How to Get Oil Out of Concrete: A Step-by-Step Guide

Oil stains on concrete driveways, garages, or patios are frustratingly common. 

Whether it’s from a leaky car, a lawnmower, or an accidental spill during an oil change, those dark, greasy patches don’t just look bad, but they can also be slippery and tough to remove if not dealt with quickly. 

Fortunately, with the right approach, most oil stains can be significantly reduced or completely eliminated.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to remove oil from concrete, using both household items and commercial solutions. Let’s get started!

Why Does Oil Stain Concrete?

Concrete is porous, which means it absorbs liquids like a sponge. 

When oil hits the surface, it begins to seep into the pores. The longer it sits, the deeper it penetrates, making it harder to clean. 

Fresh oil is much easier to lift than older, set-in stains, which may require a bit more elbow grease and time.

What You'll Need

Before you start scrubbing, make sure you have the right tools. Here are some basic supplies:

Common Household Materials:

• Kitty litter or sawdust (for absorbing fresh oil)
• Dish soap or liquid laundry detergent
• Baking soda
• Stiff-bristle brush or broom
• Garden hose with a nozzle

Optional (For Tougher Stains):

• Commercial concrete degreaser
• Trisodium phosphate (TSP)
• Pressure washer
• Protective gloves and safety goggles

You don’t need everything on this list, but having a few key items ready will make the process much easier.

Step-by-Step: How to Remove Oil Stains from Concrete

Step 1: Soak Up Fresh Oil (If Applicable)

If the spill just happened, your first goal is to stop it from spreading.

Pour a generous amount of kitty litter or sawdust over the oil. This will absorb the excess before it has a chance to soak in.

Let it sit for at least 30 minutes, but overnight is even better for larger spills. Then, sweep it up and dispose of it properly.

Be careful—the absorbed oil can be flammable!

Pro Tip: Avoid using paper towels or rags to wipe the oil at this stage. You could end up pushing it deeper into the concrete.

Step 2: Apply a Cleaning Agent

Now that the excess oil is gone, it’s time to tackle the stain.

Choose a cleaner based on what you have available and how bad the stain is.

For light or fresh stains:

• Dish soap or baking soda can work well. Dish soap breaks down grease, while baking soda helps lift it from the surface.

For older or stubborn stains:

• Use a commercial concrete degreaser or mix up a TSP solution (follow safety instructions on the label).

Apply the cleaner directly to the stain and spread it around evenly.

Step 3: Scrub the Stain

Using a stiff-bristle brush or broom, scrub the area in circular motions.

Don’t be afraid to use some muscle here—scrubbing helps loosen oil from the concrete’s pores.

Let the cleaning solution sit for 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the product instructions and the severity of the stain.

Note: Don’t let TSP or any cleaner dry out on the concrete. If it starts to dry before the timer is up, lightly mist it with water.

Step 4: Rinse Thoroughly

After scrubbing, rinse the area with a strong stream of water. A garden hose with a high-pressure nozzle usually works fine, but a pressure washer can be a game-changer for large or stubborn stains.

Start from the outer edges of the stain and work your way inward to avoid spreading the oil.

Step 5: Repeat if Needed

Sometimes a single pass won’t do the trick—and that’s okay. Deep or older stains may need two or three rounds of treatment.

Be patient and give the area some time to dry between cleanings.

You might find that the stain fades significantly even after one attempt.

Special Cases and Alternative Methods

Old, Set-In Stains

If you’re dealing with a stain that’s been sitting for months (or years), a more aggressive approach might be needed.

Try a poultice method:

• Mix baking soda with acetone or a similar solvent to form a thick paste.
• Spread it over the stain and cover with plastic wrap.
• Let it sit for 24 hours, then scrape and rinse.

This draws oil out of the concrete slowly and can be very effective on older spots.

Enzyme Cleaners or Microbial Degreasers

These are eco-friendly options that use microbes to eat the hydrocarbons in oil. They take longer to work (a few days), but they’re safe for plants and pets and can be a good choice for driveways with frequent use.

Power Washing Tips

A pressure washer (2,000 to 3,000 PSI) can make quick work of surface oil, especially after using a degreaser.

Just be cautious not to hold the nozzle too close to the surface, which could etch the concrete or cause pitting.

Reminder: Test a small area first to see how your concrete handles the pressure.

Preventing Future Oil Stains

Prevention is always easier than cleanup. Here are a few tips to avoid future oil headaches:

• Seal Your Concrete: Concrete sealers create a barrier that keeps oil on the surface, making cleanup much easier. Reapply every 1-3 years depending on use.
• Use Drip Pans or Mats: Especially under cars or lawn equipment.
• Check for Leaks: Fix leaky engines or lawn tools quickly.
• Routine Cleaning: Occasional pressure washing or degreasing can keep your driveway looking like new.

When to Call a Professional

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, the stain just won’t budge. If that happens, it might be time to bring in a professional.

• For decorative or stained concrete where harsh cleaners aren’t safe
• Large or deeply soaked stains
• Commercial properties where appearance is important

Professionals have access to industrial-grade cleaners and equipment that can do what home tools can’t.

Final Thoughts

Oil stains on concrete are annoying, but they’re not permanent. The key is to act quickly, use the right tools, and be patient.

Whether it’s a fresh spill or an old stain, the methods above can help restore your concrete to a clean, stain-free condition.

So next time your car leaks a little (or a lot), you’ll know exactly what to do.