Dump truck spilled 2-3 gallons of hydraulic fluid on my concrete driveway. The owner came back about an hour later and threw some absorbent down and swept it up. There is still a very heavy 3' x 30' oil stain down the driveway and out into the street.

I am going to call back and let them know it is still not acceptable. How should this be cleaned up? I want it done right.

Power washer and soap. Soap is needed to absorb or force deeper the oil-based fluid. May never be 100% "right" but will fade over time.

If the owner decides to have it pressure washed then the EPA and some local laws require that the runoff water, soap and oil be captured and taken to an approved disposal sight. Even the oil absorbant he used is supposed to be disposed of in the same manner.

You could try clay cat box litter. Pour it generously over the spill and grind it in until the clay is a very fine powder, sweep back and forth. There will still be a stain, next wet the area and sprinkle with dry laundry detergent and work it with a broom back and forth. You could absorb it as you do this, repeat as necessary, the water will displace the oil and make it come to the surface, while the detergent breaks down the oils.

I've had decent luck with oven cleaner.

Thanks. The runoff and environmental laws concern me and that's why I want them to handle the cleanup.

quote:

---

I've had decent luck with oven cleaner.

---

Works great on small stains, but it won't be a lot of fun on a 30' long one.

at Sam's or Costco, get a gallon jug of industrial degreaser. put it on dry concrete, let it soak in for a while, and power-wash the hell out of it. I had a similar incident with motor oil and it worked pretty well, i'd say it got 90% of the stain gone.

you'll reach a certain point where you'll just have to let it fade over time. concrete is porous so you won't be able to get it all out, but powerwashing is definitely the best bet.

AFter you grind the clay based absorbent into the concrete, let it sit for a day or so. Don't rush to clean it up. Give it some time to absorb the oil.