to remove the oil stain.
• Wash the area with hot water and your choice of cleaner if a residue remains. 

** Important note:  The poultice method can dissolve the sealer in the event your driveway or garage floor is treated with a sealant.

3) Large Oil Stains on Concrete:  No matter if you prefer microbial cleaner or a degreaser, be sure to follow the label’s directions.

Pressure Cleaning in Amagansett, Bridgehampton, East Hampton, Hampton Bays, Montauk, North Haven, North Sea, Noyack, Quogue, Shelter Island, Sag Harbor, Sagaponack, Shinnecock Hills, Southampton, Springs, Wainscott, Watermill, Westhampton, Westhampton Beach, New York

Oil stains can be challenging, and time consuming to remove on your own.   For a far more effective approach, and to save you time and possible money, call Woodedge Powerwashing and let us do the rest.