Introduction
Do you want to know the best way to remove oil stains from concrete?
Do you look at the many different products out there and wonder which one is right for the oil stain on my concrete?
Do you ever wonder why product reviews are great, great, great, and then there are one or two that say, “it didn’t work for me at all”?
We can help!
There are many oil stain removers for concrete, but they have different criteria for being the appropriate choice.
To successfully remove your oil stain from concrete, it’s essential to know how to choose the right product for each stained area.
If you make the wrong choice, you’ll have wasted your time and money and still be stuck with your unsightly oil stain on your concrete, trying to figure out what to do about it, all the while bad-mouthing a product that may work perfectly well when used correctly.
We investigated this and laid it out for you – how to choose the right product, what to look for, and even reviewed a few of the top performers!
Choosing The Best Product To Remove Oil Stains From Concrete
There are quite a few different products out there to choose from when deciding which is the best to remove oil stains from concrete.
If you look at the reviews, you’ll mostly see success for some and not for others.
The trick is choosing the right product for your specific oil stain and your particular concrete and strictly following the packaging’s instructions.
If you’re still having problems, be sure to reach out to the company for help and suggestions, as well as to others who have already successfully used the product.
There are four things to consider when choosing the appropriate product for your oil stain and concrete.
- The type of oil stain, i.e., motor oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, cooking oil, etc.
- The type of concrete, i.e., sealed, unsealed, painted, unpainted, etc.
- The type of oil stain remover for concrete, i.e., absorbent (poultice), microbial, or cleaner/degreaser.
- The size of the stain and/or the number of stains (for the amount of product needed).
Types Of Oil Stains Found on Concrete (Most Common)
The most common types of oil stains found on concrete are motor oil stains.
Also standard are other petroleum-based stains like transmission fluid and brake fluid.
Another common oil stain found on concrete, and a completely different oil stain is the cooking oil stain.
Types of Concrete (Common Properties)
The most common properties found in concrete driveways, garages, patios, etc. are unsealed and sealed, painted, and unpainted.
There are others, check the product packaging, or reach out to the manufacturer if you question whether that product will be effective on concrete with your properties.
Types Of Concrete Oil Stain Removers (Categories)
There are several different categories of oil stain removers for concrete.
Some are formulated only for quite specific things, while others are much more generalized in their removal capabilities.
The three categories are:
- Absorbents (Poultices)
- Microbials
- Cleaner/Degreasers
Benefits of Using Oil Stain Removers For Concrete – Absorbents (Poultices)
Absorbents (Poultices) generally go on dry, like kitty litter, or wet, like a paste, which then dries.
Either way, absorbents lift the oil out of the stain by soaking it up while sitting for a while or until drying as in a poultice.
Then you sweep away the absorbent material, along with the oil from the stain.
Multiple applications may be necessary to see results.
Overall, stain removal time varies due to the different drying/soaking time allowed, and some light work is involved.
Benefits of Using Oil Stain Removers For Concrete – Microbials
Microbials are entirely natural, environmentally safe, oil stain removers specifically made up of microbes that break down the oil into CO2 and water.
The products generally go on dry and are activated by dampening or finding their food source (the oil) on the concrete and within the concrete’s pores.
The product is applied and left alone.
Weekly re-applications are needed, and results take 4-6 weeks for full effect.
Microbials are made specifically for motor oil and petroleum-based stains.
Overall, stain removal time is long, but very minimal work is involved.
Benefits of Using Oil Stain Removers For Concrete – Cleaner/Degreaser
Cleaners/Degreasers vary from eco-friendly to harsher chemicals but are broader in their stain removing capabilities than the other types of oils stain removers for concrete.
Generally, the cleaner/degreaser is applied to the stained area, and then it is scrubbed vigorously before being rinsed well, or power washed.
Several applications may be necessary to see results, but overall, stain removal time is quicker, though much more work is involved.
Review Of The Best Way To Remove Oil Stains From Concrete
In this section, we’ll discuss each of our picks for the best way to remove oil stains from concrete.
Chomp! Pull It Out Oil/Stain Remover For Concrete, Grease, Remover For Garage Floors, & Driveways, 32 oz. (Absorbent-Poultice)
This product is found on Amazon and gets excellent reviews.
This product falls into the category of absorbents (poultices), utilizing this ‘poultice’ technology and a deep penetrating formula to lift stains from surfaces.
It’s effective on oil and petroleum-based stains, like transmission fluid and brake fluid, and on porous surfaces, like concrete and brick (a wide variety of conditions and types).
It does not contain any bleach, acid, or other potentially harmful chemical compounds.
It’s easy to use, pour it on the stained area (a thick amount), let it dry to a white, chalky powder, and sweep it away.
As it dries, it acts like a ‘poultice’ drawing the oil out of the stain and into the absorbent or ‘poultice’.
Since this ‘poultice’ turns to a white, chalky powder, it’s quickly swept away.
