How to Remove Oil Stains from Concrete Driveways & Garage Floors

We’ve all been there. You walk out to your driveway or patio and spot it—an ugly, dark oil stain where your car leaked or someone dropped the BBQ tongs. Whether it’s a fresh spill or a stubborn old mark, oil stains can seriously mess with your curb appeal.

The good news? You can clean it. With the right steps, tools, and a bit of elbow grease, your concrete can look great again.

Here’s a complete, step-by-step guide to help Denver homeowners safely and effectively remove oil stains from concrete driveways, patios, garage floors, and slabs—whether they’re fresh, old, or somewhere in between.

What Causes Oil Stains on Concrete Surfaces?

Concrete is porous. That means oil—whether it’s from a car, grill, or spilled cooking grease—can seep deep into the surface. The longer it sits, the harder it becomes to remove.

In Colorado’s dry, sunny climate, oil can bake into the surface fast. And in winter, it can freeze in and expand. That’s why it’s important to act quickly and use the right method.

How to Remove Fresh Oil Stains from Concrete

Caught a stain early? Great. Here’s what to do right now.

1. Blot and Absorb the Oil First

• Kitty Litter (clay-based): Cover the area and grind it in with your foot. Let it sit for at least one hour (overnight is better), then sweep it up.
• Baking Soda or Cornstarch: These kitchen staples also help absorb surface-level oil. Let them sit and do their job before you move to scrubbing.

Pro tip: Avoid just rinsing the stain with water. That can spread the oil further into your driveway or walkway.

Does Dawn Dish Soap Remove Oil From Concrete?

Yes, Dawn dish soap can help remove oil from concrete, especially if the stain is fresh. It’s effective because it’s designed to break down grease and oil, making it easier to lift the stain from the surface.

How to Remove Oil Stains from Concrete with Dish Soap

1. Pour Dawn directly onto the stain – enough to fully cover the area.
2. Let it sit for 15–30 minutes – this gives the soap time to break down the oil.
3. Scrub with a stiff-bristle brush – use circular motions and apply pressure to get into the concrete’s pores.
4. Rinse thoroughly with warm water – repeat if needed for stubborn stains.

Pro Tip: For best results, combine Dawn with baking soda or use it after blotting fresh oil with kitty litter or cornstarch.

While Dawn works well for light or new stains, deeper or older oil spots may require stronger degreasers or a poultice method. Let me know if you want help removing an older stain!

Can Vinegar Remove Oil Stains from Concrete?

Not really. While vinegar is great for some cleaning jobs, it’s not strong enough for oil stains. In fact, its acidity can slightly etch concrete if left too long.

Stick to degreasers and alkaline-based cleaners instead.

Will Vinegar Damage My Concrete Driveway?

Yes, vinegar can damage your concrete driveway—especially if it’s unsealed or freshly poured. Vinegar may work on some household surfaces, but when it comes to your concrete driveway, it’s best to skip it. Stick to pH-neutral or concrete-specific cleaners to protect your investment.

Here’s why:

❌ Why Vinegar Is Not Safe for Concrete

• Vinegar is acidic (pH around 2.5), and concrete is alkaline. When acid and alkaline materials interact, a chemical reaction occurs that can break down the calcium in the concrete.
• Over time, this weakens the surface, leading to etching, pitting, and erosion—especially on decorative or stamped concrete.
• If your concrete has a glossy finish or sealer, vinegar can strip that protective layer, exposing it to stains and weather damage.

When (and How) to Use Vinegar Safely

If you must use vinegar:

• Only apply it diluted with water (1 part vinegar to 3 parts water).
• Test it in a small hidden area first.
• Avoid scrubbing with wire brushes, which can make the damage worse.
• Rinse thoroughly with clean water to neutralize the acid.

