How to Remove Oil Stains from a Garage Floor

Concrete is essentially a hardened sponge, making your garage floor a prime target for deep, ugly oil stains that seem to last forever. When fluid drips from an engine or differential, it doesn't just sit on the surface; it wicks into the pores of the slab, creating a dark, oily mark that can track into your home if left unattended. Getting a clean floor requires more than just a quick wipe. You need to break the chemical bond between the oil and the concrete aggregate. Done well, this process pulls the embedded contaminants out of the pores, leaving your floor looking uniform and preventing the grit and grime from building up further.

1. Pull Oil Up Fast. Pour an even layer of clay-based cat litter over the fresh oil spill. Let it sit for at least four hours, or ideally overnight, to wick as much fluid as possible out of the concrete.
2. Clear the Debris. Sweep up the saturated litter using a stiff push broom. Dispose of the oily litter in a sealed bag according to your local household waste guidelines.
3. Saturate the Stain. Spray or pour a dedicated industrial-grade concrete degreaser directly onto the stain. Ensure the product covers the entire discolored area generously.
4. Break the Bond. Use a stiff-bristle scrub brush to work the degreaser deep into the concrete. Scrub in a circular motion for several minutes until you see the oil lifting into a foam.
5. Let Chemistry Work. Allow the degreaser to sit on the surface for 15 to 20 minutes without letting it dry out. If the surface looks like it is drying, mist it lightly with a spray bottle of water.
6. Flush and Inspect. Rinse the area thoroughly with a high-pressure hose or a pressure washer. If the stain remains, repeat the degreasing and scrubbing process until the concrete is clean.