Cleaning oil from concrete

Bionic Monkey

My car has had a leak for a while now, and I'm gearing up to clean out the garage, and this spot is included. Don't really have any clue what the best way to clean oil from concrete is though, so any help would be appreciated.

Newton

You may not be able to clean it completely. Concrete will soak up stuff like that, so it is best to clean it right away. You can use some clumping cat litter or sawdust to try and soak up anything that is fresh. Let that work for about 24 hours, then use a nylon brush and a good degreaser to try and get the rest. I've heard that trisodium phosphate works well. You can find TSP or TSP substitutes at any lowes or home depot. It is usually near the paint section.

DeShadowC

What we ended up doing was spreading a thin layer of concrete over the spot.

TexiKen

Spray some Simple Green on it, let it sit for 30 seconds, then take a brush and clean it up.
If you have a pressure washer or at least a high pressure nozzle for the hose, use that as well.

Other than that, kitty litter.

matt has a problem

Muriatic acid works well. You have to be careful with use and cleanup of course. But you can buy it in a gallon jug at Home Depot or Lowes usually. Pour a thin layer on the stain and let it soak for a while, then just wash it away, preferably into a gutter and not your yard.

The only drawback is that the spot you poured it on will now be cleaner than the rest of the driveway.

RUNN1NGMAN

matthasaproblem wrote: »

Muriatic acid works well. You have to be careful with use and cleanup of course. But you can buy it in a gallon jug at Home Depot or Lowes usually. Pour a thin layer on the stain and let it soak for a while, then just wash it away, preferably into a gutter and not your yard.

Please do not wash it into your yard OR the storm drain. Storm drains aren't for dumping toxic substances like hydrochloric acid.

DirtyDirtyVagrant

I've had some success with pressure washers.

matt has a problem

RUNN1NGMAN wrote: »

matthasaproblem wrote: »

Muriatic acid works well. You have to be careful with use and cleanup of course. But you can buy it in a gallon jug at Home Depot or Lowes usually. Pour a thin layer on the stain and let it soak for a while, then just wash it away, preferably into a gutter and not your yard.

Please do not wash it into your yard OR the storm drain. Storm drains aren't for dumping toxic substances like hydrochloric acid.

Storm drains get far worse things than weak muir acid. Everything deposited on the road goes into a storm drain.

NeKasroF

Spray some WD-40 and cover it with sawdust or kitty litter. Then place a large garbage can lid and let it sit for a few days and sweep it off with a broom.

Noquar

I don't know that we really need to contribute to pollution with acids and the such since so many drains dump right into local streams.

Anyhow, honestly? I'd resurface your garage, or at least the area affected if it is really bothering you. You could try surfacing it with something less porous so that next time something is dumped it will be easier to clean up.

EskimoDave

There are products out there designed for that.
Just go to a hardware-type store and ask for one.

Zeon

Get some "Absorball" stuff (basically kitty litter) and put it on top. Rub it in with your foot and let it sit for a day or two. Should eventually soak it up.

BlindZenDriver

Just paint the garage floor. That will give you a really clean look and future spills will be a none-issue.