Your garage floors can experience a lot of spills from oil leaks and transmission fluid drips to brake dust and antifreeze splatters. Whether you have bare concrete or a sealed epoxy floor, keeping it clean not only keeps it looking nice but also preserves the durability and safety of the surface. If you’re dealing with stubborn automotive stains, don’t worry. Here’s your ultimate guide to removing them effectively.

Why It’s Important to Act Fast

The longer automotive substances sit on your garage floor, the deeper they can penetrate (especially into porous concrete). Even epoxy floors, while more resistant, can stain over time if you don’t address spills quickly. Early intervention means easier cleanup and a better-looking garage for years to come.

How to Remove Oil Stains from Concrete Floors

Materials You’ll Need:

• Kitty litter, sawdust, or baking soda
• Stiff-bristled brush
• Heavy-duty degreaser
• Dish soap
• Hot water
• Pressure washer (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Absorb Fresh Spills — Sprinkle fresh oil stains with kitty litter, sawdust, or baking soda. Let it sit for at least an hour or overnight for the best results, then sweep it up. If the stain is old, consider using some WD-40 to absorb and break down the stain. 

2. Apply Degreaser — Spray the stain generously with a commercial degreaser. Let it soak in according to the product’s instructions (generally 15-30 minutes). 

3. Scrub Vigorously — Mix a few drops of dish soap with warm water. Apply it to the stain and use a stiff-bristled brush to scrub the area. Be thorough and use some elbow grease.

4. Rinse Well — After scrubbing, rinse the area thoroughly with hot water. For deep stains, you might want to follow up with a pressure washer.

5. Repeat if Necessary — Particularly stubborn stains might require a second or even third round.

How to Clean Epoxy Garage Floors

Epoxy floors are generally easier to clean because they resist staining, but they’re not immune. Here’s how to tackle spills:

Materials You’ll Need:

• Microfiber mop
• Soft-bristled brush
• Mild degreaser or ammonia solution
• Hot water
• Non-abrasive sponge

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Wipe Up Immediately — Use a microfiber cloth or mop to wipe up spills as soon as they occur. Use a broom or vacuum to remove any solid debris, like dirt or sand. 

2. Use Mild Cleaners — Mix 2-3 ounces of ammonia with a gallon of hot water, or use Simple Green cleaner for regular cleaning. For oil or chemical spills, use a gentle degreaser.

3. Scrub Lightly —  Use a soft-bristled brush for tougher spots. Avoid anything abrasive, such as a metal squeegee blade, that could scratch the epoxy coating.

4. Rinse and Dry — Rinse the area with clean water and dry with a clean mop or cloth to prevent streaking or hazing.

Tackling Other Automotive Substances

Brake Fluid — Brake fluid can be corrosive. Soak it up immediately and clean with a degreaser. Make sure you don’t wipe as this can spread the fluid and worsen the stain.

Antifreeze — Antifreeze is sticky and can leave a residue. Mop up as much as possible, then clean with a mixture of dish soap and hot water. Antifreeze can be toxic, so wear gloves and eye protection when cleaning up.

Transmission Fluid — Like oil, transmission fluid stains quickly. Absorb the spill, scrub with degreaser, and rinse thoroughly. Like oil stains, kitty litter will effectively soak up transmission fluid. 

Pro Tips for a Cleaner Garage

Seal Your Concrete — If your garage isn’t sealed yet, consider applying a sealer for easier future cleanups. 

Regular Maintenance —  Sweep the floor periodically to prevent the accumulation of dirt and grime. Dust walls and corners to remove any dust or cobwebs. 

Floor Mats — Invest in heavy-duty garage floor mats under your car to catch drips before they reach the floor.

Shelving and Cabinets — Consider investing in garage cabinets and shelves to keep yard tools, bins, bikes, and other potentially dirty items organized and off your garage floor. 

Inspect Seals — Check the seals on your garage door to ensure they are tight and secure. This will help keep your stuff safe and prevent animals from coming in and making a mess. 

You Can Easily Remove Stains From Your Garage Floor

Cars will inevitably leak fluids onto your garage floor. However, with the right tools and quick action, you can avoid deep-set stains. Whether you have traditional concrete or sleek epoxy, maintaining your garage floor doesn’t have to be difficult —  just a little regular time, attention, and care can go a long way.