What do you all use to clean oil from concrete?

[PineRidge]

It's clean-up time here and I have a few oil spots here and there on various concrete surfaces from delivery trucks and hydraulic oil dripping when connecting my FEL quick connects. Share with me your secret for cleaning oil stains from concrete if you would so I can make my better half happy.

Christmas is coming and I don't want to get a sock full of coal...... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[dliston]

I use a powder called TSP. Tri-something-something (maybe sodium phosphate, but don't hold my feet to the fire on that). I'm here and it isn't... You can get it at the hardware store. Works pretty well.

I've heard, but haven't tried it, that you can use that Oxy-Clean stuff, too.

Doug

 

[jsouth85]

I usually keep a few cans of spray carburetor cleaner around just for cleaning up oil spills. Spray the spot with the small "straw" attached, you know the straw that comes with the cans, and wipe up the fluid before it dries again. This usually will leave a spot that is cleaner than the other concrete around it. Also laquer thinner works very well. I would not use muratic acid because it tends to "set" the stain by converting parts of the oil to carbon which is in a league of its own. I used to work with concrete refinishing as a side business and learned a few tricks of the trade. If you do use carb spray or laquer thinner you should use a concentrated degreaser over the whole area to even out the look. Good luck...jsouth85

 

[MarkLeininger]

After you clean it, sealing will help keep it from staining in the future. Not foolproof but it does help.

 

[TOMLESCOEQUIP]

I have used ether starting fluid with good results. I showed the trick to my wife & now I never can seem to find anything but an empty can when I really need starting fluid !! ..........Tom

 

[johndeere2210]

We use Mean Green (not a John Deere product). Available from Dollar General and other "fine stores".

 

[PineRidge]

I never even considered TSP (tri sodium phosphate). I have used it for softening up old paint brushes in the past but thats about it. I think I still have some of the stuff around here someplace. I'm going to give it a try and if I'm not satisfied then I'll try one of the other suggestions made, thanks guys.

 

[JJT]

I've used engine degreaser, brake clean and liquid TSP.

 

[btolle]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I usually keep a few cans of spray carburetor cleaner around just for cleaning up oil spills. Spray the spot with the small "straw" attached, you know the straw that comes with the cans, and wipe up the fluid before it dries again.)</font>

Carburetor cleaner and kitty litter or oil absorbent works for me. If you rub the kitty litter around with your shoe sole or an old board it will get down in the pores and soak up the carb cleaner and oil. It will also "feather" the edges of the area you cleaned so the clean spot won't stand out as much.

Bill Tolle

 

[shoppintractors]

Mike,

Personally, I would recommend the Tuff Vac 8000.
Guaranteeeeeeeeed to suck oil straight up and out of concrete.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3850814467

(Tongue in cheek of course.)

Don /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif