Four Ways to Clean Concrete From Grease and Oil Stains
A flawless concrete patio, driveway, or walkway can feel like a magnet for leaky cars and spilled oil, which penetrate the porous concrete surface and leave lasting stains. That is, if you will. There are several ways to get rid of oil stains on concrete to restore it to like-new condition.
Remove oil stains quickly
The sooner you get to the oil stain, the better your chances of removing it. Using an absorbent material such as cat litter, sawdust, or chemical absorbent for use in stores and garages is a good first step. While cat litter and sawdust can be used on vegetable oil, the chemical type of absorbent that works well with motor oil or other greasy liquids can cause heat during the absorption process, which can start a fire when mixed with organic oils, turpentine, or cleaners. products containing hydrofluoric acid. Even if you don’t clean up the spill right away, using absorbent as a first step is a good idea.
Some common tools you will need to clean oil stains:
- Oil-Dri Premium Multipurpose Automotive Absorbent is a good first step.
- It’s a good idea to add a degreaser, such as Mean Green Super Strength Cleaner and Degreaser.
Use a household cleaner
If you don’t have immediate access to some absorbent material, you can try using a homemade cleanser. First, soak up as much of the oil as possible with rags, newspapers, or paper towels so that the cleaner penetrates as deep as possible into the concrete. Then use a stiff-bristled brush to scrub the affected area with a 50/50 solution of vinegar and water, a mixture of two tablespoons of baking soda and one cup of hot water, or a mixture of one teaspoon of dish soap and one teaspoon of dish soap. Glass of water. Do not use them in combination with each other as they may cause a chemical reaction that will prevent them from effectively removing the stain.
Use a pressure washer
Another common method for removing a recent oil stain is washing with detergent added. Using hot water will increase its efficiency. Before spraying the area with a wash stick, be sure to wipe as much oil off the concrete surface as possible so that the oil does not get onto adjacent surfaces. Adding a degreaser to the stain before washing and soaking it in for about fifteen minutes will help the detergent penetrate the concrete surface and remove more of the stain. Also, be careful to select the appropriate pressure setting on your pressure washer to avoid damaging concrete or nearby objects. Be sure to remove anything that could break or be damaged if it gets hit by a strong stream of water.
Make a dissolving paste
If the initial first aid in dealing with the stains has not worked, there are a few more steps to take before giving up. The next step is to try using poultices. A poultice can be made with a solvent such as acetone , mineral spirits , or a stain remover combined with cat litter, sawdust, diatomaceous earth , or clay oil absorbent intended for shops and garages. Mix absorbent and thinner to make a paste, make sure you have proper ventilation, especially if you are using acetone. Then apply the paste to the stain, covering the border of the stain by about an inch and leaving a layer about half an inch thick. Once this is done, use painter’s plastic , cling film , or plastic wrap to cover the paste, and seal the edges with masking tape all around to keep the liquid solvent from evaporating. Then leave the poultice for 24 hours to seep into the concrete before scraping off the paste with a scraper or plastic spatula . You can then use a stiff-bristled brush to remove any remaining paste and rinse the area with water. You can repeat this process several times if the stain is particularly stubborn.