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How to Remove Oil Stains From Brick Pavers

Faith McGee

Oil has a way of ruining the appearance of brick pavers. Spills can occur from cars, home improvement projects or dining on brick entertainment areas. The cost is an ugly spill that needs to be fixed. Once the spill occurs, try to get to it as soon as possible to prevent further damage.

Brick pavers can be cleaned of oil stains.

While not every spill is apparent as soon as it happens, you can try to remedy the stain to get the aesthetic quality of your bricks back.

Tip

Use rags when cleaning brick because towel fibers get stuck in the texture of brick.

Warning

Wear mask and gloves when working with trisodium phosphate because it can be toxic.

  1. Dab at the fresh oil spill on the bricks with a rag. Take care not to rub the stain or you will cause it to spread.

  2. Pour cat litter on the stained area to allow for the clay to absorb the oil. Allow the cat litter to sit on the oil for 24 hours. Sweep up the litter residue.

  3. Coat the stain with detergent. Dip a brush into a bucket of water and scrub the stain with a brush. Pour water on the stain to get a look at how much is left to be removed. Continue to reapply the detergent until the stain is no longer evident.

  4. Put on gloves and face mask. Mix up 1/2 cup of trisodium phosphate with one gallon of water in a bucket. Dip the brush in the solution and scrub away any oil still evident on the brick paver.

  5. Dry the area with rags.

The Drip Cap

  • Oil has a way of ruining the appearance of brick pavers.
  • Pour cat litter on the stained area to allow for the clay to absorb the oil.
  • Allow the cat litter to sit on the oil for 24 hours.
  • Sweep up the litter residue.