Multiple applications may be necessary to see full oil stain removal.
It’s only available in a 32 0z—bottle, which is about the same size as a quart of motor oil.
Pros For This Product
- Safe to use because of no harmful chemicals, acid, or bleach.
- Some light work is involved – light sweeping, but no scrubbing (easy to use).
- Works on both old and new stains.
- Effective on a wide variety of conditions and types of concrete and brick (porous surfaces).
Cons For This Product
- Known for leaving a white residue behind in place of the stain.
- Need multiple applications to see full effects.
- Not cost-effective for large-stained areas.
Eximo Waterless Concrete Cleaner 0.75 Lbs. For Driveway, Garage, Basement, And Walkway Surfaces, Advanced Stain Remover For Oils And Other Petroleum Stains (Microbial)
This product is found on Amazon and gets excellent reviews.
This product falls into microbials, utilizing microbes to break down hydrocarbon chains within oil into CO2 and water from the porous surface, concrete.
It removes discoloration, stains, grease, oil, and other petroleum-based materials and can be used on various outdoor surfaces such as concrete, pavers, stone, granite rocks or steps, marble, grout, and tile, flagstone, etc.
Because it’s got microbes, it’s entirely natural and environmentally friendly.
It’s easy to use, apply the product on either wet or dry surfaces in a very thin layer, and leave it alone – no scrubbing, no washing, no rinsing, no sweeping.
The dormant microbes will activate when they encounter a food source (the oil, petroleum, stain) and will start ‘eating’ the oil, breaking it down into harmless gases and water.
Multiple applications may be necessary to see full oil stain removal.
There are two available sizes on Amazon, this 0.75 lbs., and a larger 3 lbs. container.
Pros For This Product
- Safe to use because environmentally friendly, all-natural microbes.
- Minimal work is involved – no sweeping, no scrubbing, no washing, no rinsing (easy to use).
- Works on both old and new stains, both smaller and larger sizes.
- Doesn’t just lift oil to be discarded, it breaks the oil down into gases and water, and it all just goes away naturally.
- No product expiration date because the microbes are packed dormant and will not become active until they are exposed to their food source (oil) – just store in a cool, dry place.
Cons For This Product
- Need multiple applications and takes a long time with a lot of patience (4-6 weeks) to see full effects.
- It allows for wet or dry applications, but it works better when the application is dry.
- It has the potential to blow away on a windy day or wash away on a rainy day if it hasn’t had the opportunity to sit for a couple of days prior to the wind or the rain.
Oil Eater AOD1G35437 Original 1 Gallon Cleaner/Degreaser (Cleaner/Degreaser)
This product is found on Amazon and gets great reviews.
This product falls into the category of cleaners/degreasers; utilizing this degreasing technology, it dissolves grease and oils on most everything.
It’s effective on grease, oil, and grime, and on almost any surface, like concrete and asphalt driveways, grills, decks, stoves, tub/tile, boat hulls, carpets, floors, laundry precept, whitewall tires, siding, and more.
It is non-toxic, non-corrosive, non-hazardous, biodegradable, does not contain acids, abrasives, or petroleum solvents, and it’s water-based.
It’s a professional strength product that is concentrated, so add the appropriate amount of water, according to tom, the dilution chart on the bottle, depending on the type of cleaning task you have – light, medium, or heavy.
It’s easy to use, pour it on the stained area (a generous amount), scrub it vigorously, let it sit anywhere from a few minutes to overnight, and then rinse or power wash it off.
Multiple applications may be necessary to see full oil stain removal.
It’s available in a 32 0z. bottle, this 1 Gallon bottle, and a 5 Gallon pail.
Pros For This Product
- Safe to use because no acids, abrasives, or petroleum solvents, and is biodegradable and water-based.
- Quite effective at removing oil stains from concrete.
- Effective on a wide variety of surfaces – very versatile.
- Overall stain removal time is quicker, less waiting time.
Cons For This Product
- Recommended use of Safety Information due to Eye/Skin Irritation: wash skin/eyes thoroughly after contact; wear protective glasses/gloves. Ventilation is necessary.
- Need multiple applications to see full effects.
- Heavy work is involved – vigorous scrubbing, lots of elbow grease.
Terminator-HSD Eco-Friendly Bio-Remediates And Removes Oil & Grease Stains On Concrete And Asphalt Driveways, Garages, Pavers, Patios, Parking Lots, Streets And Warehouses (Microbial)
This product is found on Amazon and gets great reviews.
This product also falls into the category of microbials, utilizing microbes to break down hydrocarbon chains within oil into CO2 and water from the porous surface, concrete.
It removes oil, grease, and any other hydrocarbon-based stain and can be used on a variety of outdoor surfaces such as concrete, asphalt, pavers, driveways, streets, garages, parking lots.
Because it’s got microbes, it’s fully natural and environmentally friendly.
