Yes, a pressure washer can effectively remove oil stains from concrete, especially fresh ones, but it works best when combined with a strong degreaser and may require multiple passes or stronger chemicals for older, deeply soaked stains. The pressure and cleaning solution break down the oil, lifting it from the porous surface, but stubborn, set-in stains might need hot water, specialized poultices, or professional treatment to fully extract the oil.
Start by blotting excess oil with paper towels. Apply a poultice of baking soda or cat litter to absorb remaining oil; let sit 24 hours. Scrub with a stiff brush and a degreasing detergent or trisodium phosphate (TSP) solution. For stubborn stains, use a commercial concrete cleaner or a pressure washer carefully.
Hot water pressure washers are especially effective against oil stains, as the heat helps to dissolve the oil, making it easier to remove.
Driveways made of concrete or asphalt can withstand higher PSI levels. A PSI range between 2,500 and 3,000 is ideal for effectively removing oil stains, tire marks, and dirt from your driveway.
Dried oil can be removed using a hot pressure washer too. Depending on how dried in and stubborn the stain is, however, you may need to try and bring it out if it has soaked in. If the stain has soaked in because your driveway material is absorbent, you need to encourage the stain to rise.
A 2000–3000 psi electric pressure washer is generally ideal for cleaning oil stains on concrete. When renting, make sure to rent a pressure washer with a pressure of at least 2–3000 psi; any less power would not provide a strong enough pressure for the removal of stains.
Use a degreaser specifically made for concrete, such as Zep Driveway Cleaner or Oil Eater Cleaner Degreaser (available at Home Depot or Lowe's). These are alkaline-based cleaners that lift and emulsify oils. Apply according to label instructions, scrub in with a stiff brush, and rinse with a hose or pressure washer.
Use laundry detergent or dish washing liquid
Both products are very effective at removing driveway oil stains, so here's how to tackle it: Pour a detergent (such as laundry or dish) over the oil stain. Scrub it with a strong-bristled brush.
Laundry detergent, dish soap, and commercial products are all effective at removing dried oil stains on a driveway. Are oil stains on a concrete driveway permanent? No. While oil stains can be difficult to remove, they are not permanent.
Harness the power of natural acidity with this dynamic duo:
Paint: Painted surfaces are prone to chip, peel or discolor with applied water pressure. Roof shingles: Shingles can lose their granules, detach or break if immense pressure is applied. Windows: Glass is fragile to pressure and should not be power washed.
If you happen to spill oil-based stain on concrete you must act incredibly quickly to clean the area to avoid lasting discoloration. At EcoWash, this usually occurs once every other year and we have an extremely effective technique to remove oil-based stains from concrete with our years of experience.
Are oil stains permanent? Oil stains can be permanent, but that is not always the case if they are treated and cleaned quickly after they happen.
Don't use de-icers containing ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulfate, magnesium chloride, magnesium acetate, or magnesium nitrate. Don't use rock salt (sodium chloride) or calcium chloride. Read the instructions and disclaimers on any product purchased. They typically recommend not to use on “new concrete.”
Pour-N-Restore® Oil Stain Remover is the best concrete oil stain remover in the industry. Trust our proven technology to remove even the toughest oil stains.
You can use a mild soap or detergent, such as dish soap, laundry detergent, or a specially-formulated concrete cleaner. Mix the soap or detergent with water according to the manufacturer's instructions and spray it onto the concrete surface before pressure washing.
Pressure washing can remove oil stains, but not in all situations. Most commonly, oil stains show up on concrete as motor oil or grease from a grill. These stains can be tricky if not removed within the first few weeks.
Glass is fragile, and a pressure washer can easily cause your windows to get blown in. Pressure washing your windows could lead to bigger problems than some dirt and grime: you will likely end up replacing your window, and you'll have a big mess of water and glass to clean up.
An effective pressure wash cleans the pores of your concrete. Make sure to apply concrete sealer after pressure washing.
Yes, you can get oil stains out of clothes even after drying by using a grease-cutting dish soap, baking soda, or cornstarch to break down the set-in oil, then rewashing the garment on the hottest setting safe for the fabric and air-drying to check for remaining stain before machine drying. The key is repeated treatment with a degreaser and never putting it back in the dryer until the stain is gone, as heat sets oil permanently.
Here's how you can restore it:
Simple Green Oxy Solve Concrete and Driveway Cleaner eliminates tough oil stains, rust stains, grease, automotive fluids, tire marks, exhaust buildup and more.