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How to Remove Oil or Grease Stains from Concrete Patio Surfaces

Spilled engine oil, barbecue drips, or garden equipment grease can leave tough stains on your patio. Concrete is porous, so without prompt treatment, these marks can soak deep into the surface and become permanent. Luckily, with the right approach and materials, most stains can be significantly reduced, or removed entirely.

In this guide, we’ll explain how to treat different types of oil and grease stains, what cleaning methods actually work, and how to protect your concrete patio from future spills.

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What Causes Grease and Oil Stains on Patios?

Whether it’s from a family barbecue or DIY gone wrong, oil and grease often make their way onto patios. Here are the most common sources, and why they’re so difficult to clean.

Spills from Barbecues and Cooking

Cooking oil, meat juices, and marinades frequently drip onto patios during outdoor meals. Grease from barbecues is one of the most common causes of dark, stubborn patches on concrete. If not cleaned immediately, it can seep deep into the surface and leave a lasting mark, especially on unsealed patios.

Leaking Garden Machinery

Tools like lawnmowers, strimmers, and hedge trimmers often contain small amounts of oil or grease. Storing them directly on the patio or working nearby can leave unsightly drips and trails. These oils are often more difficult to break down and may require a degreasing cleaner.

Engine Oil from Vehicles

Driveable patios and areas near garages may be exposed to engine oil, transmission fluid, or brake cleaner. These liquids are particularly aggressive and can cause permanent stains if left untreated for more than a few hours. They also leave a slippery film that becomes a safety hazard.

Grease from Garden Furniture

Metal garden furniture or brackets can rust or leak lubricants, which drip onto patios, especially in wet weather. Over time, these stains may not look oily but still cause dark marks or residue. They can also contribute to discolouration and encourage algae growth in those areas.

Absorption by Unsealed Concrete

Concrete is naturally porous. If it hasn’t been sealed, any liquid, especially oil, can soak in almost immediately. Once this happens, cleaning becomes much harder. Even sealed patios will eventually allow penetration if the coating wears down over time.

How to Remove Oil and Grease Stains from Concrete

Absorb and Blot Immediately

For fresh spills, use cat litter, baking soda, or sawdust to soak up as much oil as possible.
Let it sit for 20–30 minutes before sweeping up. Avoid rubbing, this spreads the stain.
Blot remaining liquid with paper towels or cloth. Don’t use water yet.

Apply a Degreasing Cleaner

Use a concrete degreaser or patio cleaner designed to break down oils. For UK gardens, products like Swarfega Oil & Grease Remover or Everbuild Patio Wizard are effective.
Scrub the affected area with a stiff-bristled brush, working the cleaner into the pores of the concrete.
Let it sit for 10–15 minutes before rinsing with warm water.

Repeat or Use Poultice for Deep Stains

For older or stubborn stains, create a poultice using a paste of baking soda and water or a specialist cleaning gel.
Apply, cover with plastic wrap, and leave overnight to draw out deep oil from within the concrete.
Rinse thoroughly and repeat as needed, deep stains may take several rounds to fade completely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Some surface-level stains may fade with sun exposure and rain, but deeper oil marks tend to stay unless actively removed. Prompt cleaning is always the most effective approach.

Concrete-specific degreasers work best. In the UK, popular options include Everbuild Oil Away, Swarfega, and HG Oil Remover. Avoid standard dish soap for deep or old stains, it’s rarely strong enough.

Pressure washing can help remove surface residue but won’t fully lift oil that’s soaked into the concrete. It should be used alongside degreasing or poultice methods for the best results.

Yes. A high-quality concrete sealant creates a protective barrier that makes oil and grease much easier to clean. It’s especially useful in areas near barbecues or driveways.

If treated quickly, most stains can be fully removed. Older or deep-set oil marks may fade but not disappear entirely. Regular sealing and cleaning helps prevent permanent damage.