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

All forms of block paving, brick paving, flexible or rigid, concrete or clays, new construction or renovation
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Terry37
Posts: 2
Joined: Tue Oct 18, 2005 9:38 am
Location: Market Drayton

Post: # 9910Post 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
T.Rushall

Mick Leek
Posts: 71
Joined: Wed Oct 05, 2005 12:58 pm
Location: Blackburn Lancashire

Post: # 9918Post 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.
Nufin tu dis buldin lark

Terry37
Posts: 2
Joined: Tue Oct 18, 2005 9:38 am
Location: Market Drayton

Post: # 9926Post Terry37

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

Mick Leek
Posts: 71
Joined: Wed Oct 05, 2005 12:58 pm
Location: Blackburn Lancashire

Post: # 9939Post 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 :D

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

Regards,

Mick.
Nufin tu dis buldin lark

Tony McC
Site Admin
Posts: 8346
Joined: Mon Jul 05, 2004 7:27 pm
Location: Warrington, People's Republic of South Lancashire
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Post: # 9953Post 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.
Site Agent - Pavingexpert

Paverman Dan
Posts: 70
Joined: Tue Jun 29, 2004 5:27 am

Post: # 10134Post 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
Site Admin
Posts: 8346
Joined: Mon Jul 05, 2004 7:27 pm
Location: Warrington, People's Republic of South Lancashire
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Post: # 10194Post 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?
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danstan
Posts: 94
Joined: Wed Nov 16, 2005 3:46 pm
Location: Burton upon Trent
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Post: # 10345Post danstan

Terry37 wrote: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

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