Oil stained driveway…

[A930Rocket]

I’ve had a small oil leak on my F150 for awhile that would leave a 4-6” spot after a few days. Finally got around to swapping out the oil pan gasket yesterday and while doing it, I hit the pan with the old oil.🤬

Although it was on a piece of cardboard, it left a good size spot on the driveway. I soaked it up and sprayed brake cleaner to try and dilute it.

I did a search here and online for oil stained concrete and tried several things: Dawn, Simple Green, Zep driveway cleaner, Goof Off driveway cleaner, lacquer thinner, and mineral spirits. Some spots lightened up, but the majority didn’t.

Before coming in this afternoon, I made a brew with everything and sprayed it down to soak overnight. I’ll hose it off in the morning.

Any other ideas?

Edit: I should have replaced the oil pan gasket ages ago, as it wasn’t really that difficult.

[Baz]

I always start off with kitty litter.

Then any brand of purple cleaner degreaser.

Zep brand

[Baz]

I should add on the purple cleaner.....usually it takes several applications over a week or two period to get satisfactory results.

[A930Rocket]

Originally Posted by Baz

I always start off with kitty litter.

Then any brand of purple cleaner degreaser.

Zep brand

I looked at that at Lowe’s today and should’ve bought that one as well

[Brian 162]

I spilled deck stain on my concrete walk earlier this summer. I used limestone screenings. I just applied it on the stain swept it in and left it for a week. The stain was gone when I swept it up

[MBAtarga]

powder absorbent from the auto parts store. Apply a thin layer over the entire stain and then I grind my shoe heels all over into it. I think it helps break down the particles and it absorbs better.

[Scott Douglas]

Our driveway used to have a major staining from first my son's old M-B diesel, then my old Accord. The stain was super big and really dark.
Oil Eater stain remover and scrubbing with Tide has worked wonders and you'd never know there was any staining at all.

[A930Rocket]

WD 40 was another popular oil stain remover online.

As much as I work on my car and truck in the garage in the driveway, I should keep some type of powdered oil absorber on hand.

Note to self: buy tomorrow

[fanaudical]

And then there's the other approach - Stain the entire driveway to match and call it a water sealant...

[LWJ]

Timely.

[id10t]

Do an oil change, and spread a similar amount of oil equally over the rest of the surface.

[Baz]

Originally Posted by A930Rocket

WD 40 was another popular oil stain remover online.

As much as I work on my car and truck in the garage in the driveway, I should keep some type of powdered oil absorber on hand.

Note to self: buy tomorrow

Lots of options but just plain old kitty litter works well too......

Originally Posted by id10t

Do an oil change, and spread a similar amount of oil equally over the rest of the surface.

LOL......

[Jeff Hail]

Brake cleaner. Spray the area and it will remove both oil and trans fluid. Wipe with paper towel. Then hit it with Simple Green which is a wetting agent. Lifts any residue left and then hit that with a paper towel. Wait ten minutes and hose it away.

[john walker's workshop]

My concrete guy says use dawn and just leave it to do it's work. Worked well for my driveway. The subey gets parked on the gravel now.

[masraum]

dishsoap is a powerful oil/grease cutter.

Another powerful oil/grease cutter is mechanic-style hand cleaner. Simple Green or the various purple cleaners are also good at cutting oil/grease.

Many/most auto-parts stores also sell a product specifically to clean oil off of concrete/driveways.

a stiff bristle brush to scrub with after application also can't hurt as well as a pressure washer.

[URY914]

Use all the above stated solvents and then pressure wash it.

[Tobra]

Hot water helps, you can flush your hot water heater and clean the driveway at the same time

Multiple applications of dish soap may be needed

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by URY914

Use all the above stated solvents and then pressure wash it.

Exactly what I was thinking. A couple of times even if you rent the machine.

[Bugsinrugs]

Originally Posted by john walker's workshop

My concrete guy says use dawn and just leave it to do it's work. Worked well for my driveway. The subey gets parked on the gravel now.

I move my Subie around my parking area to even things out. I have blacktop so, the Subaru is kinda fertilizing the area.

[Norm K]

Buy a container of the cheapest of cheap cat litter. Spread it on fairly heavy then grind it in with your foot for a minute or so.

You can also pre-treat with Brakleen (red can), but your spots don't look all that bad.

_