Zep makes a few cleaners that people often search for together, and the two that come up most are its oxy carpet and upholstery remover and its concrete pressure-wash cleaner. They use different chemistry for different jobs, so the directions are not the same. Below is what the maker says about each one, in plain steps.
Blot up any excess liquid before you spray anything. Test a hidden spot first, since the maker asks for a colorfastness check. Keep the cleaner off your skin and eyes, and never mix it with bleach.
What it is
Zep Advanced Oxy Carpet & Upholstery Stain Remover is an oxygen-based spray that the maker says harnesses the power of peroxide. It is chlorine-bleach-free and its safety data sheet lists hydrogen peroxide at 3-5 percent. Zep Concentrated Driveway & Concrete Pressure Wash is a concentrated cleaner for pressure washing hard outdoor surfaces.
According to the maker
What to use it on
Carpet and rug spots
The Oxy remover is made for carpets and rugs, and the maker says it targets red wine, juice, grease, food spills, dirt and pet accidents. Test an inconspicuous area for colorfastness before you start.
Blot up excess liquid, spray generously, and let it stand 3-5 minutes. On deep pile, work it in with a clean rag, then let it dry and vacuum.
Car interiors and upholstery
The same Oxy remover is listed for car interiors and upholstered furniture. Use the same method as for carpet: blot, spray, wait 3-5 minutes, then let it dry. Always test a hidden area first, because the maker asks for that on every use.
Driveway and patio grime
The driveway product is for concrete, asphalt, brick and stone, including driveways, patios, walkways and parking lots. It targets oil stains, grime and dirt on those surfaces. Pressure washers with a downstream chemical injector can apply it, or you can apply it by hand.
5 steps
How to use it
- 1
Blot up excess liquid first
Blot up any excess liquid or residue before you spray the Oxy remover. Wear eye and face protection while you work, as the safety data sheet advises. Keep the rest of the stain area dry so the product goes where you need it.
- 2
Spray and let it stand
Spray the stain generously and let it stand for 3-5 minutes. On deep pile carpet, work the product in with a clean rag. Make sure you have checked a hidden area for colorfastness first.
- 3
Let it dry, then vacuum
Let the treated area dry, then vacuum it. Wash your skin after handling the product, and do not let it sit beyond the stated time.
- 4
Dilute the driveway cleaner correctly
For heavy stains, the maker gives two dilutions: 6 oz per gallon (1:20) or 25 oz per gallon (1:5). Apply the diluted cleaner, wait 5 minutes, and rinse with a high-pressure nozzle. Test an inconspicuous area first, since the maker asks for that before full use.
- 5
Protect plants and grass first
Wet nearby plants, shrubs and grass before you apply the driveway cleaner, and wet them again after rinsing. Do not use the driveway product at full strength. Do not let it dry on the surface, because it may stain.
Where not to use it
The maker lists no excluded surfaces for the Oxy remover, so test an inconspicuous area for colorfastness before you use it on any fabric. For the driveway product, do not use it at full strength, and do not let it dry on the surface because it may stain.
Instead, dilute it as directed, wait 5 minutes, and rinse with a high-pressure nozzle. If the driveway cleaner reaches plants, shrubs or grass, wet them before and after the job.
Safety
The Oxy remover carries a WARNING signal word and can cause serious eye irritation, so wear eye and face protection. Wash your skin after handling it, and if it gets in your eyes, rinse for several minutes and remove any contacts.
Never mix it with bleach or other household chemicals, and get medical advice if eye irritation persists. The driveway product carries a Prop 65 warning for ethylbenzene and calls for eye and skin protection.
Never mix chlorine bleach with vinegar or other acids, ammonia or rubbing alcohol. Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222.
Versions the maker sells
Where to buy
Zep Advanced Oxy Carpet & Upholstery Stain Remover
Zep Concentrated Calcium, Lime and Rust Stain Remover
Zep Shower, Tub & Tile Cleaner - Acidic No-Scrub Formula
Zep Mold Stain and Mildew Stain Remover
Sponsored links: as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Product facts come from the maker's own instructions and labels.
Questions
Is Zep safe to use on carpet?
The maker lists carpets and rugs as a use for the Oxy remover, but only after you test a hidden area for colorfastness. The product carries a WARNING signal word and can cause serious eye irritation. Wear eye protection, wash your skin after use, and rinse your eyes for several minutes if they are exposed.
Can I use Zep on a driveway?
Yes, but use the driveway product for that job rather than the Oxy remover. It is made for concrete, asphalt, brick and stone, including driveways, patios, walkways and parking lots. Dilute it before use, wait 5 minutes, and rinse with a high-pressure nozzle.
Can Zep be mixed with bleach?
No. The maker says not to mix the Oxy remover with bleach or other household chemicals. The product is chlorine-bleach-free, but that does not change the mixing warning.
How long should Zep sit on a stain?
For the Oxy remover, spray generously and let it stand for 3-5 minutes before blotting or working it in. For the driveway product, apply the diluted cleaner, wait 5 minutes, then rinse with a high-pressure nozzle. Do not let either product dry on the surface.
What stains does Zep remove?
The Oxy remover targets red wine, juice, grease, food spills, dirt and pet accidents. The driveway product targets oil stains, grime and dirt on concrete and asphalt. Each product is listed for its own surfaces, so match the stain to the right product.
Are there Zep reviews worth reading?
The answer here sticks to what the maker says each product is for, how to use it, and where it is not safe to use. No independent scores are given. Use the maker's directions and safety warnings as the basis for your decision.
What is the difference between the Oxy remover and the driveway product?
The Oxy remover is a peroxide spray for carpets, rugs, car interiors and upholstered furniture. The driveway product is a concentrated pressure-wash cleaner for concrete, asphalt, brick and stone. The two need different steps and dilutions, so use each only on its listed surfaces.
Where can I find Zep's full ingredient list?
Zep keeps its full safety data sheets and ingredient disclosures behind a reCAPTCHA-gated portal. The Oxy remover's safety data sheet lists hydrogen peroxide at 3-5 percent. Check the label and the maker's safety data sheet for the full details before use.
Where it shows up in our guides
More product guides
How we know this
Every use, amount and warning here comes from the maker's product pages, labels and safety data sheets.