Oil stains on the driveway: what works, what doesn't, and when to call.
How to get oil, grease and transmission fluid stains out of a concrete driveway: what to do while the stain is fresh, the household methods that help, why pressure alone fails, what professionals use, and what to expect on an old baked-in stain in Florida sun. · 4 minute read
Why oil stains are different
Concrete is a sponge. Oil soaks into the pores and the Florida sun bakes it in. Dirt and mildew sit on the surface and pressure wash off; oil does not. A pressure washer on an oil stain usually spreads it and leaves a lighter ring around a dark center.
If the stain is fresh
Cover it with something absorbent right away: cat litter, baking soda or sawdust. Let it sit a few hours, sweep it up, then scrub the spot with dish soap and hot water and rinse. Fresh stains caught the same day often come out almost completely.
Household methods that help on light stains
A paste of baking soda and water or a degreaser scrubbed in with a stiff brush, rinsed hot. Some people use a poultice (an absorbent powder mixed with a solvent, spread on, covered and left overnight). These work on light, recent stains and lighten older ones a little. Expect to repeat them.
What professionals use
A dedicated oil and grease remover designed for concrete, applied, allowed to dwell, agitated, then lifted with hot water. Rust from sprinklers and battery acid stains each get their own treatment; they are not oil and the oil product will not touch them. We carry all three.
What to expect on an old stain
Fresh oil lifts well. Old, baked in stains in full sun lighten a lot but often leave a shadow, because the oil has gone deep. We tell you this up front from the photo so there are no surprises. The whole driveway gets a surface clean on the same visit so the treated spot blends in.
How it is priced
Stain treatment is an add-on to a driveway clean, usually a flat amount per stain area on top of the square footage price. Text a photo of the stain and the driveway to (321) 450-4586 and we will tell you what is realistic. See driveway and concrete cleaning.
Questions people ask about this.
Will pressure washing alone remove an oil stain?
No. It removes the surface film and often spreads the stain. The oil in the pores needs a chemical lift.
Can oil be removed from pavers?
Yes, with the same approach. Pavers are softer and sealed pavers hold the stain on top, which actually makes it easier. Unsealed pavers soak it in like concrete.
Should I seal the driveway after?
A concrete sealer makes future stains wipe up instead of soaking in. It is an option we can quote after the clean.
Want us to take a look?
Text a photo with your address and we will tell you what it needs and quote it, fast during office hours and always within one business day.