Grease & Oil On Block Paving

How to Remove Grease and Oil Stains from Outdoor Block Paving

Oil and grease often stain driveways, patios, and cooking areas—leaving dark patches that regular cleaning can’t remove easily. These stains usually come from vehicles, barbecues, or DIY spills and quickly soak into concrete or clay paving blocks.

Where Do Oil and Grease Stains Come From?

Oil can reach your paving in a few common ways:

• Leaky Vehicles – Oil, diesel, or brake fluid can drip from parked cars, motorbikes, or vans.
• Cooking Spills – Grease from barbecues or outdoor frying pans often splashes and stains the paving.
• DIY Work – Household oils and lubricants can spill during garden or maintenance jobs.

If you leave these stains untreated, they sink deeper and get harder to clean.

Why Oil Stains Are Tough to Remove

Oil doesn’t dissolve in water. It sticks to the surface and sinks into small holes in the paving. Washing with soap and water won’t fix the problem—it needs a product made for breaking down grease.

Here’s how each block type reacts:

• Concrete Paving – These blocks absorb oil fast, making deep stains likely without quick treatment.
• Clay Paving – Slightly less porous, but unsealed clay can still absorb oil and leave long-term marks.

How to Clean Oil and Grease Safely

Use a degreaser made for block paving. It works better than household cleaners and won’t damage the blocks.

A good degreaser will:

✔ Break down oil, lifting it from the block and pulling it to the surface
✔ Work safely on concrete and clay paving
✔ Clean deeply without leaving behind any harmful residue

One Treatment Might Not Be Enough

Some oil stains need more than one go. If oil soaked deep into the blocks:

• Cover the stain with a generous layer of degreaser
• Leave it for the time shown on the product label
• Rinse well and check if the stain remains
• Wait a few days, then repeat if needed
• Waiting allows any oil trapped below to rise for easier removal next time.

Why Not Use Household Degreasers?

Many household products aren’t made for block paving and can:

❌ Fade the colour, especially on concrete
❌ Leave sticky layers that collect more dirt
❌ Damage the surface, especially on softer clay blocks

Instead, choose a degreaser made just for outdoor paving. It:

✔ Lifts stains without rough scrubbing or pressure washing
✔ Protects the block colour and structure
✔ Leaves no residue, helping prevent repeat stains

Oil and grease stains may seem permanent, but they don’t have to be.
By choosing the right cleaner and applying it properly, you can restore your paving’s clean, fresh look.

Regular care using a proper degreaser keeps your driveway or patio looking tidy and lasting longer—without harsh chemicals or extra work.