Proven method to remove an engine oil stain on a cement driveway

[93SCMax]

Earlier this year I had a front intake cam seal blow out. It made a mess of that side of the engine and the cement driveway where it was parked. Car has been repaired successfully, but I still have the reminder on the driveway. I used kitty litter to soak up the excess oil, and also used some "Wet N Forget" to try to bleach the driveway. Wet N Forget works great making a normal cement driveway white, but not one soaked in oil. I'm looking for other solutions. I even tried some brake cleaner spray after seeing someone on YouTube recommend it, but I stopped after so-so results and concern for run-off.

My question to the forum, Do you have a proven method, environmentally safe, to remove a large engine oil stain from a cement driveway?

Thanks for any input/experience in this matter.

[3p141592654]

I put kitty litter down and grind it into the cement by rotating my foot over it until it is turned to fine dust. Then I leave it for 2-4 weeks to soak up the oil. I've had pretty good success doing that to remove oil stains. Works best if the stain is fresh of course.

[hu5ker555]

Kitty litter and a brick.
Pour a thin layer of kitty litter on the stain.
Gently rub the brick over the kitty litter. It will break down eventually...just add a little more and keep working it until you're satisfied.

[93SCMax]

I guess I need stronger kitty litter and no rain for a few weeks. Unfortunately, we seem to get afternoon thunderstorms daily and wet kitty litter is a mess to clean up.

Thanks for the input.

Others?

[hu5ker555]

Yes, it helps to have a run of dry weather. I use a fairly large landscaping block, which is of course heavier than a standard size brick. The added weight helps. You could always apply some more downward force as you're working it in. It does work. I used this method on about 10yr old motor oil stains on a 5x5 area of my driveway. 95% gone.

[RickHaleParker]

Proven Method

Muriatic acid ( Hydrochloric acid )

Muriatic acid can be purchased at a home and garden store or can be found in the pool supply section of a department store.

Read all the instructions and warnings on the can.

More Warnings!

Muriatic acid is an extremely caustic chemical. You must wear protective gear when working with this cleaner. Work in a well-ventilated area and avoid mixing with any other chemicals.”

Never add water to the can of acid. An exothermic reaction will occur, propelling the acid out of the container and onto you.
Never pour Muriatic acid into an empty vessel. Fill the container with the right amount of water before adding the acid.

Muriatic acid should be diluted one part acid added to three parts water prior to the following steps. Heed warnings above!

You will need:
1. Diluted Muriatic acid.
2. Stiff push broom.
3. Water hose” (or pressure washer) .
4. Protective eyewear, gloves and long-sleeved clothing .


1. “Carefully pour a small amount of diluted muriatic acid on the oil stain.
. ( Start with ¼ cup and add more, if needed, until the stain is completely covered ).
2. “Brush the acid into the stain using the stiff broom.
3. “Allow the Muriatic acid to penetrate the stain for ten minutes.
4. “Rinse the driveway thoroughly with water.

[RickHaleParker]

Theoretical method. Theoretical because I never tried it but should work.

Build a dam around the oil stain and fill it with water. The water will float the oil out of the concrete. Then you can skim the oil of the top of the water.

The reason there are so many accidents after a long dry spell then a light rain is because the rain flows all that oil that been dripping from the car out of the concrete but not enough flow to wash it away. Making the road slick. This is also the reason our concrete roads are not black from motor oil. The rains float the oil out and washes it away.

[Stu70]

I use laundry powder ( washing machine dry powder) and put a little on. It just stays there until it weathers away.
Or CRC “Oil Eater” if that’s in the US

[jonesg]

A heat gun will boil the oil to the surface, then use your favourite material to soak it up.
Corn starch works.

[abscate]

With apologies to lawyers in the forum…..


The same product you use when you have three lawyers buried up to their necks in cement.