How to Remove Oil Stains From a Deck

Maintain a wood deck through regular cleaning and sealing.

Since the deck is often used as an outdoor room, it tends to accumulate food stains -- especially during barbecue season. These greasy stains may penetrate the wood surface, making them difficult to remove. Yearly fall maintenance removes stains and keeps decks looking new. Clean the deck surfaces and apply a water-repellent sealer annually to keep your deck in tip-top shape.

Things You'll Need

• Trisodium phosphate or mild dishwashing soap
• Bucket
• Tetrachloride (dry-cleaning solvent)
• Stiff brush
• Electric sander
• Stain and finishing sealer

Instructions

1. Mix 2 tbsp. trisodium phosphate with 1 gallon of warm water, or add 2 tsp. dishwashing soap to the water. Do not mix cleaners.

2. Dip a stiff brush in the soap mixture and scrub the oil stains. Rinse with clean water and dry.

3. Treat remaining stains with tetrachloride. Apply a dime-sized amount of the solvent directly to the oil stain. Scrub the stain with the brush until it is gone. Rinse with water.

4. Dry the area for 24 hours and sand it until smooth. Apply a stain and sealer to the area to protect it.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a stiff sidewalk broom to quickly clean the entire deck. Pour soapy water on the deck and scrub.

• Remove oil stains by applying a small amount of turpentine instead of dry-cleaning solvent.

• Dry cleaning solvents are flammable. Avoid any open flames or sparks when using this product.

References

• Utah State University Cooperative Extension: Removing Spots, Dents and Surface Imperfections
• University of Missouri Extension: Simple Home Repairs: Exterior Painting
• Iowa State University Extension: Fall Deck Care

Resources

• Iowa State University Extension: Finishing Exterior Wood Surfaces