Oil Stain Removal

Oil stains on driveways, car parks, factory floors, and forecourts are more than just an eyesore — they’re a slip hazard, a compliance risk, and left long enough, a permanent feature of the surface.

The problem is that oil penetrates quickly into porous surfaces like concrete, asphalt, and clay pavers. The longer it’s left, the deeper it goes — and the harder it becomes to remove completely. Consumer products and general-purpose cleaners typically push the stain further in rather than drawing it out.

Getting it properly removed requires the right cleaning solution process for the type of oil involved, applied by someone who knows what they’re doing.

Oil stain removal is a cleaning solution process, not just a pressure washing job. The surface needs to be dry, the right treatment matched to the oil type, and the process given time to work before pressure washing begins. Skipping any of these steps produces a poor result — or makes the stain worse.

Oil type identification
Different oils require different treatment approaches. Engine oil, hydraulic oil, gearbox oil, diesel, and carbonised oil that has gone through the combustion process all respond differently. Our technician identifies the contamination type before selecting the appropriate treatment.

Three-stage cleaning solution treatment
Our treatment process works in three stages: first, tracing into and dissolving the molecular structure of the oil; second, suspending the oil in place to prevent further absorption into the surface; third, drawing the oil and cleaning solution back to the surface where it can be removed. The solution is allowed to dwell for the time needed to work effectively — heavier or older stains require longer dwell times, and in severe cases the process may need to be repeated.

Hot water pressure washing
Once the cleaning solution treatment has done its work, the surface is pressure washed with hot water using a spin jet system. The combination of heat, pressure, and spin jet coverage draws the suspended oil from the surface efficiently and thoroughly.

Wastewater recovery
All wastewater — including oil-contaminated runoff — is captured on site and disposed of responsibly. This is a compliance requirement under state environmental regulations and is standard on every job.

Act quickly. Fresh oil that hasn’t had time to penetrate deeply is significantly easier to remove than old, set staining. If a spill occurs, cover the area with sand, sawdust, or kitty litter immediately to absorb as much as possible before it soaks in.

The surface must be dry. The cleaning solution treatment process requires a dry surface to work effectively — wet concrete significantly reduces penetration and performance.

Some staining may remain initially. Depending on the age and depth of the stain, a slight mark may remain after treatment. Residual marks typically fade over several weeks of UV exposure.

Don’t use general-purpose cleaners first. Many degreasers push oil further into porous surfaces rather than drawing it out. If another product has already been applied, let us know before we start.

• Concrete and asphalt driveways, carparks and paths
• Clay and concrete pavers
• Factory, workshop and warehouse floors
• Forecourt and petrol station surfaces
• Garage floors

Oil Types We Remove

• Engine and motor oil
• Hydraulic oil
• Gearbox and transmission oil
• Carbonised and combustion oil residue
• Diesel and fuel contamination

Residential driveways and garages
Even occasional drips accumulate into significant staining over time. Our treatment process is effective on staining of all sizes — from isolated spots to heavily affected garage floors.

Commercial car parks and forecourts
Oil and fuel contamination across car parks and forecourts creates slip liability and reflects poorly on the property. Our spin jet systems cover large areas efficiently.

Industrial and major spills
For large-scale spills or road contamination, we manage the full response — closure permits, containment, cleaning solution neutralisation, pressure cleaning, and compliant wastewater disposal. All OH&S and EPA requirements handled.