Prevent Stains Before They Form

• Despite its hardness and strength, concrete is a relatively absorbent material. This means that tough stains from substances like automotive oil can theoretically stain a driveway permanently. Therefore, the best way to keep a driveway looking nice and clean is to prevent stains before they get a chance to start. To do this, be sure to use a drop cloth whenever changing automotive oil or working under the hood with the car parked in the driveway. If one of your automobiles develops an oil leak, park it on the street until you can get the leak patched. If you take good care of your vehicles, your clean driveway will take care of your curb appeal.
  
  

Cleaning Fresh Oil Stains

• When an oil stain is very fresh, there is a very good chance that it can be cleaned completely. The first step when cleaning a fresh oil stain is always to absorb as much of the oil as possible without scrubbing. This is done by sprinkling an absorbent material over the stain and giving it some time to soak up the remaining oil. Kitty litter makes a great absorbent material, as does sawdust, cornmeal and sand. When the material has soaked up as much oil as possible, it should be brushed into a dust pan and disposed of.
  
  

Cleaning Absorbed Oil Stains

• When there is no wet oil left to absorb, the stain should be saturated in water. After the water has soaked into the concrete surface, it should be watered again and then drizzled with a powerful non-bleach liquid detergent. Scrubbing the stain with soap, water and a heavy-duty stiff bristled brush will likely remove the majority of the stain. As oil-covered soap suds froth up, they can be sopped up with paper towels and discarded. The cleaned area should be allowed to dry completely to see exactly how well the stain has been cleaned.
  
  

Cleaning Old and Stubborn Oil Stains

• Old, untreated stains can be very difficult if not impossible to completely remove. However, there are a variety of more heavy-duty and unusual cleaning solutions that may provide the power needed to remove the toughest oil stains. Automotive engine degreaser, which can be purchased at any auto parts store, can be an effective scrubbing agent for old stains. Powerful solvents like kerosene are also effective, but must be handled carefully because of their powerful fumes, flammable nature and toxicity. Commercial lubricants like WD-40 are also sometimes used to clean greasy and oily stains from porous surfaces. Some even advocate pouring carbonated cola over the stain and letting it sit overnight because it can weaken the oil particles, making them easier to scrub away with a stiff brush the next day.