18 replies to this topic

[samsfern]

Basically, ive got a few oil stains in the drieway down the garage, and am getting it in the neck from the garage owner.

I have a proper industrial high pressure petrol powered pressure, gav it a blast with that last night, to no avail.

So any ideas? Other than replacing the stained bricks?

Thanks, sam.

[tom1234177]

I've not tried it myself, but I hear from a friend a mix of muc-of and a good window cleaner works well (I thought yeah... ok aswell haha)

[miniman retford]

I used engine cleaner (gunk or similar) worked it in with a scrubbing brush on mine then pressure washed it, took most of it off.

[markxe]

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[Terry1987]

Coke-Cola... the proper brand stuff, chuck loads down and leave it to soak in, then pressure wash away... works wonders with brake fluid too

[bmcecosse]

Gunk will definitely work - not tried Coke - good tip if it works !

[lapider]

Petrol.

[miniman retford]

Petrol.

And a match

[mini_mad69]

I've used gunk and worked quite well, they make a specific driveway cleaner aswell.

I tried the coke meathod and it didn't work all too well, but better than water.
Petrol actually worked very well, but it is very dangerous as you can imagine.


One thing I found best, was after all the scrubbing pressure washing etc I used a wire brush and it seemed to take all the top layer of concrete away leaving a clean surface.

[sebseb8]

Talc powder has worked for us if the stain isn't too old. It helps to draw the oil out of the brick then wash it off after a day or two. I think its better if you put it on ASAP.

Seb

[Miniryan09]

More Oil.


(sorry that was unhelpful)

[dklawson]

Different stains... different cleaning methods.

For oil stains, Gunk is fine. If you have no Gunk, make your own. Make a 50/50 mix of liquid laundry deteregent and kerosene (diesel, or mineral spirits). Stir the mix until it turns "white" then spread it heavily over the oil stains. Allow it to soak in for an hour or so working it periodically with a stiff broom/brush. Then wash it off. The pressure washer will be great here. A second treatment (or more) will be needed if the stain is old and deep.

For brake fluid, simply wet the surface with water and work some liquid laundry detergent into the stain. Allow it to soak for a while then wash off. (Excluding DOT-5 fluid).

For rust stains, the "Coke" method may work. You are relying on the Coke's phosphoric acid to do the work. I have better luck with real phosphoric acid (used for rust removal and paint preparation) diluted and sprayed on with a pump type garden sprayer. Wet the surface with water, spray on the acid (or Coke), brush it in and allow it a short while to work, then rinse with water.

Lastly, for extreme stains use Muriatic acid. I don't know what they call it in the U.K. but Muriatic acid is a partially dilute version of Hydrochloric acid used for commercial cleaning purposes. It is available in the paint section of most DIY stores. WEAR GLOVES, EYE PROTECTION and apply it sparingly to a surface you have already sprayed water on. Brush it in then hose it off.

[woodsy483]

Try Janitol, its an alkaline degreaser, i've seen it used in train depots to clean oil off the floors, its also good for cleaning alloy wheels.

They sell it in Toolstation

[wainesworld]

Never tried it myself but Ive heard if you bung a load of sharp sand down then jet wash the sand acts as an abresive and should remove most stains.

Waine

[OllieTheWelder]

Could always turn the bricks over if they're not cemented in.