How To Remove Oil Stains from Block Paving

Made from concrete, block paving is a durable and versatile material available in a range of colours, making it a popular choice amongst homeowners for patios, driveways and other outdoor spaces. Unfortunately, it’s prone to attracting oil stains from vehicles, which can be extremely challenging to remove using traditional cleaning methods.

We’ve put together a 6 steps process to help you get oil stains out of your block paving with ease and answered some FAQs at the end of this article.

How To Remove Oil Stains From Block Paving in 6 Easy Steps

1. Remove any surface oil or debris

Before applying any chemicals or cleaning solutions to an oil stain, it's recommended to cover the affected area with sawdust or paper towels. By covering the stain with an absorbent material and leaving it covered for at least 20 minutes, any excess spilled oil can be soaked up, allowing you to clean the remaining stain freely.

In the next step, prepare the stained surface by cleaning it with a regular hose or a bucket of cold water. This helps remove any dirt or debris, creating a cleaner surface for the application of cleaning agents. It's important that high-pressure jet washes should be avoided at this stage, as they may push the greasy oil deeper into block paving, making it more difficult to remove. Allow the surface to dry.

2. Apply a cleaning agent

For best results, you’ll want to use a product specifically designed to remove oil stains. GK’s Oil Out is an oil-ingesting formula intended for use on block paving and is ideal for just this purpose. Oil-out can be applied directly to the substrate without dilution using a garden sprayer.

To ensure the outcome is satisfactory, ensure you perform a patch test with your cleaning agent in a small and inconspicuous area of your paving area.

Alternative cleaning agents, such as WD-40 or Coca-Cola, are less effective but may help reduce the severity of the stains.

3. Allow the cleaning agent to sit for an extended period of time

Whichever cleaning agent you’re using, you’ll want to allow the chemical to work for at least one hour (other cleaning agents may require longer). This gives the agent adequate time to act on the stain, lifting it from the substrate.

4. Wash the surface thoroughly using hot water or jet wash

Rinse the affected area with warm water or use a jet wash to completely remove the cleaning agent and the oil with it. If you are using one of the aforementioned ‘alternative’ cleaning solutions, you may be required to scrub the stain vigorously.

5. Repeat the process if staining is still present

When stubborn staining is present, you may need to repeat these steps several times. Allow the surface to dry completely before repeating.

6. Consider sealing your paving

Once the stain/stains have been completely removed, consider sealing your surface with a long-lasting and oil-repellent stone sealant, such as GK Invisible Stone Sealer. This product will protect your surface from future oil stains, in addition to algae and other undesirable growths or stains.

Removing Oil Stains from Block Paving with Detergent

When you first notice an oil stain, resist the urge to rub it. Rubbing will only spread the oil further and push it deeper into the paving. Instead, the primary goal is to soak up the oil using absorbent materials. Reach for paper towels, old cloths, cat litter, or sawdust to blot the spill. Apply pressure to draw the oil out of the paving and into the absorbent material.

If a stain persists after the initial absorption, it's time for a more targeted approach. Apply a strong liquid detergent directly to the affected area. Use a stiff brush to scrub the surface vigorously, working the detergent into the stain. Follow this by washing the area thoroughly with hot water. When cleaning concrete paving, exercise extra care with strong detergents and hot water, as some products can cause the colour to fade.

Removing Oil Stains from Block Paving with Degreaser

For particularly stubborn or old oil stains, an emulsifying degreaser is your best solution. Apply the degreaser directly onto the stained area using a brush, ensuring good coverage.

Allow the cleaner to dwell for the time specified by the product's instructions. Once the degreaser has had time to work, wash it away thoroughly with plenty of clean water, rinsing until all residue is gone.

Are There Alternative Solutions to Removing Oil Stains from Paving?

If you don’t have access to a specially designed cleaning agent, you may have heard that several other products can be useful when trying to remove oil stains.

Does WD-40 Remove Oil from Block Paving?

WD-40 can lift oil stains. However, WD-40 also contains mineral oils, so be careful not to apply the WD-40 to other areas of the paving, as you could cause additional staining to other areas.

Does Coca Cola Remove Oil from Block Paving?

Carbonated drinks with high acidity can be used to reduce the severity of oil stains, however you will likely have to repeat the process multiple times and allow the liquid to sit on the stain for a long time (24+ hours per application). For quicker results with less fuss, specialist cleaning agents are superior.

Can I Use a Jet Wash to Remove Oil from Block Paving?

A jet wash may further ingrain an oil stain into your paving if it is not first treated with a cleaning agent. Follow the steps above to ensure best result.

Final Thoughts

Follow the 6 steps outlined above to say goodbye to oil stains on your block paving. For best results, you'll want to purchase a cleaning agent that's specifically designed to tackle oil, such as GK Oil Out. Other options outlined may work to a lesser degree. Be sure to seal your paving after cleaning to protect it from future spills.