Grease & Oil - Indian/Sandstone

Removing Grease and Oil from Sandstone Surfaces

Oil and grease stains often appear on sandstone patios, garden paths, and outdoor dining areas. Barbecues, garden tools, or accidental spills cause these stains. Because sandstone is porous, oil seeps into the stone, making regular cleaning products ineffective. Untreated stains become harder to remove and more visible over time.

How Do Oil and Grease Stains Occur on Sandstone?

Grease and oil stain sandstone in several ways:

• Barbecue and Cooking Oils – Splashes from outdoor cooking soak quickly into the stone, leaving dark marks.
• Garden Equipment and Tools – Lubricants or oils from tools can leak or spill, staining patios and paths.
• Household and DIY Spills – Oils or solvents from outdoor projects may cause stubborn stains if not cleaned quickly.

If you don’t treat these stains promptly, the oil will sink deep and may permanently change the stone’s appearance.

Why Oil and Grease Stains Are Hard to Remove on Sandstone

Oil and grease do not dissolve in water, so washing with water often won’t work. These substances stick to the surface and sink into the pores. Sandstone’s porosity varies, especially if unsealed or weathered, allowing oil to absorb rapidly and create deep stains. These need special cleaning products.

Safe and Effective Oil Stain Removal for Sandstone

Use a specialist degreaser made for natural stone to remove grease and oil safely. The right product:

✔ Breaks down oil and grease molecules, lifting them out of the stone’s pores
✔ Cleans without harming or fading the sandstone, unlike many household degreasers
✔ Works safely on all sandstone finishes, keeping the stone’s natural look and feel

Repeat Applications May Be Needed

Because sandstone soaks in oil, one treatment might not remove deep stains fully. In these cases:

• Apply the degreaser generously over the stain
• Let it work long enough to break down the grease
• Rinse the area well with clean water
• After drying, check the stain and reapply if necessary, waiting a few days between treatments

This approach removes stains fully instead of just fading them temporarily.

Why Use Specialist Products for Sandstone?

Many general degreasers have harsh chemicals that can:

❌ Remove or patch the natural colour of sandstone
❌ Leave residues that attract dirt or cause slippery spots
❌ Damage the stone, leading to long-term wear or erosion

Specialist sandstone degreasers:

✔ Remove stains effectively without harming the stone’s texture or colour
✔ Clean deeply without rough scrubbing or high-pressure washing that can damage stone or joints
✔ Protect your sandstone while keeping it clean and beautiful

Oil and grease stains don’t have to ruin your sandstone’s beauty. Using the right product and method removes them safely and thoroughly.

Avoid household cleaners’ risks by choosing expert products made for natural stone. This keeps your sandstone clean, well-maintained, and protected for years.