How to Remove Oil Stains From Concrete

Remove oil stains from concrete quickly if you can, because concrete is porous and fresh oil soaks in fast. Fresh spills often lift with an absorbent and a degreaser. Older, set-in stains usually need repeated degreaser treatments or a poultice that draws oil out of the pores. Some stains fade but never disappear completely. Keep runoff out of storm drains, since oily water pollutes streams.

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Fresh spills

Cover the spill immediately with an absorbent such as clay cat litter, sawdust, or a commercial oil absorbent.
Grind the absorbent in with your shoe to work it into the surface.
Let it sit for several hours or overnight.
Sweep it up and dispose of it according to local rules for oily absorbents.
Scrub with a degreaser and a stiff brush, then rinse sparingly.

Old stains

Method	How it works	Best for
Concrete degreaser	Surfactants break down oil	Light to moderate stains
Enzyme or bacterial cleaner	Microbes digest oil over days	Older stains; low-scrub approach
Poultice	Absorbent paste mixed with solvent pulls oil out	Deep, set-in stains
Pressure washing with hot water and degreaser	Heat and pressure lift oil	Large areas

Repeat treatments are normal for older stains.

Making a poultice

Mix an absorbent powder, such as diatomaceous earth or clay litter ground fine, with a solvent or degreaser into a paste.
Spread it about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick over the stain.
Cover with plastic and tape the edges.
Let it dry for a day or more.
Scrape it off and repeat as needed.

Use solvents in well-ventilated areas away from flames, and follow product labels.

What not to do

Do not hose oily residue into the street or storm drain.
Do not use gasoline or other fuels as a cleaner.
Do not mix cleaning chemicals, especially bleach with ammonia or acids.
Avoid harsh acids that can etch concrete.

Preventing future stains

Use drip pans or mats under vehicles that leak.
Fix leaks promptly.
Seal the driveway with a penetrating sealer, which slows oil absorption. See concrete driveway sealer types.

Asphalt is different

Oil softens asphalt binder, so cleaning methods differ. See removing oil stains from an asphalt driveway.

Bottom line

To remove oil stains from concrete, blot fresh spills with an absorbent, then scrub with a degreaser. For old stains, use repeated degreaser treatments, enzyme cleaners, or a poultice. Keep runoff out of storm drains, use drip pans, and seal concrete to reduce future stains.

Questions people ask

Does cat litter remove oil from concrete?

Clay litter absorbs fresh oil well. Grind it in and let it sit before sweeping.

How do I remove old oil stains from concrete?

Use a degreaser repeatedly, an enzyme cleaner, or a poultice to draw oil out.

Can I pressure wash oil off concrete?

Hot water with a degreaser helps, but keep runoff out of storm drains.

Will oil stains come out completely?

Fresh stains often do. Old stains may fade but leave a shadow.

Does sealing concrete prevent oil stains?

A sealer slows absorption, giving you more time to clean spills.

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