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How Do You Get Grease Stains Out of Concrete? 🧽 – Fast Fixes That Work

  • Writer: Riley Thorne
    Riley Thorne
  • Sep 12
  • 2 min read

Updated: Sep 13

Concrete driveways, patios, and garage floors are tough, but grease stains can be stubborn eyesores. Whether from a car leak or backyard grilling, they don’t just look bad—they can also weaken the surface over time.

“Grease penetrates concrete pores quickly, so the sooner you act, the easier it is to remove.”
Beige textured cube with yellow flowers and tall grass at its base, casting shadows on a similar wall, in soft natural light.

Why Grease Stains Stick to Concrete


Concrete is porous, meaning oils and fats seep deep below the surface instead of sitting on top. That’s why simple soap and water won’t usually do the trick. To really get results, you’ll need cleaning methods designed for porous materials.


This is similar to other concrete issues—like when you’re figuring out how can I get paint off of concrete—the right product and method matter most.


How to Get Grease Stains Out of Concrete


Here are some tried-and-true options homeowners use:

Method

Best For

How It Works

Dish Soap + Hot Water

Fresh stains

Breaks down grease on the surface before it sets

Baking Soda or Cat Litter

Small/medium stains

Absorbs oil after scrubbing and soaking

Commercial Degreasers

Old or large stains

Specialized cleaners pull oil from deep in the concrete

Pressure Washing

Outdoor areas

Blasts away residue after initial treatment

“For older, set-in stains, combining a degreaser with pressure washing often gives the best results.”

Step-by-Step DIY Method


  1. Blot excess oil – If fresh, use paper towels or kitty litter.

  2. Apply a cleaning agent – Baking soda or dish soap work well.

  3. Scrub with a stiff brush – Work the cleaner deep into the concrete.

  4. Rinse thoroughly – Use hot water, or follow with a pressure washer.

  5. Repeat if necessary – Old stains often require multiple treatments.


Preventing Future Stains


  • Seal your concrete to reduce porosity.

  • Place drip pans under vehicles.

  • Clean spills immediately before they soak in.


A Quick Note on Skunks and Smells


Sometimes grease isn’t the only outdoor nuisance. Homeowners often ask “how do you get rid of a skunk?” While grease stains require scrubbing, skunk odors require neutralizers like vinegar, peroxide, or commercial odor removers. Both problems prove one thing: quick action is always key.


Conclusion


So, how do you get grease stains out of concrete? Start with soap, baking soda, or cat litter for fresh spills, then move up to degreasers and pressure washing for tougher ones. With the right approach, your driveway or patio can look spotless again—and stay that way. 🏡✨


FAQ


How do you get grease stains out of concrete? Use dish soap, baking soda, or a degreaser, scrub with a stiff brush, then rinse or pressure wash.


Can old grease stains be removed from concrete? Yes, but they often require multiple treatments with a commercial degreaser.


What’s the fastest way to clean garage floor grease? Apply a degreaser, scrub, and pressure wash for the quickest results.


Can sealing concrete prevent grease stains? Yes, sealing makes concrete less porous and easier to clean.

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