Act fast, whatever the surface
Fresh oil sits on the surface. Absorb it immediately with cat litter, sand or a proprietary granular absorbent, leave it to draw the oil out, then sweep it up and dispose of it responsibly.
Do not hose a fresh spill first — that spreads it and drives it into the surface before it has been absorbed.
Why tarmac is different
Tarmac is bound with bitumen, and petrol, diesel and engine oil dissolve bitumen. A persistent drip in the same spot softens the surface and eventually creates a pothole rather than just a dark mark.
If a vehicle leaks regularly, either fix the leak or protect that spot — a drip tray in the short term, or a paved apron under the engine bay as a permanent solution.
- Tarmac: oil softens the binder — treat as urgent
- Block paving: stained blocks can simply be swapped out
- Resin: clean promptly; surface is more resistant than tarmac
- Sandstone: porous, so sealing helps prevent staining
Block paving has the easiest answer
Try degreasing first. If the stain has soaked deep into the block, lift the affected blocks and replace them — this is exactly what spare blocks are for.
If you have no spares, take replacements from a concealed spot such as under the car or behind a gate and put the stained ones there instead.
Resin and stone
On resin bound, prompt absorption then a suitable degreaser and warm water usually clears it. Avoid harsh solvents that can attack the resin binder.
Porous stone such as sandstone benefits from being sealed before problems occur; once oil is deep in an unsealed slab, a poultice-type cleaner is the best option and replacement is the fallback.
Frequently asked questions
Will a pressure washer remove an oil stain?+
It helps on fresh, shallow marks but often just spreads deep-soaked oil. Absorb and degrease first.
Can oil damage cause a pothole?+
On tarmac, yes. Repeated fuel or oil contact breaks down the bitumen binder and the surface disintegrates locally.
Can you repair an oil-damaged patch?+
Yes — a cut-out and patch on tarmac, or block replacement on paving. Both are straightforward.
Does sealing prevent oil stains?+
It makes them much easier to remove, particularly on porous stone and block paving.
Oil damage gone too far?
We patch, replace and resurface — send a photo and we will tell you what it needs.