The Easy Way to Patch Oil-Stained Concrete in Your Garage
Oil stains on a garage floor are one of those problems that sneak up on you. One day it’s a small dark spot under the car. A few months later, it looks permanent.
The good news is you don’t need to rip out the concrete or live with ugly stains forever. With the right prep and a little patience, you can patch oil-stained areas and make your garage floor look clean again.
This guide walks you through the process step by step, using common materials and simple techniques.
Why Oil Stains Are Hard to Remove
Concrete is porous. When oil drips onto it, the oil soaks in instead of sitting on the surface. That’s why scrubbing alone often doesn’t work.
If the stain has been there a while, the best fix isn’t just cleaning. It’s patching the damaged area so the stain doesn’t bleed back through.
What You’ll Need Before You Start
You don’t need anything fancy. Most of this can be found at a hardware store.
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Degreaser or concrete cleaner
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Stiff brush or broom
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Cat litter or oil-absorbing powder
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Pressure washer or hose
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Concrete patch or resurfacer
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Putty knife or trowel
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Gloves and eye protection
Tip: Choose a concrete patch labeled for floors or driveways. Wall patch products won’t hold up under weight.
Step 1: Absorb Fresh or Surface Oil
If the stain is still oily, start by pulling out as much oil as possible.
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Cover the stain with cat litter or absorbent powder
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Let it sit overnight
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Sweep it up the next day
This step keeps oil from spreading deeper when you clean.
Step 2: Degrease the Stained Area
This is the most important step. If oil remains, the patch won’t bond.
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Apply degreaser generously
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Scrub hard with a stiff brush
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Rinse with a hose or pressure washer
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Repeat if needed
Let the concrete dry completely. This can take several hours or overnight.
Step 3: Etch or Rough Up the Surface
Concrete patch sticks better to a rough surface.
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Use a wire brush or concrete etching solution
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Focus only on the stained area
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Rinse and let dry
The goal isn’t to dig deep. You just want to give the patch something to grab onto.
Step 4: Apply the Concrete Patch
Now you’re ready to patch.
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Mix the patch material according to instructions
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Use a trowel or putty knife to press it into the stained area
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Smooth it level with the surrounding floor
Work in thin layers if the stain is deep. Thick patches can crack as they dry.
Step 5: Let It Cure Fully
This part is easy but often rushed.
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Keep foot traffic off the area
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Avoid parking on it for at least 24 to 48 hours
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Follow the product’s cure time exactly
Once cured, the patched area should blend in and stay clean.
Optional: Seal the Garage Floor
If oil stains keep coming back, sealing the floor can help.
A concrete sealer creates a barrier that stops oil from soaking in. It also makes future cleanup much easier.
This step isn’t required, but it’s worth considering if you use your garage often.
Final Thoughts
Oil stains don’t have to be permanent. With proper cleaning and a solid patch, you can restore your garage floor without major expense or hassle.
Take your time with prep. That’s what makes the difference between a patch that lasts and one that fails.
A cleaner garage floor doesn’t just look better. It makes the whole space feel more usable.