It’s easy to use; just apply the product powder across the surface of the stain evenly in a very thin layer, mist it lightly with water, and leave it alone – no scrubbing.
The dormant microbes will activate when they are misted and encounter a food source (the oil) and will start consuming the oil over time, breaking it down into harmless gases and water, removing the oil from the environment.
You must give it time to work (4-6 weeks required), all the while re-applying the product weekly.
There are two available sizes on Amazon, a smaller 10 oz. size and a larger 2 lbs. container.
Pros For This Product
- Safe to use because environmentally friendly, all-natural microbes.
- Minimal work is involved – no sweeping, no scrubbing, no washing, no rinsing (easy to use).
- Works on both old and new stains, both smaller and larger sizes.
- Allows oil to be completely removed from the concrete, not just lifted out.
- No product expiration date because the microbes are packed dormant and will not become active until they are exposed to their food source (oil) – just store in a cool, dry place.
Cons For This Product
- Need multiple applications and takes a long time with a lot of patience (4-6 weeks) to see full effects.
- It has the potential to blow away on a windy day or wash away on a rainy day if it hasn’t had the opportunity to sit for a couple of days prior to the wind or the rain.
- You need to mist the stained area 1 to 3 times per day, depending on the heat and humidity, during the entire 4-6 weeks of the stain removal process to avoid the microbes drying out and becoming dormant or dying, stopping the bio-remediation process.
Simple Green 13005CT Industrial Cleaner And Degreaser, Concentrated, 127.8 Fl Oz., Pack Of 1 (Cleaner/Degreaser)
This product is found on Amazon and gets great reviews.
This product also falls into the category of cleaners/degreasers; utilizing this degreasing technology, it dissolves grease and oils on most everything.
It’s effective on heavy dirt, grease, oil, food residue, and stains, and on almost any washable surface, like concrete and asphalt driveways, grills, countertops, sinks, tile, carpet, flooring, upholstery, and more.
It is non-toxic, non-abrasive, and non-corrosive, a safer alternative to toxic cleaners, bleaches, & solvents.
It’s an industrial-strength product that is concentrated, so add water, or apply the product full strength, depending on the type of cleaning task you have – light, medium, heavy, or extra heavy.
It’s easy to use, just pour it on the stained area (a generous amount), scrub it vigorously, let it sit anywhere from a few minutes to overnight, and then rinse or power wash it off.
Multiple applications may be necessary to see full oil stain removal.
It’s available in this 1 Gallon bottle, although there are many other versions of Simple Green available.
Pros For This Product
- Safe to use because it’s biodegradable, non-toxic, non-abrasive, and non-flammable.
- Super effective at removing oil stains from concrete.
- Effective on a wide variety of surfaces – very versatile.
- Overall stain removal time is quicker, less waiting time.
Cons For This Product
- Need multiple applications to see full effects.
- Heavy work is involved – vigorous scrubbing, lots of elbow grease.
- Make sure the work area is sufficiently ventilated.
There are a lot of ways to remove oil stains from concrete out there that you can purchase.
However, these four are some of the best ways to remove oil stains from concrete that we’ve come across.
Of course, choosing the best product to remove your oil stain from your concrete depends on your four things to consider when choosing the appropriate product for your oil stain and concrete, as mentioned in an earlier section.
To recap:
- The type of your oil stain, i.e., motor oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, cooking oil, etc.
- The type of your concrete, i.e. sealed, unsealed, painted, unpainted, etc.
- The type of your oil stain remover for concrete, i.e., absorbent (poultice), microbial, or cleaner/degreaser.
- The size of your stain and/or the number of stains (for the amount of product needed).
FAQs
What is the optimal temperature range for Microbial Oil Stain Removers?
-Most microbes are at peak efficiency between 32 degrees Fahrenheit and 120 degrees Fahrenheit, including the two reviewed above, Eximo Waterless Concrete Cleaner and Terminator-HSD.
Outside of this temperature range, the bio-remediation process slows as the microbes become dormant.
Only one Microbial Oil Stain Remover for Concrete, ACT Concrete Cleaner, has bio-remediation technologies that allow it to be used year-round and is effective in sub-zero temperatures, as low as -30 degrees Fahrenheit below.
Will any of these oil stain removers work with power steering fluid on concrete?
Yes, most, if not all, of the products mentioned will remove at least the hydrocarbon portion of the steering fluid.
Keep in mind there is also a red dye in most power steering fluid, and dyes can leave permanent stains on various surfaces, whereas the oil can be lifted, consumed, or dissolved.
Conclusion
Now you have information on what you need to consider when choosing the best way to remove oil stains from concrete.
You know what to look for in your stain, in your concrete, and in the different types of oil stain removers available for purchase.
We’ve reviewed a couple of the top performers in each category to give you further knowledge to look for in choosing the best way to remove oil stains from concrete,
When you make the most knowledgeable choice, you set yourself up on the track for oil stain removing success!
