Tips for Removing Oil and Grease from Your Driveway or Garage Concrete

Who has not noticed the nasty spots of oil on the garage floor or driveway? They are unsightly, present a health risk to your family and pets, can damage the concrete surface and lower the value of your property.

A leaky car, a motorbike or a lawnmower can damage your garage floor.

It is pretty hard to completely remove a stain, because oil penetrates deep into the concrete. But fortunately, there are several ways to limit the damage.

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Use kitty litter (or sawdust)

-Spreading a layer of kitty litter (sawdust) over the affected area will extract the excess of oil from the concrete.

-For better results let the kitty litter to stay one or two days.

-After two days, sweep and throw away the dirty litter.

-Now, spread a layer of dried cement over the spot.

-Allow again two days for cement to pull out more oil.

-Sweep away the dirty cement.

-Make a paste of laundry detergent and water.

-Cover the stain with this paste.

-Using a wire brush scrub thoroughly the stain.

-If it is necessary, add more detergent paste and water.

-Rinse well with a lot of water.

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Use Sodium Hydroxide and Detergent

Another way would be to use Sodium Hydroxide and detergent. You can buy Sodium Hydroxide from any hardware store.

It is a more expensive way but it can give good results.

Use fuel such gasoline, diesel or kerosene

Remember these products are flammable, so be extremely careful when you use them.

-Gasoline will act as a solvent, which will dilute the oil.

-Cover the stain with a plastic sheet. This will stop gasoline to evaporate.

-It is prudent to have beside you a garden house.

-Scrub and rinse well with a lot of water.

The disadvantage of this method is that gasoline ruins the concrete surface “eating” the concrete.

Another way?

Please, watch the video.