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Stain Removal
Best Ways to Remove Oil and Grease Stains from Your Driveway Download ArticleExplore this Article IN THIS ARTICLE 1 Kitty litter 2 Detergent 3 Dish soap 4 Baking soda 5 WD-40 6 TSP 7 Oven cleaner 8 Concrete cleaner + Show 5 more... - Show less... Other Sections Expert Q&A VideoWATCH NOW Tips and Warnings Related Articles References Article Summary Co-authored by Duston Maynes and Hannah Madden
Last Updated: December 17, 2024 Fact Checked
Download Article ARTICLE VIDEO X
This article was co-authored by Duston Maynes and by wikiHow staff writer, Hannah Madden. Duston Maynes is an Automotive Repair Specialist at RepairSmith. Duston specializes in leading a team that handles a variety of automotive repairs including replacing spark plugs, front and rear brake pads, fuel pumps, car batteries, alternators, timing belts, and starter motors. Duston holds an Associate’s degree in Automotive/Diesel Technology from The Universal Technical Institute of Arizona and is a Certified Diagnostic Technician and Automobile Mechanics Technician through BMW STEP. RepairSmith received The 2020 Big Innovation Award by Business Intelligence Group and The Startup of the Year by the American Business Awards. RepairSmith was also included in Built in LA’s 50 Startups to Watch and The Business Intelligence Group’s 52 Names Leading the Way in Customer Service. RepairSmith offers in-home services to provide car owners convenient and complete auto repair everywhere. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 2,865,785 times.
You take pride in how your home looks from the outside, which means that those oil stains on your driveway have got to go. Fortunately, with the right products and a bit of elbow grease, you can remove grease and oil spots in no time. Whether your stain is large or small, brand new or super old—we’ve got you covered. Read through this article to get your driveway looking brand new again.
Things You Should Know
Absorb excess oil with kitty litter, cornstarch, or baby powder.
Break down grease and grime with laundry detergent or dish soap. Or, use an abrasive product, like baking soda.
Try WD-40, TSP, oven cleaner, or concrete cleaner on tough or old stains.
Scrub the stain with a nylon or wire brush to remove it completely.
Steps
1
Kitty litter
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The absorbent power of kitty litter soaks up spilled oil.[1]X Expert Source Duston MaynesAutomotive Repair SpecialistExpert Interview If the stain is still wet, sprinkle a thick layer of kitty litter over the entire thing, then let it sit for 1 to 2 hours. Scoop up the kitty litter with a shovel, then sweep the entire area. For small or fresh stains, kitty litter might be enough. If the stain is still there, move on to another method.
Kitty litters are made with different materials, like wood shavings, crystals, and clay. As long as it’s an absorbent type of kitty litter, you can use whichever material and brand you’d like.
If you don’t have kitty litter, try another absorbent product, like cornstarch or baby powder.
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Detergent
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Laundry detergent helps break down the oil on your driveway. Sweep the area off to remove any dust or grime. Then, drizzle liquid laundry detergent onto the stain and mix it with water from a hose. Use a stiff brush to work the detergent into the stain, then rinse off your driveway with clean water.[2]XResearch source
If the stain isn’t fully gone after 1 rinse, repeat this method.
3
Dish soap
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A grease-fighting dish soap breaks down oil easily. Blot up any existing oil with kitty litter or paper towels, then add a few drops of dish soap to the stain. Spray some water onto the area, then use a stiff brush to scrub the surface of your driveway. Once you’re done scrubbing, rinse the area with clean water.[3]XResearch source
Advertisement 4
Baking soda
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Baking soda is mildly abrasive, so it works to clean up tough stains. Sprinkle a layer of baking soda over the stain, then add a bit of water to create a paste. Work the baking soda into the stain with a nylon brush, then rinse the area with clean water.
For super tough or old stains, switch between baking soda and dish soap. The abrasiveness of the baking soda mixed with the degreasing power of the soap will break down oil stains fast.
