Does Your Concrete Patio or Driveway Have Oil Stains?
If you’re dealing with oil stains on your concrete patio or concrete driveway, you likely already know how frustrating this can be. Not only do stains look messy and take away from the look of your concrete but they can also be incredibly difficult to remove.
Treating concrete before removing oil stains isn’t recommended because the stain will eventually reappear, wasting the time and money you spent to repair it.
Some property owners assume they can cover up stains by simply staining, sealing, or resurfacing their concrete. However, treating concrete before removing oil stains isn’t recommended because the stain will eventually reappear, wasting the time and money you spent to repair it.
With this in mind, our residential concrete contractors at Greenway of Nashville are here to help you learn how to remove stubborn oil stains from your concrete surface.
Common Products to Remove Stains
The size of the stain and how long it has been there often dictate how hard it will be to remove. Whether you’re dealing with a small spill or a large spot, cleaning oil stains can require some experimenting to find what works best for your particular situation.
We’ve outlined some of the most common removal techniques our residential concrete contractors use along with the pros and cons of each so you know where to start:
Strong Detergent
If your concrete has several small spots you’d like to clean up, you may be able to remove them by simply washing the area with a strong grease-cutting dish soap and a stiff brush.
Pros:
- Household materials that are cheap and easily accessible.
Cons:
- Won’t work well for highly contaminated concrete.
Concrete Cleaners or Degreasers
Concrete cleaners or degreasers are concentrated alkaline soaps often used to remove oil and grease stains from concrete. Scrubbing this type of product into your concrete surface essentially loosens up the oil, making the stain easier to remove.
Pros:
- Alkaline soaps and cleaners are a better way to neutralize concrete than the old method of baking soda and water.
- This method tends to be economical, as 1 gallon of diluted cleaner can treat roughly 4,000 square feet of concrete.
Cons:
- Heavy agitation or scrubbing of the cleaner into the oil stain is necessary to achieve the best results.
- Will likely require multiple applications for tougher stains.
“Work with skilled Nashville hardscaping and outdoor construction professionals who understand your vision and respect your schedule. Contact us for a free quote!”
A Poultice
A poultice is made by saturating an absorptive material, like cat litter, with a strong solvent, such as acetone. This mixture is then spread over the stain and covered with plastic.
The solvent breaks down the oil while the absorptive material removes it from the concrete.
Pros:
- An aggressive cleaning method that breaks down the oil and has great results for small, stubborn stains.
Cons:
- Takes time and isn’t as cost-effective as other methods.
- Not ideal for large stains.
Microbial Oil Stain Removers
A newer method, this type of cleaner uses genetically engineered bacteria that attack, break down, and feed on the oil or grease stain.
Pros:
- Doesn’t require water for activation.
- Minimal residue to wash away.
- Applied directly to the stain with little to no agitation required.
Cons:
- Requires time to work. Serious stains may take 24 hours or several days to remove.
Schedule an Onsite Visit
Steps to Remove Oil Stains
The best method for removing oil stains from your concrete is dependent on how long the stain has been there. If you’re dealing with a concrete oil stain, keep the following steps in mind:
- If the spot is still wet, sprinkle on a material, such as cat litter, to absorb the oil.
- If the spot is dry, apply a strong household cleaner, let it soak for a few minutes, scrub with a stiff brush, and rinse.
- If you decide to use a commercial cleaner, degreaser, or one of the other methods mentioned above, make sure the product you choose is specifically formulated for your concrete surface.
Need Your Concrete Repaired?
Concrete is one of the toughest, durable construction materials available. But general wear and tear over the years will start to take its toll and can damage the appearance of concrete surfaces.
If your concrete driveway or patio is in need of repair, resurfacing, or replacement, our residential concrete contractors at Greenway of Nashville are the ones for the job. We’ll remove any tough stains and make the necessary repairs to bring your concrete back to life!
Contact us today to speak with one of our professionals. We’ve been the trusted choice for exterior services in Nashville and surrounding communities for over ten years.
