How to Remove Oil Stains from Your Driveway
Complete guide to removing oil stains from asphalt and concrete driveways. From fresh spills to set-in stains—proven methods that actually work.
By Randy, Owner of Randy Seal Coating & Striping | 30+ Years Experience in Driveway Maintenance
Last Updated: December 2025
Quick Answer: Remove Oil Stains in 3 Steps
Absorb
Cover with cat litter for 24-48 hours
Scrub
Apply dish soap, scrub with stiff brush
Rinse
Pressure wash or rinse with hot water
Fresh stains are 90% easier to remove. Act within 24 hours for best results.
Why Oil Stains Are More Than Just Ugly
On Asphalt Driveways
- !Dissolves the binder that holds asphalt together
- !Softens the surface creating depressions and ruts
- !Leads to crumbling and pothole formation
- !Prevents sealcoating from adhering properly
On Concrete Driveways
- !Penetrates porous surface creating permanent stains
- !Attracts dirt making stains appear worse over time
- !Can weaken surface especially with repeated exposure
- !Becomes slippery when wet, creating safety hazards
NJ Climate Factor: In New Jersey's freeze-thaw climate (50+ cycles per winter), oil-damaged areas absorb water that freezes and expands, accelerating deterioration significantly faster than in warmer climates.
Removing Fresh Oil Stains (Within 24 Hours)
Act fast—fresh stains are 90% easier to remove than set-in stains
Act Quickly
The faster you act, the easier removal will be. Fresh oil (within 24 hours) hasn't fully penetrated the surface yet.
Absorb Excess Oil
Cover the stain completely with cat litter, baking soda, or cornstarch. Press down firmly with your foot to maximize absorption.
Let It Sit
Leave the absorbent material on the stain for 24-48 hours. For heavy stains, replace the saturated material after 12 hours.
Sweep and Scrub
Sweep up the absorbent material. Apply dish soap or laundry detergent directly to the remaining stain and scrub with a stiff bristle brush.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse with hot water using a garden hose or pressure washer on low setting. Repeat scrubbing if stain persists.
Pro Tips for Fresh Stains
Removing Old/Set-In Oil Stains
These methods work for stains that have been there for days, weeks, or even months
Commercial Degreaser
Asphalt and concreteApply degreaser, wait 15-20 minutes, scrub with stiff brush, rinse with pressure washer
Poultice Method
Deep-set stains on concreteMix cat litter with acetone to form paste, apply 1/2" thick, cover with plastic, wait 24 hours, scrape and rinse
WD-40 + Dish Soap
Moderate stains on both surfacesSpray WD-40, wait 30 minutes, apply dish soap, scrub, rinse with hot water
Oven Cleaner
Concrete only (NOT asphalt)Spray oven cleaner, wait 30 minutes, scrub with brush, rinse thoroughly
Professional Treatment
Large or multiple stains, pre-sealcoating prepProfessional-grade degreasers and equipment, oil spot primer application
Warning: Products to NEVER Use on Asphalt
These products will dissolve and permanently damage asphalt surfaces. Oven cleaner is safe for concrete only.
Oil Stain Removal: Cost Comparison
DIY methods vs. professional service
| Method | Cost | Time Required |
|---|---|---|
| Cat Litter + Dish Soap | $5-10 | 2 days |
| Commercial Degreaser | $15-30 | 1-2 hours |
| Poultice Treatment | $10-20 | 24-48 hours |
| Professional Service | $75-150 | 1-2 hours |
*Prices based on typical single-stain treatment in 2025
Asphalt vs. Concrete: Key Differences
What works on one may damage the other
Asphalt Driveways
Safe to Use:
- • Cat litter and absorbents
- • Dish soap and laundry detergent
- • Commercial asphalt degreasers
- • Baking soda
- • WD-40 (in moderation)
Avoid:
- • Gasoline or solvents
- • Oven cleaner
- • Muriatic acid
- • Wire brushes
- • High-pressure washing (3000+ PSI)
Concrete Driveways
Safe to Use:
- • All asphalt-safe methods
- • Oven cleaner (concrete only!)
- • TSP (trisodium phosphate)
- • Poultice with acetone
- • Higher pressure washing (up to 3000 PSI)
Avoid:
- • Muriatic acid on colored concrete
- • Bleach (can discolor)
- • Metal scrapers on smooth finishes
When to Call a Professional
Some situations require professional equipment and expertise
Call a Pro If:
- •DIY methods haven't worked after 2-3 attempts
- •You have multiple or large oil stains
- •Stains are combined with cracks or damage
- •You're preparing for sealcoating
- •The driveway surface feels soft around stains
What Pros Do Differently:
- •Commercial-grade degreasers (5x stronger)
- •Hot water pressure washing equipment
- •Oil spot primer that encapsulates stains
- •Surface preparation for proper sealcoat adhesion
- •Assessment for underlying damage
Oil Stain Treatment Included with Sealcoating
Our professional sealcoating service includes oil spot treatment as part of surface preparation. We apply oil spot primer that encapsulates stains and ensures your sealcoat bonds properly and lasts longer.
Get Free Sealcoating QuotePreventing Future Oil Stains
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cat litter
Use Oil Drip Mats
Place absorbent mats under your car's engine area. Replace when saturated. Cost: $15-30.
Fix Leaks Promptly
Address oil leaks immediately. A small repair now prevents driveway damage later.
Sealcoat Regularly
Sealcoating every 2-3 years creates a protective barrier that makes stain removal easier.
Oil Stain Removal FAQs
Expert answers to common questions
For fresh oil stains (within 24 hours), immediately cover with cat litter or baking soda and press down firmly. Let it absorb for 24-48 hours, then sweep up and scrub the area with dish soap and a stiff brush. Rinse with hot water. Fresh stains are much easier to remove because the oil hasn't fully penetrated the porous surface yet.
Yes, oil stains can cause permanent damage if left untreated. On asphalt driveways, oil softens and breaks down the binder that holds the asphalt together, leading to crumbling and potholes. On concrete, oil creates permanent dark stains and can weaken the surface over time. In New Jersey's climate, freeze-thaw cycles worsen the damage as water penetrates the weakened areas.
For most homeowners, Oil Eater or Purple Power degreasers work well on both asphalt and concrete. For severe stains, products like Pour-N-Restore or Terminator-HSD are specifically designed for oil stain removal. Always test in an inconspicuous area first, and never use harsh solvents like gasoline or paint thinner on asphalt—they will dissolve the surface.
You should never sealcoat directly over untreated oil stains. The oil prevents proper adhesion and will cause the sealcoat to peel, flake, or fail prematurely. Professional sealcoating services (like ours) include oil spot primer application that encapsulates the stain and creates a bondable surface. This treatment is essential for long-lasting sealcoating results.
Old, set-in oil stains typically require 24-48 hours of treatment using the poultice method, or multiple applications of commercial degreaser over several days. Some deep stains may never fully disappear but can be significantly lightened. For guaranteed removal before sealcoating, professional treatment with specialized equipment and oil spot primer is recommended.
Pressure washing alone won't remove oil stains because oil repels water. However, pressure washing is an important final step after treating the stain with degreaser or absorbent materials. Use a medium pressure setting (1,500-2,000 PSI) and keep the nozzle 6-8 inches from the surface. Hot water pressure washing is more effective than cold water for oil removal.
Stubborn Stains? We Can Help.
Our professional sealcoating service includes oil spot treatment, crack filling, and a 2-year warranty. Get your driveway looking like new.
Based on 2,500+ driveways treated across Essex, Union, and Passaic counties since 1994