Cleaning oil off concrete driveway.

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cpearce

cpearce

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I had a brand new concrete driveway poured last year. Yesterday, unfortunately a Buddies vehicle made an 8" stain when the power steering hose leaked. What is the best way to clean this without harming the concrete? I was considering spraying the area with carb cleaner, perhaps there is a more environmentally friendly yet effective method?
 
Trisodium phosphate or Sodium Hydroxide oven cleaner. Allow to set for 10 minutes before scrubbing, rinse and let dry. Usually three to five times total.
 
Maybe this...…..
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No need to use any chemical whatsoever. Use a pressure washer. It will come right off. No pressure washer? Then why did you get a driveway?
 
I have had good results using Dawn dishwashing liquid, a little bit of water, and a stiff bristle deck brush. Then hose it off.
 
I have found that starting fluid works awesome on cleaning oil off concrete.
Dries quick and leaves it unbelievably clean with no stains or outline. Try it and you won’t be disappointed
 
Well I went down to the local store and bought some scrub brushes and a bottle of TSP. I sprayed on the stain, let it sit about 15 or 20 minutes. Then I used the bristle scrub brush with warm water, followed by rinse with hot water, and finally the garden hose. The end result was about 80-90% reduction in the original stain. A few more treatments and it should be pretty well removed. I ran out of time as it started to cool off. Thanks all for your help. Oh, and RustyRatRod, I am embarrassed to say as a car owner and major enthusiast, one item I do not own, is a pressure washer.............yet.
 
Use the starting fluid, if you do you won’t be able to find the spot ever again.
Get up close and spray the hell out of it
It leaves the concrete almost white
 
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Googled and Just found this ...

Starting fluid to clean your block?
I was working at my brother-in-law's house the other day. I dripped some oil on his driveway and was rooting around for something to clean it up. I found an old can of starting fluid and gave it a shot. It completely dissolved the oil in seconds and then evaporated leaving no trace of stain. I know now why you should avoid using it to start your engine but the question is, can I use it to clean the engine? Has anyone tried this? Can anyone think of a good reason not to try it?

Thanks!
 
604B1duster said:
Starting fluid to clean your block?
.. Can anyone think of a good reason not to try it?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

$$$.

Get a pressure washer, works great but don't use the jet tip on concrete, use the fan tip up close. The jet tip will etch the concrete if your not very careful. Hit it with Dawn before hand. Pressure washer is so good at cleaning blocks and heads: spray them with Gunk, let them sit for 10 minutes, scrub trouble spots with a tooth brush and then pressure wash it all off. Wear a face shield as it will splash back the black crap on you and all your clothes. Comes out very clean though.
 
Sounds illegal now.....Find a Sears! You could get all sorts of crazy stuff from them in the past...
bayer1901.jpg
 
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Holy smokes! You guys are going to burn a hole in this guy's new drive away! LOL just some WD-40 man, it's cleaner...
when I poured concrete we used to use muriatic acid to etch the walls to give them that old look. That crap will burn a hole in your driveway...
 
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