How to Get Oil Stains Out of Pavers
The advantage of pavers is that you can install them in a variety of functional styles. However, oil stains from vehicles or outdoor grills can ruin your otherwise pristine pavers. This is why we're sharing a step-by-step guide on how to get oil stains out of pavers.
How to Get Oil Stains Out of Pavers
To get oil stains out of pavers, clean the pavers using dish soap, baking soda, oven cleaner, or a pressure washer. You can also spread granular materials like kitty litter to soak up the oils better. Likewise, you may use more aggressive cleaners like a degreaser or poultice for stubborn stains.
Entryway and pool deck pavers are durable and easy to maintain. Stained pavers don't need to get replaced right away. With these cleaning tips, you can remove oil stains and keep your pavers look good as new.
Liquid Dish Soap
Cleaning pavers using dish soap is one of the most straightforward ways to remove oil stains. This is best used on small oil stains on brick and stone pavers.
Use paper towels to soak up as much of the oil as possible.
Prepare a gallon-sized bucket of water. Put 16 ounces of mild detergent. Mix the water and detergent thoroughly.
Pour the solution over the stained portion and let it stay for at least 30 minutes.
Use a garden hose with a nozzle to spray down the area and rinse.
Soak with Baking Soda
Particularly when the stain is new, one of the simplest ways to remove oil stains from pavers is to clean them using baking soda. This is suitable for most types of pavers.
If you need a more aggressive cleaner than dish soap, baking soda is an effective cleaning agent because its alkaline properties or soluble salts can break down the stain.
Use a rag to soak up the excess oil.
Sprinkle baking soda to cover the stained section.
Leave the baking soda on the pavers for 15 minutes to absorb the oil residue and odor.
Add more baking soda, then put some water to form a paste-like consistency. You can also use vinegar to clean the pavers with a stronger solution.
Use a stiff brush to scrub the stained part in a circular motion.
Rinse the treated section once the oil stain is no longer visible.
Use Oven Cleaner
Another way to get oil stains out of your pavers is to apply oven cleaner. This is a good solution if you have concrete driveways or outdoor living spaces.
Cleaners with pH 7 can take on most oils and dirt. With oven cleaners ranging from pH 13 to 14, you'll have great power to cut through oil-stained pavers.
Spray the oven cleaner liberally over the stained area.
Let it rest for 20 minutes.
Use a hard bristle brush to scrub.
Rinse down using hot water.
Repeat the process until you remove the oil stains.
Spread Granular Absorbing Materials
If rags or paper towels can't absorb the grease that much, leave granular materials on the stained pavers instead. This is also ideal if the oil stain has dried a bit on stone or brick pavers.
Prepare oil absorbent granules such as clay-based kitty litter, fine sawdust, or sand.
Spread them on the pavers for at least 6 hours.
If the oil comes from paint, you can mix the granules with paint thinner, serving as a solvent to dilute the oil paint.
Don't spread it using a brush. In this way, the litter can absorb the oil instead of scrubbing it and avoid scratching the pavers.
Gently sweep the material and dispose of it.
From here, you can use a vinegar and baking soda cleaning solution or dish soap to clean up the residue.
Try Pressure Washing
Pressure washing is another efficient method to get oil stains out of pavers. While it would consume a lot of water, it's also effective in getting rid of moss and oils. However, this may only be ideal for fresh stains.
Pour water and soap mixture over the pavers. The soap will act as a binder between the water and oil. If there's no binding agent, the oil may only bead up and stick to another location.
Prepare a low-pressure nozzle.
Position the nozzle at a low angle above the oil-stained paver.
Work your way up to moisten and blast the oils away.
You may need to replace the joint sand between the pavers if they get washed away during the cleaning process.
Apply a Stain Remover Poultice
A poultice is a paste-like stain remover that can suck the stain out as it dries. It's a mass of a porous material filled with solvent. However, this is usually material-based, so a brick stain remover poultice won't work on a stone paver.
Once you find the appropriate poultice, apply it to the stained section and let it dry under the sun.
Use a hard brush to scrape the stained portion.
Reapply until the oil stain lightens or vanishes.
Wash thoroughly with warm water.
Clean with a Degreaser
If your patio or driveway pavers are sinking, this can create an uneven surface and trap oil in the crevices. In effect, the oil would sit on the pavers for a long time, causing it to dry.
