Motor Oil Removal from Cement
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Motor Oil Removal from Cement
A fresh motor oil stain from cement is easier to remove than an old stain. Squirt some liquid dish detergent (preferably one designed for cutting grease) onto the stain. Add water. Be sure to wet down the area surrounding the stain as well to prevent oil from spreading during the cleaning process and causing a secondary stain. Scrub the stain vigorously with a nylon scrub brush (not a wire brush which can erode or scratch the concrete), adding enough water to make a rich soapy lather. Rinse with clean water. The soap will emulsify the oil and lift it out of the cement, but it may take several attempts to completely remove all of the oil. When rinsing the area, it is more environmentally responsible to blot the area with a towel to remove the soapy water, since rinsing the mixture with a hose will allow the motor oil in the water to seep into the ecosystem or sewer system. Another way to remove motor oil from concrete is to spread a thick layer of cat litter over the grease to absorb the excess motor oil on the surface. Allow the litter to sit for a day or two, then sweep it away. Pour dry cement over the dried grease spot. Allow the cement to sit for a day or two, then sweep away the dirty cement. Be sure to gather both the cat litter and the dirty cement in a bag and dispose of it properly so the motor oil doesn't get into the ecosystem or sewer system. Contact your local waste collection service for more information.
Comments
8/13/2006 12:47:37 PMlinda said:
Other than pouring dry cement over the dried grease spot to remove the stain from the cement, it doesn't really give you enough information regarding the removal of already dried spots. Can you recommend any type of cleaning agent that will disolve or eliminate the stain completely? Or at least lighten it up considerably?
6/14/2007 9:12:10 PM
Cathy said:
I used a cleaner called "Simple Green" in a spray bottle then scrubbed with a nylon scrub brush and then rinsed with water. Results were good.
This was on a fairly new stain.
10/9/2007 7:52:09 PM
Karl said:
I've tried the liquid soap, it works well. I am going to try the cat liter method next, sounds good. Thanks
11/21/2008 11:36:16 AM
Billy said:
Pouring some gasoline on the oil will remove it entirely if it's still fresh.
1/24/2012 7:53:47 AM
Phisherman said:
i use the clay kitty litter and Dawn dishwashing liquid. There is a product made specifically for oil spills too. I place a large sheet of heavy cardboard under my truck when working on my vehicle to prevent concrete spills.
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