Does Pressure Washing Remove Oil Stains From Concrete?

Oil stains are the most common — and most stubborn — driveway problem. The short answer is yes, pressure washing can remove oil stains from concrete, but not with water alone. Here's what actually works and what to realistically expect.

Why oil is hard to remove

Concrete is porous. Oil soaks below the surface into those pores, so a surface rinse — even a strong one — only cleans the top layer. To remove the stain, you have to lift the oil back out of the concrete.

What actually removes oil

• A specialty concrete degreaser that breaks down the oil chemically
• Hot-water pressure washing — heat is what melts and lifts set-in oil
• Dwell time: letting the degreaser work before rinsing

Cold-water pressure washing, even at high pressure, usually leaves oil stains behind. That's why professional equipment matters for this job.

Fresh vs. old stains: honest expectations

Fresh oil stains — days or weeks old — typically come out completely with hot water and a degreaser. Older stains that have sat for months or years may lighten significantly rather than disappear entirely, because the oil has cured deep in the concrete. We'll always review your photos and tell you honestly what to expect before we start.

Don't wait

The sooner oil is treated, the more completely it comes out. If you've noticed a fresh leak, text us a photo — treating it now costs far less than living with a permanent stain.