Oil stains are one of the most common driveway problems, and one of the most over-promised. The honest truth is that fresh oil can often be lifted, but oil that's soaked deep into concrete or block paving over months is much harder, and no honest cleaner will promise it disappears completely. Here's what actually helps.
Deal with fresh oil quickly
The sooner you get to it, the better the result. For a fresh spill, don't rub it in or hose it straight away. Cover it with something absorbent first, such as cat litter, sand or even baking soda, press it down and leave it to draw the oil up for a few hours or overnight, then sweep it away. Repeat if it's still lifting oil. The less that soaks in, the less stain you're left with.
Why old oil is so stubborn
Concrete and block paving are porous, so oil that's been sitting for months has soaked down into the surface, not just sat on top. That's why a quick scrub or a hose does very little on an old stain, and why you'll sometimes see a shadow even after a good clean. It's the nature of the material, not a sign the clean didn't work.
What a professional clean can do
We clean with water alone and professional kit, which lifts surface oil and, just as importantly, cleans the whole drive evenly so there's no clean patch around where the stain was. On fresh and moderate oil the results are usually very good. On old, deep-soaked stains we'll be straight with you before we start about how much is likely to shift, so you know what to expect rather than being promised a miracle.
The honest bit
If a driveway has years of engine oil ground into it, the realistic outcome is a big improvement and a clean, even surface, not always a perfect erase of every mark. We'd always rather tell you that up front. Send a photo of the stain on WhatsApp and Mark will tell you honestly what he thinks he can shift, and give you a fixed price the same day.
Want a fixed price for yours?
Send a photo of your driveway or patio and your postcode on WhatsApp, and Mark will send you a fixed price the same day.
Common questions
Can you remove oil stains from a driveway completely?
Fresh and moderate oil usually cleans up very well. Old, deep-soaked oil often improves a lot but can leave a faint shadow, because it has soaked into the surface. We'll always tell you honestly what to expect before we start.
Does pressure washing remove oil?
A professional clean with water alone lifts surface oil and cleans the whole drive evenly. How much of an old stain comes out depends on how deep it has soaked in.
What's the best thing to put on a fresh oil spill?
Something absorbent like cat litter or sand, pressed down and left to draw the oil up before you sweep it away. The quicker you act, the less soaks in.