A paver-specific degreaser can do the trick when dealing with stubborn oil stains. A degreaser basically uses concentrated alkaline soap to loosen up the oil, letting you rinse the grime easily. This is a low-effort and eco-friendly solution that can also remove tire marks and scuffs.
Combine one part degreaser and four parts clean water in a bucket.
Use a cleaning mop or low-pressure sprayer to apply the degreaser liberally on the paver surface.
Leave the degreaser on the stained part for at least 1 hour.
Use a soft, nylon-bristled brush to scrub the area.
Use warm, clean water to rinse the pavers.
How to Remove Oil Stains from Brick Pavers Using Vinegar
Vinegar can help tackle oil stains on brick pavers. Start by applying liberal amounts of white vinegar to the oil stain. The vinegar should cover the stained area to seep into the porous brick. Let it sit for 20 to 30 minutes to loosen the oil.
Once the time is up, scrub the stain with a stiff-bristle brush in circular motions. This will lift the oil off of the paver surface. After scrubbing, rinse with warm water. For more intense stains, repeat the process until you are satisfied with the result.
Vinegar vs Chemical Cleaners
Both vinegar and chemical cleaners have benefits when cleaning oil stains. Vinegar is non-toxic and environment-friendly, making it an ideal choice for eco-friendly cleaning products. It is also gentle on brick pavers and less likely to damage them.
On the other hand, chemical cleaners tend to work faster on more stubborn or old oil stains. Although effective, they may contain harsh ingredients that damage the pavers or surrounding plants. Your choice really depends on the severity of the stain and your preference for natural or commercial solutions.
Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Brick Pavers
Scrubbing too harshly can scratch and damage the surface of brick pavers, so you should use a stiff-bristle brush. However, avoid aggressive pressure. Another mistake you want to avoid is using bleach on your pavers. It will turn the pavers yellow and cause damage over time.
Ignoring manufacturer instructions when using chemical cleaners can also cause long-term harm. Rushing the process by not allowing cleaning solutions to sit long enough will reduce their effectiveness. Lastly, skipping rinsing steps can leave residue behind that attracts more dirt. Always make sure you follow the correct procedures to preserve the quality and appearance of your brick pavers.
Brick Paver Stain Prevention
Sealing brick pavers with quality paver sealer creates a protective layer that prevents oil and other stains from penetrating the surface. Regularly sweeping and cleaning pavers helps prevent dirt and oil buildup over time. Consider placing mats or trays under vehicles and grills so oil drips do not reach the pavers. Addressing stains as soon as they occur will prevent deep, stubborn marks from developing. Finally, periodic maintenance checks help you identify problem areas and stop oil stains from setting in.
Alternative Safe Cleaning Methods
Other safe cleaning methods for oil stains on brick pavers, in addition to vinegar, include baking soda or dish soap. Baking soda absorbs liquids and can lift fresh oil stains. Mix it with water to form a paste, apply it to the stain, and scrub it away. Dish soap can cut through grease and remove lighter oil spots when used with hot water.
For deeper cleaning, consider using steam cleaning without harsh chemicals. It is effective and does not damage the pavers.
Related Questions
Does Vinegar Remove Oil Stains From Pavers?
Yes, vinegar can remove oil stains from pavers if they are still relatively fresh or light. Vinegar breaks down the oil and makes scrubbing it off the surface easy. Pour white vinegar directly onto the stain, let it sit for 20-30 minutes, and scrub with a stiff-bristle brush. Tougher or older stains may require a stronger cleaning solution.
How Do You Remove Oil Stains From Pavers?
First, blot excess oil with a paper towel or cloth to remove oil stains from the pavers. Soak any remaining oil with an absorbent material like baking soda. Let it sit for a few hours. Afterward, scrub the stain with dish soap and water or a commercial degreaser using a stiff-bristle brush. Rinse thoroughly with water.
Is Vinegar Safe on Pavers?
Yes, vinegar is safe to use on pavers. It is a natural, non-toxic solution that won't harm the paver's surface or the environment. However, vinegar should not be left on the pavers for too long, as the acid may weaken the surface over time. Always rinse the area well after cleaning to ensure no residue is left behind that could cause issues later.
Conclusion
Learning how to clean pavers is an excellent way to maintain pavers. With these tips, you can prevent oil stains and grease from damaging your nicely-looking patio, pool deck, or that driveway. If you prefer to install new pavers, paver specialists from Aviara Pavers commit to ICPI standards to provide quality installation.