How to Remove Oil Stains from Brick

Bricks.
  • 1 hours
  • Beginner
  • 30
What You'll Need
Various clean rags
Cat litter
Push broom
Bleach
Scrubbing brush
Thick latex or rubber gloves
Oven cleaning spray
Wire brush
What You'll Need
Various clean rags
Cat litter
Push broom
Bleach
Scrubbing brush
Thick latex or rubber gloves
Oven cleaning spray
Wire brush

Those people who find themselves needing to remove oil stains from various surfaces in and around their homes oftentimes find themselves in a difficult position. Oil from cars can leak out and damage sidewalks, driveways, and other surfaces, while other types of oil may cause permanent stains to other areas in and around your house. If you find an oil stain on a brick surface on your property, you'll be able to remove or at least lighten the stain considerably. Read on for a brief guide on how to remove oil stains from brick.

Step 1 - Blot With Rags

If the oil was recently spilled, blot the spill with clean rags as quickly as possible. This may help to prevent the stain from occurring, or it will at least help to limit the size and scope of the stain. Do not spread the oil around with the rags, as this may increase the size of the stain.

Step 2 - Use Cat Litter to Soak Up the Stain

If the stain is older, dump a large amount of cat litter on top of it so that it covers the stain entirely. Just as cat litter is designed to soak up odors and waste liquids, it can also soak up oil that is covering a brick surface as well. Stir the cat litter around slightly about once an hour with a push broom, and leave the cat litter for 4 hours before you remove it.

Step 3 - Use a Bleach Solution

If the cat litter option proves to be ineffective, you may need to resort to a more powerful tool, like bleach. Mix one part bleach with four parts water and cover the stained area with bleach. Allow the bleach to sit on the brick surface for about 30 minutes in order to wash out the stain from the oil. Wipe the bleach with a clean rag when it has had sufficient time to soak. Follow that up with a quick rinse with plain water.

Step 4 - Scrub Remaining Stains With Oven Cleaning Spray

If there is still any trace of the oil stain left on the brick, spray it down with a generous amount of oven cleaning spray. Do this only if the area is well ventilated and you can sufficiently avoid contact with the spray. It is helpful to wear thick latex or rubber gloves while you work to avoid contact. Let the spray sit on the stain for about 10 minutes, then scrub it down thoroughly with a wire brush. Wipe up any remaining spray with a clean rag and dispose of it properly.