Removing Cooking Oil Stains From A Concrete Patio

how to get cooking oil off of concrete patio

Cooking oil spills on concrete patios are a pain to clean. The oil quickly seeps into the concrete, leaving a sticky mess that attracts dirt and creates stubborn stains. The best way to remove these stains is to act fast. Sweep away any dirt and debris, then use an absorbent material like cat litter, sawdust, or commercial spill absorbers to soak up the oil. You can also try covering the spill with baking soda, talcum powder, or dry dish detergent, then pouring liquid laundry detergent over it and letting it sit before scrubbing and rinsing with hot water. For old, stubborn stains, you may need to use a stronger detergent or a commercial degreaser, or create a poultice by mixing an absorbent material with a solvent to break down and draw out the oil.

Characteristics Values
Preliminary cleaning Sweep away dirt and debris, then rinse with a light hose spray
Absorbent material Cat litter, sawdust, commercial spill absorber, sweeping compound, baking soda, talcum powder, dry dish detergent, plaster of paris, pool filter media, kitty litter, concrete absorber/degreaser
Liquid Liquid laundry detergent, liquid dish soap, acetone, xylene, lacquer thinner, MEK, degreasing soap, methanol, lye water, brake cleaner, concrete cleaner or degreaser, water
Scrubbing Stiff bristle brush, scrub brush, scrub sponge
Additional tools Power washer, hose, plastic cover, tape, broom

shunshelter

Use cat litter to absorb the oil

If you've spilled cooking oil on your concrete patio, you can use cat litter to absorb the oil. This method is ideal for removing fresh oil stains. Simply sprinkle cat litter over the stain and use your feet to rub it in. Leave it for a few hours or overnight, then sweep up the litter. You may need to repeat this process several times to remove the stain completely.

If the oil has soaked into the concrete, you can try using a degreaser or quality dish soap before applying the cat litter. Cover the stain with the product, then agitate it with a stiff-bristled brush. You can also try making a paste with the soap and water, then scrubbing it into the stain. Let it dry, then sweep or rinse it away.

For old, stubborn stains, you can make a paste with kitty litter and lacquer thinner. Cover the stain with a quarter-inch layer of the paste, then cover with plastic and press down. Leave it for 24 hours, then sweep up the dried paste and spray wash the area with a hose.

shunshelter

Use a degreaser or dish soap

If you have a cooking oil stain on your concrete patio, there are a few methods you can try to remove it. One option is to use a degreaser or dish soap. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Firstly, pre-clean the area by sweeping away any dirt or debris on and around the stain. You can also use a light hose spray to rinse away any loose dirt. Just be sure not to use a pressure washer, as this can push the oil deeper into the concrete.

Next, you'll want to apply your degreaser or dish soap. If using a degreaser, follow the instructions on the product and apply it liberally to the stain. If using dish soap, create a mixture by combining it with water to form a paste. You can also add baking soda or powdered laundry detergent to the mixture for extra power. Apply the paste generously to the stain and let it sit for at least half an hour.

Once the degreaser or dish soap has had time to work, it's time to scrub. Use a stiff bristle brush and scrub the stained area vigorously. If the stain is particularly stubborn, you may need to let the solution sit for longer and repeat the scrubbing process.

After scrubbing, rinse the area with a hose or a light spray of water. It's important to let the concrete dry completely before inspecting the results. Old and stubborn stains may require multiple applications, so don't be discouraged if the stain isn't completely gone after the first attempt.

If you're dealing with a large oil spill, it's recommended to call in professionals who specialise in removing cooking grease from concrete. They will have the necessary equipment and products to effectively remove the stain.

shunshelter

Apply a poultice to break down the oil

If you have a stubborn oil stain on your concrete patio, you can try using a poultice to break down the oil and draw it out of the concrete. Poultices are especially useful for small but stubborn stains.

To make a poultice, you'll need an absorbent material and a strong solvent. Suitable absorbent materials include kitty litter, pool filter media, sawdust, or flour. Strong solvents include acetone, xylene, lacquer thinner, or MEK.

Here's a step-by-step guide to making and applying a poultice:

  • Mix the absorbent material and the solvent: In a container, mix the absorbent material of your choice with the solvent until it forms a thick paste. You can adjust the consistency by adding more solvent or absorbent material as needed.
  • Apply the poultice to the stain: Using a spatula or a brush, spread the poultice over the stain in a thick layer, at least a quarter of an inch thick. Make sure to cover the entire stain.
  • Cover the poultice with plastic: This will help keep the poultice moist and prevent it from drying out too quickly. Secure the plastic in place with tape.
  • Let the poultice work its magic: Depending on the size and age of the stain, you may need to let the poultice sit for several hours or even overnight. The solvent will break down the oil, and the absorbent material will draw it out of the concrete.
  • Remove the poultice: After the allotted time has passed, remove the plastic and sweep or scrape up the poultice. Be sure to dispose of it properly, as it will now contain the oil you wanted to remove.
  • Rinse the area: Use a hose to rinse the area with clean water, removing any residual poultice and oil.
  • Repeat if necessary: For deeper or older stains, you may need to repeat the process several times until the stain is completely removed.

It's important to note that this process can be time-consuming and may not be practical for very large stains. Additionally, be sure to wear protective gear, such as gloves and eye protection, when working with strong solvents.

shunshelter

Use microorganisms to eat up the oil

Using Microorganisms to Remove Oil Stains from Concrete

The most recent advancement in removing oil stains from concrete involves using special single-celled microorganisms that feed on crude oil and its derivatives. These microorganisms eat the oil, turning it into carbon dioxide and more microorganisms. When the food source (oil) is gone, the microorganisms die, leaving the concrete clean and oil-free. This is the same technology used to clean beaches and waterways after large oil spills.

