How To Clean Oil Off Garage Floor

Oil spills on garage floors are inevitable, especially if you're a car enthusiast or do your own vehicle maintenance. While fresh oil stains are relatively easy to remove, older stains can be more challenging to eliminate. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to clean oil off garage floors effectively, regardless of the stain's age:

Materials You'll Need:

Degreaser (commercial or homemade)
Broom or brush
Hose or bucket of water
Scrub brush
Stiff bristle brush (for older stains)
Towels or absorbent cloths
Safety glasses (optional)

Steps for Fresh Oil Stains:

1. Blot Up Excess Oil: Use towels or absorbent cloths to soak up as much of the fresh oil as possible. This will prevent the oil from spreading and seeping deeper into the concrete.

2. Apply Degreaser: Dilute a commercial degreaser according to the manufacturer's instructions or make a homemade degreaser using dish soap, water, and baking soda. Apply the degreaser to the stain and allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes.

3. Scrub and Rinse: Use a scrub brush or stiff bristle brush to work the degreaser into the stain. Scrub in circular motions to loosen the oil. Rinse the area thoroughly with water using a hose or bucket.

4. Repeat if Necessary: If the stain is still visible, repeat steps 2-3 until the oil is completely removed.

Steps for Older Oil Stains:

1. Apply Degreaser and Cover: Apply a generous amount of degreaser to the stain and cover it with a towel or absorbent cloths. This will prevent the degreaser from evaporating.

2. Let It Penetrate: Allow the degreaser to penetrate the stain for several hours or overnight. The longer it sits, the better it will break down the oil.

3. Scrub and Rinse: Remove the towel or cloths and scrub the stain with a stiff bristle brush. Use plenty of water and rinse thoroughly.

4. Repeat and Scrub Harder: Repeat steps 2-3 if the stain is still visible. This time, apply more pressure when scrubbing with the stiff bristle brush.

Additional Tips:

Use safety glasses to protect your eyes from splattering degreaser.
Avoid using harsh chemicals like bleach or acid, as they can damage the concrete.
If the oil stain is particularly large or stubborn, consider renting a pressure washer to blast it away.
Regularly sweeping or vacuuming your garage floor will help prevent oil spills from turning into stains.