Best Ways to Remove Oil and Grease Stains from Your Driveway

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You take pride in how your home looks from the outside, which means that those oil stains on your driveway have got to go. Fortunately, with the right products and a bit of elbow grease, you can remove grease and oil spots in no time. Whether your stain is large or small, brand new or super old—we’ve got you covered. Read through this article to get your driveway looking brand new again.

Things You Should Know

1

Kitty litter

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    The absorbent power of kitty litter soaks up spilled oil. [1] If the stain is still wet, sprinkle a thick layer of kitty litter over the entire thing, then let it sit for 1 to 2 hours. Scoop up the kitty litter with a shovel, then sweep the entire area. For small or fresh stains, kitty litter might be enough. If the stain is still there, move on to another method. [2]
    • Kitty litters are made with different materials, like wood shavings, crystals, and clay. As long as it’s an absorbent type of kitty litter, you can use whichever material and brand you’d like.
    • If you don’t have kitty litter, try another absorbent product, like cornstarch or baby powder .
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2

Detergent

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    Laundry detergent helps break down the oil on your driveway. Sweep the area off to remove any dust or grime. Then, drizzle liquid laundry detergent onto the stain and mix it with water from a hose. Use a stiff brush to work the detergent into the stain, then rinse off your driveway with clean water. [3]
    • If the stain isn’t fully gone after 1 rinse, repeat this method.
3

Dish soap

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    A grease-fighting dish soap breaks down oil easily. Blot up any existing oil with kitty litter or paper towels, then add a few drops of dish soap to the stain. Spray some water onto the area, then use a stiff brush to scrub the surface of your driveway. Once you’re done scrubbing, rinse the area with clean water. [4]
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4

Baking soda

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    Sprinkle a layer of baking soda over the stain, then add a bit of water to create a paste. Work the baking soda into the stain with a nylon brush , then rinse the area with clean water. [5]
    • For super tough or old stains, switch between baking soda and dish soap. The abrasiveness of the baking soda mixed with the degreasing power of the soap will break down oil stains fast.
5

WD-40

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    WD-40 is a degreaser that’s tough on stains. Spray a layer of WD-40 over the stain, then use a stiff brush to work it into the area. After you’ve scrubbed the entire stain, sprinkle some kitty litter over the stain to absorb the WD-40 and any leftover grease. Let the litter sit for about 15 minutes, then scoop it off with a shovel and sweep the area. [6]
    • WD-40 is also great for removing rust stains from concrete.
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6

TSP

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    TSP is a tough degreaser and stain remover. Put on protective gloves and then pour liquid TSP over the stain on your driveway. Scrub the area with a stiff wire brush , then cover the stain in kitty litter. Let the litter sit for 15 minutes, then sweep off the area. [7]
    • TSP is toxic and can harm plants and animals. Always wear protective clothing when working with TSP, and keep children and pets away from the area. [8]
    • Be sure to carefully follow all of the manufacturer's directions, as well. [9]
7

Oven cleaner

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    Biodegradable oven cleaner breaks down oil and grease. Spray a layer of biodegradable oven cleaner onto the stain, then let it sit for 30 minutes. Scrub the area with a stiff brush , then rinse the stain with clean water. [10]
    • Oven cleaner works best on asphalt driveways.
    • Make sure you purchase biodegradable oven cleaner to avoid washing any caustic chemicals onto your lawn.
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8

Concrete cleaner

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    Commercial concrete cleaners are designed to clean concrete safely. Purchase a concrete cleaner, then spread it over the stain and let it sit for about 15 minutes. Scrub the stain with a nylon brush , then spray the area down with clean water. [11]
    • If the stain isn’t completely gone, repeat this method.
    • Concrete cleaner is a great last resort if nothing else is working. It’s also very helpful on large or old stains that won’t wash out easily.

Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How do you remove motor oil from concrete?
    Duston Maynes
    Automotive Repair Specialist
    Duston Maynes is an Automotive Repair Specialist at RepairSmith. Duston specializes in leading a team that handles a variety of automotive repairs including replacing spark plugs, front and rear brake pads, fuel pumps, car batteries, alternators, timing belts, and starter motors. Duston holds an Associate’s degree in Automotive/Diesel Technology from The Universal Technical Institute of Arizona and is a Certified Diagnostic Technician and Automobile Mechanics Technician through BMW STEP. RepairSmith received The 2020 Big Innovation Award by Business Intelligence Group and The Startup of the Year by the American Business Awards. RepairSmith was also included in Built in LA’s 50 Startups to Watch and The Business Intelligence Group’s 52 Names Leading the Way in Customer Service. RepairSmith offers in-home services to provide car owners convenient and complete auto repair everywhere.
    Duston Maynes
    Automotive Repair Specialist
    Expert Answer
    A concrete cleaner might help—just be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions. A pressure washer might help, too.
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  • Question
    What is the best way to clean stones that have chainsaw oil on them?
    Mark Spelman
    Construction Professional
    Mark Spelman is a General Contractor based in Austin, Texas. With over 30 years of construction experience, Mark specializes in constructing interiors, project management, and project estimation. He has been a construction professional since 1987.
    Mark Spelman
    Construction Professional
    Expert Answer
    Get a bucket and pour enough acetone in to cover the stones. They will have to soak for a few days.
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  • Question
    What is the best absorbent to use?
    Mark Spelman
    Construction Professional
    Mark Spelman is a General Contractor based in Austin, Texas. With over 30 years of construction experience, Mark specializes in constructing interiors, project management, and project estimation. He has been a construction professional since 1987.
    Mark Spelman
    Construction Professional
    Expert Answer
    If you have any kitty litter, this works great. They also sell the absorbent material in the hardware stores.
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      Tips

      • Some sites may suggest using Coca Cola to clean oil stains off your driveway. However, this is a myth, and using plain Coke on your driveway won’t do anything to lift the stain. [12]
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      References

      1. ↑ Duston Maynes. Automotive Repair Specialist. Expert Interview. 11 June 2021.
      2. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/driveway-cleaning/
      3. ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/au/outside-the-home/how-to-remove-oil-from-a-concrete-driveway.html
      4. ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/au/outside-the-home/how-to-remove-oil-from-a-concrete-driveway.html
      5. ↑ https://www.thisoldhouse.com/cleaning/22289389/cleaning-concrete
      6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65jYtUMLl2E&t=61s
      7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65jYtUMLl2E&t=93s
      8. ↑ https://www.thisoldhouse.com/cleaning/22221192/trisodium-phosphate
      9. ↑ Duston Maynes. Automotive Repair Specialist. Expert Interview. 11 June 2021.
      1. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/driveway-cleaning/
      2. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/driveway-cleaning/
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1kDPb2o1Ns&t=249s

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To clean a small oil stain off a driveway, cover the area with baking soda, vinegar, or laundry detergent and let it sit for 15-30 minutes. Scrub the stain with a brush and hot water, then rinse the area thoroughly. For large oil stains, apply a commercial degreaser to the area and let it sit for 1-3 minutes. Scrub the stain with a stiff bristled brush, then let it sit for another 5-10 minutes before rinsing the degreaser away with water. Always wear gloves and eye protection when working with degreasers. If you want to learn how to make an absorbent poultice mixture to get rid of oil, keep reading!

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