5
WD-40
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WD-40 is a degreaser that’s tough on stains. Spray a layer of WD-40 over the stain, then use a stiff brush to work it into the area. After you’ve scrubbed the entire stain, sprinkle some kitty litter over the stain to absorb the WD-40 and any leftover grease. Let the litter sit for about 15 minutes, then scoop it off with a shovel and sweep the area.[4]XResearch source
WD-40 is also great for removing rust stains from concrete.
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TSP
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TSP is a tough degreaser and stain remover. Put on protective gloves and then pour liquid TSP over the stain on your driveway. Scrub the area with a stiff wire brush, then cover the stain in kitty litter. Let the litter sit for 15 minutes, then sweep off the area.[5]XResearch source
TSP is toxic and can harm plants and animals. Always wear protective clothing when working with TSP, and keep children and pets away from the area.[6]XResearch source
Be sure to carefully follow all of the manufacturer's directions, as well.[7]X Expert Source Duston MaynesAutomotive Repair SpecialistExpert Interview
7
Oven cleaner
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Biodegradable oven cleaner breaks down oil and grease. Spray a layer of biodegradable oven cleaner onto the stain, then let it sit for 30 minutes. Scrub the area with a stiff brush, then rinse the stain with clean water.[8]XResearch source
Oven cleaner works best on asphalt driveways.
Make sure you purchase biodegradable oven cleaner to avoid washing any caustic chemicals onto your lawn.
Advertisement 8
Concrete cleaner
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Commercial concrete cleaners are designed to clean concrete safely. Purchase a concrete cleaner, then spread it over the stain and let it sit for about 15 minutes. Scrub the stain with a nylon brush, then spray the area down with clean water.[9]XResearch source
If the stain isn’t completely gone, repeat this method.
Concrete cleaner is a great last resort if nothing else is working. It’s also very helpful on large or old stains that won’t wash out easily.
Expert Q&A
Search Add New Question
Question How do you remove motor oil from concrete? Duston Maynes Automotive Repair Specialist Duston Maynes is an Automotive Repair Specialist at RepairSmith. Duston specializes in leading a team that handles a variety of automotive repairs including replacing spark plugs, front and rear brake pads, fuel pumps, car batteries, alternators, timing belts, and starter motors. Duston holds an Associate’s degree in Automotive/Diesel Technology from The Universal Technical Institute of Arizona and is a Certified Diagnostic Technician and Automobile Mechanics Technician through BMW STEP. RepairSmith received The 2020 Big Innovation Award by Business Intelligence Group and The Startup of the Year by the American Business Awards. RepairSmith was also included in Built in LA’s 50 Startups to Watch and The Business Intelligence Group’s 52 Names Leading the Way in Customer Service. RepairSmith offers in-home services to provide car owners convenient and complete auto repair everywhere. Duston Maynes Automotive Repair Specialist Expert Answer A concrete cleaner might help—just be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions. A pressure washer might help, too. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 2 Helpful 4
Question What is the best way to clean stones that have chainsaw oil on them? Mark Spelman Construction Professional Mark Spelman is a General Contractor based in Austin, Texas. With over 30 years of construction experience, Mark specializes in constructing interiors, project management, and project estimation. He has been a construction professional since 1987. Mark Spelman Construction Professional Expert Answer Get a bucket and pour enough acetone in to cover the stones. They will have to soak for a few days. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 13 Helpful 18
Question What is the best absorbent to use? Mark Spelman Construction Professional Mark Spelman is a General Contractor based in Austin, Texas. With over 30 years of construction experience, Mark specializes in constructing interiors, project management, and project estimation. He has been a construction professional since 1987. Mark Spelman Construction Professional Expert Answer If you have any kitty litter, this works great. They also sell the absorbent material in the hardware stores. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 15 Helpful 15
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement
Tips
Some sites may suggest using Coca Cola to clean oil stains off your driveway. However, this is a myth, and using plain Coke on your driveway won’t do anything to lift the stain.[10]XResearch sourceThanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement
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Co-authored by: Duston Maynes Automotive Repair Specialist This article was co-authored by Duston Maynes and by wikiHow staff writer, Hannah Madden. Duston Maynes is an Automotive Repair Specialist at RepairSmith. Duston specializes in leading a team that handles a variety of automotive repairs including replacing spark plugs, front and rear brake pads, fuel pumps, car batteries, alternators, timing belts, and starter motors. Duston holds an Associate’s degree in Automotive/Diesel Technology from The Universal Technical Institute of Arizona and is a Certified Diagnostic Technician and Automobile Mechanics Technician through BMW STEP. RepairSmith received The 2020 Big Innovation Award by Business Intelligence Group and The Startup of the Year by the American Business Awards. RepairSmith was also included in Built in LA’s 50 Startups to Watch and The Business Intelligence Group’s 52 Names Leading the Way in Customer Service. RepairSmith offers in-home services to provide car owners convenient and complete auto repair everywhere. This article has been viewed 2,865,785 times. 9 votes - 87% Co-authors: 46Updated: December 17, 2024 Views: 2,865,785 Categories: Stain Removal | DrivewaysArticle SummaryX
