Q&A for How to Clean Oil Off a Driveway

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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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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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Question

What about an old oil stain on concrete?

Community Answer

Use dishwashing liquid. Cover the stain at night and let it sit overnight. In the morning, scrub off the oil stain and rinse it off with hot water, and repeat if necessary.

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Question

Can I use Dawn dishwashing liquid to clean an oil stain on concrete?

Community Answer

Yes. I put Dawn dishwashing liquid on several stains on my driveway (protected by concrete stain) and left it there for 30 minutes (no less). Then I poured two very hot cups of water (heated in the microwave) over top and scrubbed it with a scrub brush. I hosed off the driveway and all the stains were gone!

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Question

Can I use kitty litter on an oil leak?

Community Answer

Yes, but it's not the best method. Put a piece of wood under the kitty litter, or either an oil pan or litter box filled with it so it doesn't blow or get washed away. Oil can easily soak, or run through the kitty litter, and still get onto the surface you're trying to protect. So, if you use kitty litter, it will need to be changed periodically. The heavier and longer the leak, the more frequently you'll have to change it. Oh, and if you live somewhere where it will get a steady amount of moisture, you might want to keep it covered while it's not under your car.

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Question

Will these methods of cleaning off oil work on asphalt?

Community Answer

These methods will work on asphalt. However, due to the porous nature of the asphalt, they will be more stubborn. It will take more of whatever agent you choose, multiple attempts, and likely high pressure water as opposed to a simple hose rinse.

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What is the best way to clean oil from driveway block paving?

Community Answer

The best way to clean oil from driveway block paying is actually high-strength glue solvent.

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Could I use Oxi-Clean to clean up oil leaks?

Community Answer

It could work. Mix it with 1 gallon of vinegar and 1 box of baking soda, then give it a good scrub.

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Question

Can I use the degreaser from the article to remove power steering fluid stains from a driveway?

Community Answer

Yes. It will work for any petroleum-based liquid. Whatever method you use won't matter as long as it is given the proper amount of time to break the oils down.

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Question

Can I use brick acid to clean it?

Community Answer

Using brick acid will usually work, but you have to be careful that you use enough to actually get a good clean, but not so much that it burns into your driveway. I myself am not sure about those exact ratios.

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Question

Will methylene chloride clean oil from a driveway?

Community Answer

It is not recommended to use methylene chloride, as it is highly toxic. In 2017, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency proposed to ban this chemical’s use in paint stripping.

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