How to Remove Diesel or Petrol Smell from Concrete or Driveway
(An Organic, Eco-Friendly Guide for Homeowners)
Anyone who owns a car, motorbike, or even a lawnmower has probably experienced the moment when fuel spills or drips onto the driveway. A small splash of petrol when topping up a jerry can, a little diesel leaking from a filler cap, or an accidental knock-over of a container — all of these can leave a stubborn smell that seems to linger for days or even weeks. Many people try scrubbing, jet washing, or pouring bleach, but the smell often returns, and the concrete still looks stained.
There is, however, a better solution. Thanks to advances in biotechnology, we now have a safe and highly effective way to remove not just the smell but the source of contamination itself. Enzyme-based bioremediation targets the fuel molecules, breaks them down into harmless by-products, and leaves your driveway clean, safe, and odour-free — all without damaging the concrete or harming the environment.
This article explains, in plain language, why petrol and diesel smells are so persistent, the potential consequences of leaving them untreated, and how Bioglobe’s organic enzyme solution can help you fix the problem once and for all.
The Problem: Why Fuel Spills Linger in Concrete
Concrete is not a sealed, non-absorbent material. It may look solid, but under a microscope it is full of tiny holes, cracks, and capillaries. When liquid fuel hits the surface, it doesn’t just sit on top — it seeps into these microscopic gaps and becomes trapped below the surface layer.
Petrol and diesel are mixtures of hydrocarbons, which are molecules made up of hydrogen and carbon atoms. These molecules are light, volatile, and hydrophobic (meaning they don’t mix with water). When they penetrate concrete, they bind to the internal surface area of the pores and are not easily washed away.
What makes things worse is that concrete is alkaline, and many household detergents are not designed to dissolve hydrocarbons effectively. Scrubbing with soap and water may remove surface residues, but it rarely reaches the hydrocarbons deep in the pores. This is why the smell persists long after the surface looks clean.
Even pressure washing, which many people use as a first response, is limited. The force of the water may push some contamination further down or spread it across a wider area. It can also etch the surface, opening up more pores where fuel residues can lodge.
In short, the challenge is not simply cleaning the surface — it’s about breaking down and removing the fuel molecules that have penetrated into the concrete structure.
Consequences: Why You Should Act Quickly
Some homeowners try to ignore the smell, thinking it will eventually go away on its own. While some of the lighter fractions of petrol will evaporate over time, this is not a good long-term solution. The consequences of leaving fuel contamination untreated can be more serious than you might think.
1. Persistent and Unpleasant Odour
The most immediate problem is the smell itself. Petrol and diesel fumes are very distinctive and can be overpowering, especially on warm days. The odour can travel into the home through garages or open windows, making it unpleasant to spend time indoors or outdoors.
2. Staining and Discolouration
Hydrocarbons cause dark staining on driveways. Over time, they can make concrete look patchy, greasy, or permanently dirty. This can be particularly frustrating if you have invested in a clean, neat driveway, as the stains detract from your property’s appearance.
3. Potential Health Concerns
Long-term exposure to fuel vapours is not ideal, particularly for children or those with respiratory sensitivities. Even though the risk from a single small spill is low, repeated exposure to fumes over time may irritate the eyes, throat, or lungs.
4. Slip Hazards
Diesel in particular is oily. If enough spills onto a driveway and remains uncleaned, it can create a slippery patch, posing a risk for slipping — particularly dangerous in wet conditions.
5. Risk of Spreading Contamination
When it rains, the residual hydrocarbons can be washed into the soil, drains, or even nearby watercourses. This means a small household spill could contribute to wider environmental pollution. Hydrocarbons in soil can harm beneficial microbes and disrupt the natural balance of the local ecosystem.
6. Reduced Property Appeal
For anyone looking to sell their home, visible fuel stains or a lingering smell can be off-putting to potential buyers. It gives the impression of poor maintenance and could even raise concerns about larger vehicle issues or leaks.
The Solution: Organic Enzyme Bioremediation
Rather than masking the smell or simply washing the surface, the most effective approach is to destroy the hydrocarbon molecules themselves. This is where enzymes come in.
Enzymes are natural catalysts — proteins that speed up chemical reactions. In the context of hydrocarbon contamination, special enzymes can break down the long carbon chains found in petrol and diesel into smaller, harmless molecules such as carbon dioxide and water.
This process is known as bioremediation, because it uses biological tools to “remedy” the contamination. Unlike harsh chemical cleaners, which may strip the surface or introduce toxins, enzyme bioremediation is eco-friendly, non-toxic, and safe for the surrounding environment.
