So while you're looking to get rid of those oil stains from the concrete driveway you found WD40 as a solution to remove oil stains but then you start wondering “does WD40 stain concrete?” Yes! It does and that's because WD40 itself acts like an engine oil going inside the concrete leaving it discolored or stained.
If you need to get rid of rust from concrete, your best bet is to use some WD-40 Multi-Use Product, and some elbow grease. WD-40 is specially formulated to be a penetrant, so when you spray it on a rusted surface, it gets to work right away by getting under the rust.
Removing rust stains from concrete might initially seem intimidating, but it's not as complicated as it sounds. First, open up a can of WD-40 and spray it generously across the areas with rust stains. Be sure to cover every rusty spot, as this product works by penetrating and breaking down rust from within.
Unfortunately, the rain isn't going to wash it away, and if you leave the oil spill, it can damage your concrete. Oil will break down the sealant/finish on the top layer and seep into the tiny pores of the concrete, creating a permanent stain, if not taken care of.
WD-40 is a petroleum-based lubricant that can cause stains on clothes. But it also can help to remove stains. The solvents in WD-40 help to break down oil—especially old oily stains—loosening the oil molecules from fabric fibers. Simply spray the stain with a bit of WD-40 from the front and back of the fabric.
WD-40 can be used on just about everything. It is safe for metal, rubber, wood and plastic. WD-40 can be applied to painted metal surfaces without harming the paint. Polycarbonate and clear polystyrene plastic are among the few surfaces on which to avoid using a petroleum-based product like WD-40.
Best Alkaline Concrete Cleaner—Sunnyside TSP
TSP stands for trisodium phosphate, and it's a heavy-duty cleaner that's sure to lift stains and dirt from concrete. Sunnyside TSP is an affordable and effective solution to messy concrete, particularly indoors as the phosphate can be bad if it reaches outdoor water sources.
Mix a solution of 1/8 of a cup liquid dishwashing detergent, ½ cup baking soda, and one gallon of water. Pour over the stain. Use a soft brush to scrub the stain away. Rinse the area.
Vinegar and Baking Soda
Simply fill a spray bottle with equal parts water and vinegar (or water and baking soda), and add a little bit of liquid dish detergent. Spray the mixture on your concrete surface and let it sit for about 30 minutes. Then scrub and rinse your concrete.
Not only does it kill algae, but it eats away at polished cement if you leave it on the cement for too long. Vinegar can be used for longer periods on unfinished cement to remove algae, and it serves as an excellent cleaning agent.
The most common and effective way to do this is by using a dehumidifier in tandem with fans to help draw out the air humidity and excess water quickly. Other common ways to dry out your concrete floor include, but are not limited to: Using a wet vacuum to suck up excess moisture.
Never use cleaners such as Pine-Sol, ammonia, vinegar, or bleach as they will dull, discolor or etch polished concrete and stained concrete floors. Ameripolish Rejuvenating Floor Cleaner is specifically designed for polished concrete. This cleaner can be used with a wet mop or floor scrubber.
Fortunately, you can remove oil stains from a driveway with a few simple cleaning methods. Learn how to get oil off a driveway using common household products, such as dish soap and baking soda. Plus, read up on products specifically designed for tackling tough oil stains on concrete.
Fill a bottle with bleach and water (1:1 ratio). It's one of the best ways to remove oil stains. But because bleach is a strong product, we recommend that you wear old clothes for this method. Spray it on the surface and allow it to dry for about 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the stain.
While often thought of as a myth, cola (like Coca-Cola or Pepsi) can be used to remove oil stains from your driveway. Simply mop up any excess oil and then pour 1-2 cans of cola over the area. Let it sit overnight and in the morning, hose it down.
Treat the concrete stain with baking soda
Like kitty litter, it's quite absorbent and does a great job of lifting any moisture after being applied. Remove the oil stain with baking soda using these simple steps: Sprinkle a thick layer of baking soda over the oil stain in your driveway. Let it soak in for thirty minutes.
OxiClean
If all these household products fail to eliminate your oil stains effectively, you should consider trying OxiClean as a secret weapon. This detergent is effective even on the most challenging oil stains on concrete.
Patients who suffer from arthritis are trying anything to relieve those stiff and aching joints. Some have even tried spraying sore joints with WD-40 as they would to fix a squeaky, door hinge. But this folk remedy is not proven to work and may even be harmful.