How to Clean Oil Stains on a Driveway: A Step-by-Step Guide

Oil stains on driveways are not just unsightly—they can also cause long-term damage to the surface and reduce the overall curb appeal of your home or property. Whether it’s a result of a leaky car, spilled engine oil, or drips from machinery, knowing how to properly clean oil stains on a driveway is essential. In this guide, we’ll walk you through a proven, professional process for removing oil stains using effective techniques and high-quality cleaning products such as SynergyClean Pro and Oil Clear Pro from PureSeal Chemicals.

Why It’s Important to Remove Oil Stains from Your Driveway

Oil penetrates porous surfaces like concrete and block paving, leading to stubborn, dark stains. If left untreated, these stains can:

• Become more difficult to remove over time

• Attract dirt and grime, making the area look worse

• Create slippery surfaces that pose safety risks

• Lower the value and appearance of your property

Regular driveway maintenance, including prompt oil stain removal, helps protect your investment and keeps your outdoor spaces looking fresh and clean.

What You'll Need to Clean Oil Stains

Before you begin, gather the following supplies:

• Absorbent material (e.g. cat litter, sawdust, or paper towels)

• Plastic or metal scraper

• PureSeal SynergyClean Pro (professional degreaser)

• PureSeal Oil Clear Pro (for particularly stubborn or set-in stains)

• Stiff-bristled brush or broom

• Pressure washer

• Protective gloves and eyewear

• Water hose or access to a water supply

Step 1: Absorb the Excess Oil

If the spill is fresh, the first thing you want to do is absorb as much oil as possible to prevent it from soaking deeper into the surface. Generously cover the stained area with an absorbent material like cat litter, sand, or sawdust.

Let it sit for 15–30 minutes, allowing the material to draw out the oil. Once it’s saturated, sweep or scoop it up and dispose of it responsibly.

Tip: Do not rub the area at this stage, as that can push the oil deeper into the surface.

Step 2: Scrape the Surface

Next, use a plastic or metal scraper to remove any thick or sticky residue that might be left behind. Be gentle if you’re working on a surface like resin-bound or block paving to avoid scratching.

This step helps prepare the surface for the chemical degreaser and improves overall cleaning results.

Step 3: Apply a Degreaser (SynergyClean Pro)

Now it’s time to break down the remaining oil with a powerful degreaser. SynergyClean Pro by PureSeal is a high-performance, biodegradable degreaser specifically formulated for external oil stains on concrete, tarmac, and block paving.

Apply SynergyClean Pro directly to the affected area. You can use it neat for heavy stains or diluted (typically 1:4 with water) for lighter soiling. Make sure to completely saturate the stained area.

Note: Always wear gloves and safety glasses when handling chemical products, and follow the safety instructions on the label.

Step 4: Let the Degreaser Sit

For best results, allow the degreaser to dwell on the surface for 10 to 20 minutes. This gives it enough time to penetrate the pores of the surface and emulsify the oil.

During this time:

• Do not let the product dry out—apply more if necessary or keep the area slightly damp.

• Use a stiff-bristled brush to agitate the surface gently if the stain is particularly stubborn.

If the oil has been there for a while or has already stained deeply, you can follow up with Oil Clear Pro. This product works at a deeper level to remove embedded oils and restore the natural colour of the surface.

Step 5: Rinse the Driveway

Once the degreaser has had time to work, it’s time to rinse the area thoroughly. Use a garden hose with a high-pressure nozzle, or ideally, a pressure washer to wash away the emulsified oil and degreaser residue.

Start from the highest point of the driveway and work your way down. This ensures that water runs off properly and doesn’t re-contaminate cleaned areas.

Step 6: Use a Pressure Washer

A pressure washer is one of the most effective tools for removing oil stains from concrete and paved driveways. It helps lift residual dirt, oil, and chemicals from the surface, leaving it fresh and clean.

When using a pressure washer:

• Choose an appropriate nozzle—usually 15° or 25° for cleaning driveways

• Keep the lance moving to avoid etching the surface

• Avoid extremely high pressure on block paving to prevent dislodging jointing sand

If the stain persists after the first wash, move on to the final step.

Step 7: Repeat as Necessary

Some oil stains may require more than one round of treatment. This is especially true for older stains or porous surfaces like unsealed concrete or sandstone.

If you still see discoloration:

1. Reapply SynergyClean Pro or Oil Clear Pro

2. Let it sit again for 10–20 minutes

3. Agitate with a brush

4. Rinse with a pressure washer

Repeat this process until the stain is fully removed. In many cases, two to three treatments are enough to completely clear even the toughest stains.

Bonus Tips for Preventing Future Oil Stains

Cleaning oil stains is important, but preventing them in the first place is even better. Here are some bonus tips:

• Use drip trays or absorbent mats under vehicles that tend to leak

• Seal your driveway with a suitable sealant to protect the surface and reduce absorbency

• Perform regular maintenance by pressure washing your driveway at least twice a year

• Act quickly when spills occur—fresh oil is much easier to remove than old, set-in stains

Why Use PureSeal SynergyClean Pro and Oil Clear Pro?

Both SynergyClean Pro and Oil Clear Pro from PureSeal are trusted by professionals for a reason. Here’s why they stand out:

• Powerful formula: Cuts through oil, grease, and hydrocarbons with ease

• Safe on surfaces: Suitable for concrete, tarmac, block paving, and resin-bound surfaces

• Biodegradable: Environmentally responsible without sacrificing performance

• Trusted brand: Used by professional exterior cleaning companies across the UK

If you're dealing with stubborn oil stains, these products give you a major advantage over DIY household cleaners or generic degreasers.

Final Thoughts

Cleaning oil stains on a driveway doesn't have to be a stressful or complicated task. With the right approach and the proper tools—especially powerful products like SynergyClean Pro and Oil Clear Pro—you can restore your driveway to its original condition quickly and effectively.

If you're looking for professional results, follow these steps:

1. Absorb the excess oil

2. Scrape the surface

3. Apply a degreaser

4. Let the degreaser sit

5. Rinse the driveway

6. Use a pressure washer

7. Repeat as necessary

With a little patience and the right equipment, your driveway can look as good as new. For homeowners or cleaning professionals, this process delivers outstanding results every time.

Need Help?
If you're in need of expert driveway cleaning services using PureSeal products, get in touch today. We offer affordable, high-quality exterior cleaning solutions designed to remove oil stains and restore your surfaces.