How to Remove Oil and Grease from Your Garage Floor
Some Solvent, Some Scrubbing, and Some Sweat
Garage floors don’t get a whole lot of love when it comes to housecleaning. A quick sweep of the leaves, cobwebs, and grit is about all they get. But that doesn’t mean you should have to live with those ugly oil and grease stains that can show up. In fact, you have a number of options to choose from to get rid of it. All are affordable, though all will require some sweat on your part. The problem is that concrete is porous. It will soak up oil and grease like a sponge. That means quite a bit of scrubbing, no matter what type of cleaning solution you use. The size of the stain, along with how long it has been setting, will determine how much time you’ll have to spend on it.
Laundry Soap
If you have a fresh or recent spill, laundry soap can get the job done. In fact, NASCAR crews have been using it for years. Before applying the soap, blot as much of the standing oil as you can. Next, mix a good amount of soap with a bucket of warm water and pour it on the stain. Once you’ve got the stain covered with your soap and water mixture, pour some extra soap from the box directly on the stain and let it set. After a few minutes, start scrubbing with a stiff nylon bristle brush. Rinse with a garden hose and repeat the process if necessary.
Industrial Degreasers
These will generally work a lot faster than laundry soap. However, they’re also more expensive and the chemicals are pretty harsh. You’ll want to wear personal protective equipment like rubber gloves and eye protection. You’ll also want to make sure you garage is properly ventilated while you’re working. Blot up the excess oil and apply the degreaser, allowing it to dry to powder. This can take about 8 hours. Next, sweep up the powder and give the spot a few days to dry.
Eco‑friendly Degreasers
If you’re looking for a more environmentally friendly option without harsh chemicals, you can find an eco-friendly degreaser. For example, Bioesque’s Heavy Duty Cleaner & Degreaser is a professional-grade product designed to tackle even the grungiest settings without endangering the environment. It’s powered by Thymox, a naturally derived botanical ingredient making it the perfect choice for ecologically sensitive or hazard-conscious settings.
Whatever solution you use, be sure to blot the oil or grease quickly after a spill. This will help keep it from seeping into the concrete and can save you some elbow grease and time. With some effort and patience, your garage floor will be looking good as new.
