Oil stains - What can i use to remove oil stains?

[Terry37]

I have a block paved driveway laid new in Dec 97, which has serious long term oil stains (a tenant). You advise that it is unlikely to be able to remove these stains, but can I try.
1) What product would you recommend ?
2) If that does not work could you lift and turn the blocks or are there other problems?
Thanks
Terry

[Mick Leek]

Hi Terry,

I had a simular problem with my drive. I had a delivery wagon very kindly drop hydraulic oil on my clay pavers.

I work in the automotive industry and one of the products we use is called T.F.R. Traffic Film Remover. It is designed to degrease lorries and such like prior to servicing them.

I poured a small amount of this (Neat) on my stain and left it for a couple of hours to break down the oil. I then gave it a rub with a stiff yard brush and swilled it away with the hose.

I re sanded the area effected and it now looks as good as new.

Please note that this was on CLAY pavers and not concrete, Also DONT use mineral based products ie: Gunk or petroleum based de-greasers as this could simply spread the stain. TFR is a soap based product.

Hope that helps.

Mick.

[Terry37]

Hello Mike,
Many thanks, I will give it a try. Is it easily obtainable?
Regards
Terry

[Mick Leek]

Hi Terry,

Do you have a "Partco" or "Brown Brothers" near to you ? If you look under garage supplies in the yellow pages or maybe under automotive supplies.

We purchase this in 205 litre drums, But i know they also sell it in 5 litre tubs as well.

Alternativly, If you live near Blackburn Lancs, i will give you some free

Also may be worth trying a car valeting business. I know they also use it..

Regards,

Mick.

[Tony McC]

If Mick's generous offer doesn't work, I'd suggest simply replacing the stained blocks. Any oil stain that's more than a few weeks old is damned near impossible to shift and so replacement is usually quicker and cheaper.

Some blocks can be inverted, but others can't - it all depends on the type.

[Paverman Dan]

US viewers: try Techniseal's Dirt and Grease remover, if yer really that in love with the paver. The Techniseal people make great stuff. I like Tony's suggestion better, and the deeper the stain, your screwed.

Tony while we are on this topic, I really stained some natural stone in my backyard removing old oil and gas from an old snow thrower; I know I'd have a shot with this if it were concrete, but will a cleaner work, or am I doing a replacement?

[Tony McC]

What sort of stain, Dan? Oil?

I'm trialling a new 'biological' oil digester product at the moment and it seems to work well enough on fresh oil. However, while it gets rid of the oil, it does nowt with the stain bit, the carbon a,d grime and other crap that is what makes oil look black when it leaks out of an engine. The manufacturer tells me that all this will now wsh away or weather away in a matter of weeks. I'm planning to give it another try as soon as the rain stops.

Can you get Lithofin products over there, Dan?

[danstan]

I have a block paved driveway laid new in Dec 97, which has serious long term oil stains (a tenant). You advise that it is unlikely to be able to remove these stains, but can I try.
1) What product would you recommend ?
2) If that does not work could you lift and turn the blocks or are there other problems?
Thanks
Terry

We find the best thing to remove oil stains off of block paved driveways is, and wait for it.......

neat fairy liquid

you can talk about all the chemicals and products you want but you will find none of them as effective as dropping neat fairy liquid onto the stain and leaving for several hours to soak in - simply wait for the next rain to wash away - no need to brush

you'll be pleased with results

Dan