Have you seen concrete parking lots ridden with oil stains from cars and other vehicles? While some businesses write off this issue, many others are looking for a solution to this issue. And we’re going to spoil you with the answer to this question: yes, you can remove oil from concrete.
When oil is stained into concrete, it can produce an undesirable appearance. Fortunately, there are a few common solutions to remedy this issue.
Chemical Methods
Sometimes all it takes to remove an oil stain is a strong detergent, a scrub brush, and a sponge. However, this method typically only works for smaller and newer oil stains. For larger and older stains, use a concrete cleaner or degreased.
These products are concentrated alkaline soaps used to scrub out oil from a concrete surface and loosen up the oil stain to allow for a simple removal process.
Commercial concrete cleaners have one downside. They have a harder time working properly for heavily contaminated stains. If your oil and grease stains are years upon years old, another method will work more effectively for your purposes.
Poultice Method
The poultice is a solution made by saturating an absorptive material with a strong solvent. Common options for absorptive materials include:
- Kitty Litter
- Sawdust
- Pool filters
Maybe you’re asking yourself if it does acetone removes oil stains from concrete, and the answer is also a yes. Once your poultice method material is chosen, combine it with one of the following solvent options:
- Acetone
- Lacquer Thinner
- Xylene
After combining, smear the result over your oil or grease stain. Next, cover the poultice and stain with plastic, and watch it do its trick!
The process of osmosis will take over, break down the oil stain, and the kitty litter or sawdust will absorb the oil. While effective, the only downside to this method is the cost and time it takes. If you’re patient and have a budget, this option will work well for you.
Alternative Methods
Another option is a recent stain removal advancement; special single-celled microorganisms that survive on crude oil are used to remove a stain from concrete.
The microorganisms eat up the oil, digest it, and turn it into CO2. When the oil is no longer available, the organisms die and the concrete is completely clean!
Interested in a Concrete Project?
If you have other questions about concrete or are ready to add a parking lot to your business, contact Creative Concrete Solutions today. We’re ready to help your Murfreesboro, TN business look fantastic with a beautiful concrete parking lot.
