Why You Should Think Twice Before Using Gasoline To Remove These Stains

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Nothing ruins the look of a concrete driveway, patio, or garage floor quite like an oil stain. Since concrete is porous, it can absorb liquid and oil, whether from a leaking car or a piece of lawn equipment. The result is a wet-looking stain similar to what you might see if you spilled grease on your favorite T-shirt. And just like removing a grease stain from clothing, lifting oil from concrete takes a bit of finesse. One option that may be suggested on forums or by friends is to remove the stain with gasoline. As a powerful solvent, gas works well to rid concrete surfaces of oily buildup but comes with significant downsides. It is highly flammable, releases toxic fumes, poses environmental safety issues, and could leave strong odors that linger on your concrete surface for days. 

You have the best chance of removing an oil stain from your concrete driveway or patio if it's caught quickly. Old, set-in stains are much more difficult to draw out, although sometimes you may be able to lighten them. Instead, commercial cleaners for removing oil stains from concrete are a safer alternative to using gasoline and are specially formulated to degrease. Plus, it won't damage your garage, driveway, or patio when used as directed.

If you notice an oil spill on your concrete, do not reach for that gasoline can. For a stain that has just appeared, immediately use an absorbent material like kitty litter or sawdust to soak up as much of the oil as possible. Once this task has been completed, scrub the stain with dish soap and water. Then, you can begin treatment with a commercial concrete degreaser. If the oil spill is on a polished concrete surface, gently soak up the excess with dish soap and a water dampened rag.

A product like Krud Kutter Concentrated Degreaser is a great option as it's a water-based formula that is tough on grease and safe for use on concrete. For heavy stains, apply directly to the affected area and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping with a clean rag. If that doesn't do the trick, reapply the solution and allow it to sit for a few more minutes before scrubbing with a soft-bristled brush. If you don't have this specific product on hand, any other degreasing agent that is safe for concrete should prove effective. If you act fast and use cleaners that are safe and capable of lifting oil and grease, you have a great chance of keeping those unsightly blemishes off your concrete without using harsh substances like gasoline.