To clean a small oil stain off a driveway, cover the area with baking soda, vinegar, or laundry detergent and let it sit for 15-30 minutes. Scrub the stain with a brush and hot water, then rinse the area thoroughly. For large oil stains, apply a commercial degreaser to the area and let it sit for 1-3 minutes. Scrub the stain with a stiff bristled brush, then let it sit for another 5-10 minutes before rinsing the degreaser away with water. Always wear gloves and eye protection when working with degreasers. If you want to learn how to make an absorbent poultice mixture to get rid of oil, keep reading!Did this summary help you?YesNo
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Reader Success Stories
Lilian Rogers
Jun 15, 2017
"The expensive degreaser I was using barely worked on stubborn heavy oil deposits on my concrete driveway. I found your recipe to make a paste of diatomaceous earth, water and tsp. I quadrupled the amount of tsp just to be sure. It dried and I scraped it off with a metal spatula, brushing the dust off with a stiff plastic scrub brush. It really worked to lift the stubborn oil stains! Cheap too."..." more Rated this article:
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Yes No Advertisement If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Duston Maynes Automotive Repair Specialist Co-authors: 46Updated: December 17, 2024 Views: 2,865,78587% of readers found this article helpful. 9 votes - 87% Click a star to add your vote
Lilian Rogers
Jun 15, 2017
"The expensive degreaser I was using barely worked on stubborn heavy oil deposits on my concrete driveway. I found your recipe to make a paste of diatomaceous earth, water and tsp. I quadrupled the amount of tsp just to be sure. It dried and I scraped it off with a metal spatula, brushing the dust off with a stiff plastic scrub brush. It really worked to lift the stubborn oil stains! Cheap too."..." more Rated this article:
Cynric W.
May 30, 2017
"I spilled some oil while doing an oil change. I'm a new homeowner and didn't know anything about caring for concrete, but I knew I wanted to clean it if at all possible. This article told me exactly what I needed to know, and even included variations depending on the size of the stain. Very helpful."..." more Rated this article:
Anonymous
Feb 8, 2017
"Oil leak from my 1969 Chevy Chevelle, and now that this leak is repaired I needed your suggestion how to clean up the residual spots. I say to you many thanks. "..." more
Cynthia Ballard
Dec 13, 2016
"This review was very helpful, and I feel more confident that I can accomplish this task with full success. Thank you for this great advice."..." more
Anonymous
Jun 4, 2017
"We thought about pressure washing it, and this article let us know that that can exacerbate the problem. " Rated this article: Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories
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Download Article Explore this Article IN THIS ARTICLE 1 Kitty litter 2 Detergent 3 Dish soap 4 Baking soda 5 WD-40 6 TSP 7 Oven cleaner 8 Concrete cleaner + Show 5 more... - Show less... Other Sections Expert Q&A VideoWATCH NOW Tips and Warnings Related Articles References Article Summary Co-authored by Duston Maynes and Hannah Madden 
How to Get Grease Out of Clothes: Food Stains, Black Axel Grease, & More 
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Co-authored by: Duston Maynes Automotive Repair Specialist This article was co-authored by Duston Maynes and by wikiHow staff writer, Hannah Madden. Duston Maynes is an Automotive Repair Specialist at RepairSmith. Duston specializes in leading a team that handles a variety of automotive repairs including replacing spark plugs, front and rear brake pads, fuel pumps, car batteries, alternators, timing belts, and starter motors. Duston holds an Associate’s degree in Automotive/Diesel Technology from The Universal Technical Institute of Arizona and is a Certified Diagnostic Technician and Automobile Mechanics Technician through BMW STEP. RepairSmith received The 2020 Big Innovation Award by Business Intelligence Group and The Startup of the Year by the American Business Awards. RepairSmith was also included in Built in LA’s 50 Startups to Watch and The Business Intelligence Group’s 52 Names Leading the Way in Customer Service. RepairSmith offers in-home services to provide car owners convenient and complete auto repair everywhere. This article has been viewed 2,865,785 times. 9 votes - 87% Co-authors: 46 Updated: December 17, 2024 Views: 2,865,785 Categories: Stain Removal | Driveways Article SummaryX
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The absorbent power of kitty litter soaks up spilled oil.[1] If the stain is still wet, sprinkle a thick layer of kitty litter over the entire thing, then let it sit for 1 to 2 hours. Scoop up the kitty litter with a shovel, then sweep the entire area. For small or fresh stains, kitty litter might be enough. If the stain is still there, move on to another method. 
Laundry detergent helps break down the oil on your driveway. Sweep the area off to remove any dust or grime. Then, drizzle liquid laundry detergent onto the stain and mix it with water from a hose. Use a stiff brush to work the detergent into the stain, then rinse off your driveway with clean water.[2] 
A grease-fighting dish soap breaks down oil easily. Blot up any existing oil with kitty litter or paper towels, then add a few drops of dish soap to the stain. Spray some water onto the area, then use a stiff brush to scrub the surface of your driveway. Once you’re done scrubbing, rinse the area with clean water.[3] Advertisement 
Baking soda is mildly abrasive, so it works to clean up tough stains. Sprinkle a layer of baking soda over the stain, then add a bit of water to create a paste. Work the baking soda into the stain with a nylon brush, then rinse the area with clean water. 
WD-40 is a degreaser that’s tough on stains. Spray a layer of WD-40 over the stain, then use a stiff brush to work it into the area. After you’ve scrubbed the entire stain, sprinkle some kitty litter over the stain to absorb the WD-40 and any leftover grease. Let the litter sit for about 15 minutes, then scoop it off with a shovel and sweep the area.[4] 
TSP is a tough degreaser and stain remover. Put on protective gloves and then pour liquid TSP over the stain on your driveway. Scrub the area with a stiff wire brush, then cover the stain in kitty litter. Let the litter sit for 15 minutes, then sweep off the area.[5] 
Biodegradable oven cleaner breaks down oil and grease. Spray a layer of biodegradable oven cleaner onto the stain, then let it sit for 30 minutes. Scrub the area with a stiff brush, then rinse the stain with clean water.[8] 
Commercial concrete cleaners are designed to clean concrete safely. Purchase a concrete cleaner, then spread it over the stain and let it sit for about 15 minutes. Scrub the stain with a nylon brush, then spray the area down with clean water.[9] 
Duston Maynes Automotive Repair Specialist Duston Maynes is an Automotive Repair Specialist at RepairSmith. Duston specializes in leading a team that handles a variety of automotive repairs including replacing spark plugs, front and rear brake pads, fuel pumps, car batteries, alternators, timing belts, and starter motors. Duston holds an Associate’s degree in Automotive/Diesel Technology from The Universal Technical Institute of Arizona and is a Certified Diagnostic Technician and Automobile Mechanics Technician through BMW STEP. RepairSmith received The 2020 Big Innovation Award by Business Intelligence Group and The Startup of the Year by the American Business Awards. RepairSmith was also included in Built in LA’s 50 Startups to Watch and The Business Intelligence Group’s 52 Names Leading the Way in Customer Service. RepairSmith offers in-home services to provide car owners convenient and complete auto repair everywhere. 
Mark Spelman Construction Professional Mark Spelman is a General Contractor based in Austin, Texas. With over 30 years of construction experience, Mark specializes in constructing interiors, project management, and project estimation. He has been a construction professional since 1987. 
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