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Oil stain removers

Engine oil, grease or fat from the grill sits below the surface of the paving within a few days. A degreaser draws it out of the pores, and an oil-repellent sealer limits how far the next stain gets in.

Degreasers and oil stain cleaners

8 products

Sealers that limit oil soaking in

12 products

How to remove an oil stain from paving

Oil does not stay on top. Concrete and paving are porous, so within a few days the stain sits below the surface and washing what you can see only takes off the top of it.

Blot a fresh stain first: cover it with sand, sawdust or cat litter and sweep up what has not yet soaked in. Then apply a degreaser that draws oil out of the pores, keeping to the dilution and contact time given for the product. A pressure washer alone will not replace it. An old stain that has been washed many times may leave a faint shadow.

On a driveway where you park, it is worth sealing the cleaned surface to limit new stains soaking in.

Read the full guide: Oil stains on paving and concrete →

Frequently asked questions

What removes oil from block paving?

A degreaser that draws oil out of the pores. OL-1 is a ready-to-use oil stain remover for concrete and paving, D-12 is a concentrate for very heavy organic soiling, and Net’Guard Ultra also handles grease and tyre marks.

Will an oil stain come out completely?

A fresh stain usually will. An old one that soaked in deep and has been washed many times may leave a faint shadow. It depends on how porous the surface is and how long the oil has been in it.

Will a pressure washer remove oil from paving?

Water takes off the top of the stain but does not draw oil out of the pores, and at high pressure it can spread the stain and wash sand out of the joints. Use the washer after the cleaner, not instead of it.

Can a degreaser damage paving?

Not if your surface is on the product's list and you follow the instructions. Take care with limestone and marble: if they are not on the list, choose another product.