- 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.
Kitty litter
The absorbent power of kitty litter soaks up spilled oil. 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.
Detergent
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. If the stain isn’t fully gone after 1 rinse, repeat this method.
Dish soap
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.
Baking soda
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.
WD-40
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. WD-40 is also great for removing rust stains from concrete.
TSP
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. 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. Be sure to carefully follow all of the manufacturer's directions, as well.
Oven cleaner
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. Oven cleaner works best on asphalt driveways. Make sure you purchase biodegradable oven cleaner to avoid washing any caustic chemicals onto your lawn.
Concrete cleaner
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. 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.
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