Cleaning Oily Concrete

[joe.s-b]

I need to clean my oily garage floor. Has anyone done this and with what please

[Clanad]

Firstly, I need to mention that I'm in the U.S., because a rather benign ingredient in a simple process that really works may not be available in the U.K. So... power wash the garage floor after first applying a non[i flammable cleaner ( don't use gasoline... ooops. I mean petrol) with a good, stiff broom. After the power wash has thoroughly dried, apply enough [i]Muratic Acid] to wet the oily areas and brush again with your broom. Immediately pressure wash the residue.

Muratic acid is pictured here: http://www.lowes.com/pd_58558-78-GKGM75006C_4294729410__?productId=3220089&Ns=p_product_avg_rating%7C1&pl=1&;currentURL=%3FNs%3Dp_product_avg_rating%7C1&facetInfo=

Wear old shoes, gloves and eye protection. It's not that dangerous nor is it particularly long lasting once it's diluted with the water from power washing... but it does leave the concrete completely clean and whitish...

[barney4444]

never tried it, but was told that the cheapest thing to use is `diet Lemonade` even the value range works apparently..

[Baldric]

Few suggestions here http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Motoring/Question1213770.html

[tonyav]

Clanad, I have a feeling that we call Muratic Acid Brick Acid here in the UK.

[joe.s-b]

Thank all for the ideas

[RATTER15]

I would use a steam cleaner, a professional model from a hire centre will do a really impressive job, ive done it many times.

[joe.s-b]

Thank you all for the advice. Now I just need to do it

[chrisosh]

Before you get really messy and start using acids and other chemicals, buy a few sacks of cat litter (Fullers Earth) spread it over the floor about an inch thick and leave it for a couple of days. Just have a look at the worst parts periodically (couple of times a day) and sweep the drier, cleaner litter over it. That should take most of the oil up , if not do it again then you can think about using an industrial detergent.
Muriatic acid is another name for hydrochloric acid which can be used for cleaning cement stains from brickwork etc, it is nasty stuff if you splash it around and I would not recommend it. Fullers Earth is what mechanics put down on work shop floors to clean up oil spills, you will be amazed at how well it works.