How to remove patio oil stains quickly without using a pressure washer or white vinegar

As patios are extensions of a property, it’s important to keep it just as clean.

Patio cleaning is made difficult when stains come into play, such as grease and oil stains, tannin stains like tea and coffee and rust stains.

Fortunately, Georgina Read, director at Paving Superstore, has shared her expert tips for removing these hard-to-remove marks.

She urged: “There are a few different strategies to remove stains from your patio. However, always test on an inconspicuous area first. If you spill something on your patio, the key is to act quickly and clean it before it has a chance to set in.

“You can use a power washer, but it’s often better to target the stain directly to avoid damaging the paving joints with the power of the jet washer.”

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While thought to be effective patio stain removers on all types of paving, the expert warned: “Be careful not to use acid-based cleaners, including household products such as bleach, lemon juice and white vinegar, on patio stones such as black limestone, coloured concrete and some natural stone - this will cause significant bleaching of the stone and can damage the surface of brick and concrete.”

For households that find that they have “stubborn, greasy or oily stains” on their patio with “no jet washer”, in the first instance, the expert recommends using washing up liquid and warm water.

Start by scraping off any excess grease with a plastic scraper or spatula, but be careful not to scratch the surface of the patio. Apply the soap directly to the stain and scrub it gently with a brush or cloth.

All households will have a bottle of washing-up liquid, if not a bottle of it can be picked up from Asda for 55p, at Sainsbury’s for 60p or at Tesco for 65p.

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If the stain is “particularly stubborn”, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda onto the grease stain. Georgina said: “Baking soda is a natural abrasive and will help to lift the grease from the surface.”

Use a stiff-bristled brush to scrub the stain, working in a circular motion. Be sure to apply plenty of pressure to really work the baking soda and washing-up liquid into the stain, then rinse the area thoroughly with clean water and repeat the process if necessary.

Tannin stains like those from coffee, tea, or tree sap are “best tackled” with a power washer, according to the expert. However, it's essential to use the right pressure setting and technique to “avoid damaging the surface”.

Households should start at a distance of about three feet and gradually move closer until the stain is removed. Georgina urged: “Don’t use too much pressure or hold the nozzle too close to the surface, as this can cause damage.”

It's important to note that some patio materials, such as sandstone and limestone, are more delicate than others and will require a lower-pressure setting to avoid damage. Always test a small, inconspicuous area first before attempting to remove a stain with a power washer.

An algae remover can also be used as these are “good for tannin-based stains” as these stains are organic (the same as markings caused by leaves left on paving stones)

Rust stains on patios can be tricky to remove, but there are a few things the expert suggests trying. First, make a paste out of baking soda and water and apply it to the rust stain.

Let the paste sit for a few minutes to penetrate the stain before scrubbing it away with a brush or cloth.

If the rust stain is “particularly stubborn”, consider using a specialist rust-removing product. Georgina said: “These products are designed specifically to remove rust stains without damaging your patio.”