How Enzymes Work
When applied to a contaminated surface, the enzyme solution penetrates the pores of the concrete, comes into contact with the trapped hydrocarbons, and begins to break them apart. Once broken into smaller fragments, natural microbes present in the environment can continue the process, fully degrading the pollution until nothing harmful remains.
The Bioglobe Advantage
At Bioglobe, we have developed an advanced Organic Enzyme Remediation solution that is specifically designed to deal with hydrocarbon contamination, including petrol and diesel.
What sets us apart is that we can analyse the exact composition of the contaminant in our laboratory and then create a bespoke enzyme formulation tailored for maximum efficacy in your situation. For example, diesel contamination is chemically different from petrol and may require a slightly different enzyme blend for optimum breakdown.
This personalised approach means you get the fastest, most complete odour and stain removal possible — without unnecessary chemicals or guesswork.
Step-by-Step Guide to Treating a Fuel Spill
Here’s how a typical homeowner can remediate a petrol or diesel smell from concrete or a driveway using an enzyme solution:
1. Preparation
- Remove any free-standing liquid fuel by blotting with absorbent material.
- Sweep away loose debris, dirt, or leaves.
- If the spill is fresh, act as quickly as possible to prevent deeper penetration.
- Lightly rinse the surface to create a slightly damp environment — enzymes work best when moisture is present.
2. Applying the Enzyme Solution
- Apply Bioglobe’s organic enzyme solution generously, ensuring the entire affected area is saturated.
- For severe contamination, gently work the solution into the surface with a soft brush to help it penetrate the pores.
- Keep the area moist — if outdoors, covering with a light plastic sheet can help reduce evaporation.
3. Dwell Time
- Allow the solution to remain on the surface for several hours or overnight. This contact time is crucial for allowing the enzymes to break down the hydrocarbons.
- For old or heavy spills, a repeat application may be needed.
4. Rinsing and Drying
- After treatment, rinse thoroughly with water.
- Allow the driveway to air-dry.
- In most cases, you will notice that the smell has either completely disappeared or is significantly reduced.
5. Re-application (if needed)
- If any smell remains, reapply and repeat the process. Because the solution is natural and non-toxic, multiple treatments can be done safely until the contamination is fully degraded.
Why Enzyme Remediation is Better than Chemicals
- Eco-Safe: Enzymes are biodegradable and break down naturally, leaving no harmful residues.
- Non-Damaging: They do not corrode concrete or kill beneficial soil microbes.
- Effective on Deep Contamination: Unlike surface cleaners, enzymes penetrate into the pores where hydrocarbons hide.
- No Harsh Smell: Unlike bleach or solvent cleaners, enzymes are odourless and safe to breathe.
- Long-Term Solution: Once the hydrocarbons are broken down, the smell does not return.
FAQs
How do I get petrol smell out of concrete?
Use an enzyme-based bioremediation solution. Apply liberally to the affected area, allow it to dwell for several hours, then rinse. The enzymes break down the fuel molecules, eliminating the smell at its source rather than just masking it.
Will enzymes work on old stains?
Yes. While older stains may require more than one treatment, enzymes can still break down hydrocarbons that have been in concrete for months or even years. Pre-wetting the area and gently scrubbing before applying the solution can improve penetration.
Can I still park my car on the treated area?
Yes. Once the treatment has been rinsed away and the area has dried, it is completely safe to park on the driveway again.
Are enzymes safe to use near pets and children?
Absolutely. Enzymes are naturally occurring proteins, not harsh chemicals. They are non-toxic and biodegradable, so you can use them around pets, children, and plants without worry. It’s still best practice to keep the area clear while it is wet, simply to prevent slipping.
How quickly will the smell go away?
Many people notice a significant reduction within a few hours of treatment. Complete odour removal can take up to 24 hours, depending on the severity of the spill and the porosity of the surface. For very stubborn or old contamination, a second application may be required.
Bioglobe offer Organic Enzyme pollution remediation for major oil-spills, oceans and coastal waters, marinas and inland water, sewage and nitrate remediation and agriculture and brown-field sites, throughout the UK and Europe.
We have created our own Enzyme based bioremediation in our own laboratory in Cyprus and we are able to create bespoke variants for maximum efficacy.
Our team are able to identify the pollution, we then assess the problem, conduct site tests and send samples to our lab where we can create a bespoke variant, we then conduct a pilot test and proceed from there.
Our Enzyme solutions are available around the world, remediation pollution organically without any harm to the ecosystem.
For further information:
BioGlobe LTD (UK),
Phone: +44(0) 116 4736303| Email: info@bioglobe.co.uk