How to Use Microorganisms to Remove Oil Stains

  • Dampen the surface: Use room temperature water to dampen the concrete surface. This helps the microbes get into the porous surface and begin naturally feeding on the oil.
  • Apply the microbial cleaner: You can mop the microbial cleaner onto the floor or use a pump sprayer to apply it to the surface.
  • Scrub the surface: Scrub the cleaner into the surface with a brush to work it into the concrete.
  • Keep the surface moist: If the microbial cleaner starts to dry out, apply more cleaner or mist it with water. This helps the microbes get deep into the concrete pores.
  • Let it sit: The longer you leave the product on the surface, the more effective it will be. If you can leave it overnight, you will get even better results.

Benefits of Using Microbial Cleaners

  • No residue: Microbial cleaners consume the oil, leaving behind very little to no residue.
  • Eco-friendly: Microbial cleaners are environmentally safe and harmless to humans, pets, plants, and aquatic life.
  • Safe to use: There are no hazardous chemicals or solvents in microbial cleaners, making them safe for use around fish, pets, and children.
  • Eliminates odours: Microbial cleaners work deep into the concrete pores, effectively eliminating oily odours.
  • Prevents oil from resurfacing: By consuming the oil, microbial cleaners prevent the possibility of oil bleeding back to the surface.

Popular Microbial Cleaners

  • Terminator-HSD
  • ACT Concrete Cleaner and Degreaser
  • CoverClean HC

shunshelter

Prevent oil stains by sealing your concrete

Preventing oil stains on concrete is a challenging task, but sealing your concrete can be an effective solution. Here are some tips to help you seal your concrete patio and prevent oil stains:

Choose the Right Sealer

The market offers various concrete sealers, but not all are created equal. Look for a sealer that is specifically designed to repel oil and grease. These products are often labelled as "oil-repellent" or "oil-resistant". Oil-repellent sealers create a hydrophobic and oleophobic surface that actively pushes oil away, making it easier to clean stains. In contrast, oil-resistant sealers only prevent the sealer itself from breaking down when exposed to oil, but they don't stop oil from penetrating the concrete.

Some popular options include Silane Siloxane sealers, which are commonly used in garages and quick lube places. These sealers effectively prevent oil stains but have a strong odour when applied. Fluorinated sealers are another option, as they create a dense, oil-proof shield. They contain fluorocarbons, which are also used in Teflon and Scotchguard, and form a strong bond with silanes in the concrete to provide long-lasting protection.

Penetrating vs. Film-Forming Sealers

Another important distinction is between penetrating and film-forming sealers. Penetrating sealers, also known as impregnating sealers, work by creating a chemical reaction below the surface, making the concrete resistant to the absorption of oil and other liquids. They leave the surface unchanged, non-slip, and natural while still allowing it to breathe. On the other hand, film-forming sealers create a protective film on the surface, enhancing and darkening colours with a gloss or semi-gloss finish. While they make cleaning and maintenance easier, they tend to be slippery when wet and are prone to cracking and delamination.

Water-Based vs. Solvent-Based Sealers

Penetrating sealers come in both water-based and solvent-based formulations. Water-based sealers are cost-effective, safe, and fast-drying but may not penetrate as deeply as solvent-based alternatives. Solvent-based sealers, on the other hand, have longer chains of atoms that can break apart more easily, allowing them to carry active ingredients deeper into dense surfaces. However, they tend to be more expensive, take longer to dry, and have higher levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can be harmful to the environment.

Active Ingredients Matter

When choosing a sealer, pay attention to the active ingredients. Silanes, siloxanes, and fluorocarbons are key ingredients that provide protection against oil stains. Silanes react with the silica inside the concrete, forming a strong covalent bond, while siloxanes react with the moisture in the atmosphere to create a hydrophobic resin. Fluorocarbons, which are also used in Teflon, form a strong bond with silanes, resulting in a dense matrix that repels water, salt, and oil. Look for products with higher percentages of these active ingredients, as they will inherently perform better and last longer.

Application and Maintenance

Finally, keep in mind that applying a penetrating sealer is a one-shot deal. Retreating or re-applying a penetrating sealer can be tricky, as they are designed to block liquids from entering the pores of the concrete. If you need to re-apply, you may have to grind down the concrete surface with heavy equipment. Therefore, it's crucial to choose a high-quality sealer and apply it correctly the first time to ensure long-lasting protection.

Frequently asked questions

First, cover the oil with an absorbent material such as baking soda, talcum powder, dry dish detergent, or sawdust. Then, pour liquid laundry detergent over the area and let it sit for 30 minutes. Next, pour hot water over the spill and scrub with a stiff brush. Finally, rinse with more hot water and repeat if necessary.

If the oil has already soaked in, you can try using a degreaser or quality dish soap. Apply liberally, agitate with a stiff bristle brush, and cover with an absorbent material such as cat litter or a commercial oil absorber. Let it sit for several hours or overnight, then sweep it up. You may need to repeat this process several times.

Yes, you can try making a paste with kitty litter and lacquer thinner. Layer at least a quarter of an inch of the mixture over the stain, cover with plastic, and let it sit for 24 hours. Then, sweep up the dried paste and spray wash with a hose. Alternatively, you can try using a propane weed burner to heat up and evaporate the oil.

Avoid using a pressure washer, as this can push oil stains deeper into the concrete. Also, avoid using wire brushes, as they can leave behind tiny metal particles that rust.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment