How to Remove Rust & Oil From Concrete

Exposed to the elements constantly, your concrete slab comes into contact with a number of different substances that can sully its appearance. While some things can easily be washed away when it rains, stains such as oil and rust are a bit more stubborn. Dealing with these stains requires a little more time and patience to remove them, but if you're determined to once again have clean concrete, it's well within your reach.

Things You'll Need

• White vinegar
• Stiff brush or push broom
• Kitty litter
• Piece of plastic
• Broom
• Dish soap

Instructions

Removing Rust Stains

1. Pour enough white vinegar onto the stain to saturate it.

2. Allow the area to soak for an hour, adding more vinegar if it starts to dry up.

3. Scrub the area with a stiff brush or push broom.

4. Rinse the area with clean water.

5. Repeat if necessary until the stain is gone.

Removing Oil Stains

1. Pour enough kitty litter onto the stained area to cover it completely. Be sure to use the absorbent clay type of kitty litter.

2. Allow the kitty litter to sit on the stain for 24 hours, stirring it occasionally with the handle of a broom to keep it from clumping. If rain is imminent, cover the area with plastic and weigh it down on the corners to keep it from blowing away.

3. Sweep up the kitty litter and dispose of it in a loosely tied bag.

4. Squeeze a grease cutting dish soap such as Dawn all over the area.

5. Work the dish soap into the stain with a push broom.

6. Allow the dish soap to sit on the area for 15 to 20 minutes.

7. Saturate the area with hot water and continue to scrub.

8. Rinse the area with clean water.

9. Repeat the process until the stain is gone.

Tips & Warnings

• Apple cider vinegar is an acceptable substitute for white vinegar.

• If the stains persist and cannot be removed, contact a professional about resurfacing the concrete.

References

• Removing Rust from Concrete
• How to Remove Oil Stains From the Driveway