How to Remove Stains from Concrete

Concrete stains can be tricky to remove because of how much wear and tear areas like garage floors, patios, and driveways endure. Plus, concrete is porous, so it absorbs almost anything it comes in contact with. However, the good news is that removing stains from concrete is definitely possible – and you don’t always need professional help to get the job done!

Removing Oil Stains from Concrete

If you do your own vehicle maintenance and oil changes, you’ve probably spilled oil on your garage floor or driveway. Here are some effective methods to clean it up:

Liquid Dish Soap and Water to Remove Oil Stains

For fresh spills, dish soap and water can work wonders since dish soap is designed to cut through grease.

• Squirt some grease-cutting dish soap (like Dawn) directly onto the stain.
• Fill a bucket with warm water and use a firm nylon brush to scrub the area. Scrubbing helps create a good lather and lifts the oil.
• Rinse the area thoroughly with clean water.

Using Kitty Litter to Remove Oil Stains from Concrete

If the oil has already started to soak in, try using kitty litter. Its absorbent properties can help pull the oil out of the concrete.

• Cover the spill generously with kitty litter.
• Leave it overnight to absorb the oil.
• Sweep up the litter the next day.

Using Baking Soda to Remove Oil Stains

Baking soda is another great option for breaking down oil stains.

• Dampen the stained area and sprinkle baking soda liberally over it.
• Use a firm nylon brush to scrub the baking soda into the stain and let it sit for 15 minutes.
• While waiting, boil a large pot of water.
• Pour the boiling water over the baking soda and stain to flush out the oil from the concrete’s pores.
• Scrub the area again, then rinse with water.

Removing Tough Stains from Concrete

For more stubborn stains, consider these commercial products:

Eximo Concrete Cleaner

• Cleans Deeper Than Pressure Washing: Works deep into concrete pores to remove oil stains and restore the surface’s original luster.
• All-Natural and Eco-Friendly: Utilizes nature’s biochemistry to remove petroleum stains without harsh chemicals or water.
• Bioremediation Process: Microbes break down the hydrocarbon chains in oil stains, converting them into harmless water and CO₂.
• No Harsh Equipment Needed: Eliminates the need for expensive pressure washing or harsh cleaning chemicals.
• Waterless and Easy to Use: Apply the powder, sweep it over the stained area, and you’re done—no rinsing required.
• Restores Original Appearance: Leaves concrete surfaces looking clean and fresh without damaging the surface.

Concrete Terminator Cleaner

• Eco-Friendly and Powerful: TerminatorHSD breaks down oil stains into CO₂ and water, avoiding harmful runoff that can pollute sewers and retention ponds.
• Effective on Large Stains: The powder is easy to spread and works efficiently on large surface areas without needing excessive amounts of product.
• Versatile Applications: Removes oil, grease, and hydrocarbon-based stains from concrete, asphalt, pavers, driveways, streets, garages, and parking lots.
• Easy to Use: Simply spread the powder evenly, mist with water, and let it work—no scrubbing or chemicals required.
• Environmentally Friendly: Unlike other products, TerminatorHSD eliminates oil permanently from the environment rather than lifting and redistributing it.
• Requires Patience: Works best with weekly reapplication and misting, taking 4–6 weeks to fully remove stains.

Tips to Keep Concrete Stain-Free

• Clean up spills immediately – blot instead of rubbing to avoid spreading the stain.
• Consider applying a concrete sealant to protect the surface from future stains.