Safer Alternatives for Cleaning Concrete

• Dawn dish soap + warm water for oil stains
• Baking soda or cornstarch for absorbing fresh spills
• Concrete-safe degreasers for tougher jobs

How to Remove Old Oil Stains from Concrete Garage Floors

Got stains that have been sitting for months (or years)? You’ll need to level up your approach.

Try One of These:

• Oven Cleaner: Spray it over the stain, let it sit for 15–30 minutes, then scrub and rinse.
• WD-40: This also breaks up grease. Use it the same way as oven cleaner.
• Trisodium Phosphate (TSP): Found at most hardware stores, TSP is a heavy-duty degreaser. Wear gloves and eye protection. Mix with hot water, pour it over the stain, scrub after 20–30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.

How to Remove BBQ or Cooking Oil Stains from Patios

These stains are common after cookouts and family get-togethers.

Here’s how to clean them up:

• Sprinkle baking soda over the grease.
• Let it sit overnight if possible.
• Scrub with hot soapy water the next day.
• For stubborn spots, apply a degreaser like Simple Green or a concrete cleaner made for patios.

Still Stuck? Try a Poultice Method

For old and bad oil leaks, this is a tried-and-true method.

How It Works:

1. Mix cat litter or sawdust with acetone, mineral spirits, or paint thinner until it forms a thick paste.
2. Apply it directly to the stain.
3. Cover with plastic wrap and let it sit for 24 hours.
4. Scrape away and rinse.

You might need to repeat this a few times, but it’s effective for deep-set stains.

When Should You Pressure Wash?

Pressure washing can help after applying a degreaser—but only if done correctly. Otherwise, you risk damaging the concrete or spreading the stain.

Best Practices:

• Use a commercial-grade degreaser first.
• Start on the lowest pressure and increase slowly.
• Keep the nozzle moving—don’t hold it in one spot.

In Denver, it’s best to do this during warmer weather to ensure proper drying.

How to Remove Car Oil Stains from Concrete Driveways

If your car leaks oil regularly, chances are your driveway has multiple oil marks. You can use a combination of the methods above, but here’s a quick-start approach that works for many Denver homeowners:

1. Blot with cat litter or absorbent.
2. Apply oven cleaner or commercial degreaser.
3. Scrub with a brush.
4. Rinse and repeat as needed.
5. Finish with a pressure wash for uniform appearance.

Protecting Your Concrete from Future Oil Spills

It’s one thing to clean your concrete driveway. It’s another to keep it looking fresh year-round. Here’s how to prevent those annoying dark spots from showing up again.

Apply a Penetrating Concrete Sealer

• Creates a protective barrier against oil and water.
• Helps reduce staining and makes cleanup easier.
• Ideal for Denver’s weather, where snow, rain, and sun can wear down untreated concrete quickly.

Use Oil Mats or Drip Pans

• Place them under vehicles or cooking stations.
• Especially helpful in garages or near BBQ grills.

Clean Up Spills Immediately

• Time is the enemy of clean concrete. Act fast when accidents happen.

Oil Stain Cleaning Comparison Table

Don’t Let Stubborn Oil Stains Stick Around

Concrete might seem tough—and it is—but oil can do real damage if left untreated. Whether it’s from your car, your grill, or a dropped bottle of cooking oil, treating stains early and using the right methods will keep your patio, garage, or driveway looking clean and new.

And if you’ve tried everything and the stains still won’t budge, don’t worry. That’s where we come in.

Need Help? Call Denver’s Trusted Concrete Experts

The team at All American Flatwork has seen and cleaned it all. From oil-slicked driveways to stained patios, our team has the tools and know-how to restore your concrete and keep it protected for the long haul.

We also offer concrete sealing services to help prevent future stains and extend the life of your concrete.

📞 Call us at (720) 261-4831 or request a free quote online. We serve homeowners throughout the Denver Metro Area, including Aurora, Lakewood, Centennial, Castle Rock, and Golden.

Let’s keep your concrete floors clean, strong, and beautiful—no matter what life (or oil) throws at it.