jjmson20

anybody have any good remedies for cleaning oil/p.s. fluid off a driveway surface...just plain old concrete.

James86-951

To get the first layer of crud: Zylene or carb cleaner (Zylene.) You can buy it at the Home Depot. That will get the oily layer off.

The deeper layers: Pressure Washer. That will remove 90% of the rest. Then if you still are not happy; Muriatic Acid (Hydrochloric Acid) will lighten the concrete. BE CAREFULL!! This is a chemical reaction that will release fumes. It is best only when you are sure all of the other grease is gone. (Sometimes it will only lighten the area AROUND the stain! You have to do some testing in an inconspicuous area first.)

James86-951

Oh, scrub the Zylene in with paper towels. (Keep swapping out the towels as they get nasty.) The Zylene will evaporate fast and give you a good shot of garage aromatherapy! If you don't want to vomite first. Use in a well ventilated area.

jjmson20

sounds good, its outdoors so itll be ventilated..i think ill pass on the acid part though.thanx

Skip

Etching is usually what folks do, but that's not ideal. I've never used it, but here is an actual concrete cleaner ($39/gal - does 500sqft):
http://www.ezkleen.net/oilyfloors.htm

Steam pressure cleaning is good too, but you'd likely have to rent a unit as they are quite expensive.

I've had good kuck with a pressure sprayer and some Simple Green, but it's not perfect.

Brian McCoy

I use something marketed as "Concrete Cleaner" from Home Depot. Comes in a gallon jug, about $5, has a purple label (I can't remember the name for the life of me) and it works VERY well. Pulls up old oil stains, removes paint, pulls out rust/other stains ~ VERY worthwhile. I usually wet the driveway, pour this stuff on and then sweep it arround with my large outdoor broom. If there's a tough spot, I'll toss down a scotchbrite pad and scrub at the spot with my foot (this stuff will BURN your skin, so be carefull).

Sam Lin

For simple stuff like oil spots on the driveway, I grab a couple rags and a bottle of engine/brake/carb cleaner - spray and scrub lightly, and the spots are gone - best to catch them fresh though.

Sam

GuardsRed

Have you tried a product called "Oil Eater" sold at Costco's?

Chris's Loss

Chris's Dad swears by this and it usually works.

When someone comes to visit and their car marks their spot, he squirts dish soap (like Dawn, Joy, etc.) on the spot. Then the process calls for you to leave it alone until it rains. Using the garden hose does not get the same result as rainwater.

Z-man

Oil spots have added character to my driveway.

My mom-in-law lived with us for a little over a year (long story: don't go there). Her Chebby Lumina leaked just about every fluid ever put into a motor! She's been gone for over 2 years now, and there's still a sizable spot on the driveway where she used to park. I think I've seen it glow at night. I fear the EPA may be after me soon...

AND: my bro-in-laws regularly change the oil on my driveway, so until I re-pave, there's no need to clean!!
-Z.

Chris_924s

God's honest truth- it really works. I thought the old man had gone off his rocker.. I think the soap has to sit there for a few days for it to really work. He used to use TSP, but this works even better.

Matt H

Arrow Magnolia makes indstrial cleaner we use in most of oour shops, it is sold by the gallon and you would be shocked at the results. Etching is a PITA (just did it) but it does work. Carb cleaner will actually harm concrete and eat finishes off the floor, if it is coated.
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Geo

Castrol (I believe) makes driveway cleaner. From what I understand it's pretty caustic stuff though.

tifosiman

From my years in the paint business:

The best thing for oil stains on concrete is Coca-cola. Pour it on there, let it sit a day, then hose off. Repeat as necessary. It eats it off.

Tifo

jjmson20

i agree with oil sppots adding character to the driveway, howver my landlord disagrees so thas next weekends project. thanx everyone