For many people, oil stains on their concrete are unsightly and difficult to clean. There are a few methods that can be used to remove oil stains from concrete, but one of the most effective is using coke. Coke is a carbonated soft drink that is known for its ability to clean stains. When used on oil stains, coke can break down the oil and remove the stain.
Yes, you’ve read that right. It’s not a myth; you can actually do it. In reality, it’s one of the oldest tricks in the book.
In this article, we will explain to you how to remove oil stains from concrete with coke. After reading through the process, you should have a clear understanding of what you have to do.
Contents
How to Remove Oil stains from concrete with coke
Does Coke Remove Oil Stains?
As you’re reading this article, it’s safe to assume that this question has probably crossed your mind. Fortunately, the answer is yes!
Coke is often touted as a miracle cleaner for oil stains. But is it really effective?
It contains carbonic acid, a weak acid, but strong enough to remove dirt and oil from surfaces. Coca-Cola is a carbonated soft drink.
In order to remove an oil stain with Coke, simply pour some Coke onto the stain and scrub it. The carbonic acid in the Coke will break down the oil while the Coke will remove the stain.
Depending on how stubborn the stain is, you may have to repeat this process several times. Once the stain has been removed, soak the area in soapy water for a few minutes to remove any residual Coke.
You should test any stain on an inconspicuous area before you use Coke on it. While Coke is an effective cleaner, it can damage some surfaces as well.
How to Remove Oil Stains from Concrete with Coke?
Now it’s time for us to go through the process of removing oil stains from a concrete floor or asphalt driveway using coke. Just follow the steps described below, and you’re good to go:
Step 1:
Take a can of Coca-Cola that contains roughly 12 ounces of coke. And take a scrub brush made of nylon. Pour the coke over the oil stain and scrub the area using the scrub brush.
You might have to use a lot of Coca-Cola if the oil stain is large. And don’t use a wire brush as that could leave scratches on the concrete floor.
Step 2:
The next step involves having patience and waiting for half an hour or 40 minutes. During this time, the coke will get soaked into the concrete.
As you may be aware, Coca-Cola is a highly acidic beverage. And that’s why it can easily break down oil particles in the oil stain.
Step 3:
Then mix a quarter cup of bleach and half a cup of laundry soap with 3 liters of water. And take a mop and dip it into the mixture.
Step 4:
Squeeze out any excess liquid from the mop and start moving the stain with it. And don’t forget to wear gloves while doing this.
Step 5:
After mopping for some time, the Coca-Cola that was poured on the stain should get cleaned away. If you still see that there is some stain remaining, then repeat this process again.
Alternative Methods of Removing Oil Stains from Concrete
Although Coca-Cola is an effective method of removing oil stains from concrete, there are other methods of accomplishing this task. Here are some alternative methods that you could implement:
Using Baking Soda
Using baking soda is an excellent way of removing oil stains. At first, pour some water over the oil stain and make sure the area gets dampened properly.
After that, sprinkle a large amount of baking soda over the affected area. You have to ensure that the area gets completely covered with baking soda.
Then fetch some boiling hot water and pour the water all over the oil stain. After that, scrub the area with a brush.
After you’re finished scrubbing, pour water over the area and get it clean.
Using Dish Soap
If you don’t have a Coca-Cola can at hand, you could just use regular dish soap or laundry detergent to remove those nasty oil stains from the garage floor.
Soap and detergent destroy the oil particles and removes them from various types of surfaces.
Use dish soap or a detergent solution to scrub the stained surface. This process takes a long time, but after scrubbing thoroughly, you’ll see excellent results.
After you’re done, pour some water over the surface to get rid of the soap or detergent.
Using Engine Degreaser
If the oil stain is old, then you’ll have a hard time removing it. And the methods that we have mentioned above might not work.
If that is the case, you might have to invest in an engine degreaser. These chemicals are specially made for removing oil from different types of surfaces.
Just use a scrub or a brush to scrub the oil stain and simply pour some water over it afterward. The surface should be squeaky clean in no time.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, you have found this article informative and helpful. Not gonna lie; Coca-Cola is a wonderful tool in removing oil stains from concrete floors or asphalt roads.
Although we have mentioned some alternative methods of getting rid of oil stains, we still prefer the Coca-Cola method. The coke’s acidity will eat the stain away and provide you with a nice, clean garage.
Finally, we would like to wish you the best of luck in getting rid of that ugly oil stain from your garage.
