Short answer: oil stains sit in the pores of the stone, which is why wiping alone doesn't help. The most effective solution is a stain paste such as stone clear OE 68 Oil and Stain Paste: apply approx. 3 mm thick, let dry for 12–24 hours, remove and wash with water and GR 75 Deep Cleaner. As it dries, the paste draws the oil out of the stone like blotting paper. It is suitable for marble, granite, natural and engineered stone, porcelain stoneware, ceramics, cotto, cement slabs and interlocking pavers – indoors and outdoors.
Why oil stains are so stubborn
Stone is more or less absorbent. Oil and grease penetrate the pores and form a dark stain there. Normal cleaners or washing-up liquid only dissolve the surface. The oil deeper down remains. To really remove the stain, the oil has to be drawn out of the stone.
Which product for which stain?
| Situation | Recommended product | How it works |
|---|---|---|
| Soaked-in oil and grease stains (kitchen, patio, barbecue area, driveway, garage) | OE 68 Oil and Stain Paste | As it dries, the paste draws the stain out of the pores (“blotting paper effect”). Also works on plasticiser stains. |
| Oil, grease, wax, bitumen and tar | FE 61 Stain Remover | Liquid solvent cleaner, applied undiluted with a brush, approx. 10 minutes contact time |
| Large-area oil and grease film | GR 75 Special Deep Cleaner | Concentrated deep cleaner against oily and greasy dirt on all stone surfaces |
| Candle wax, adhesive tape, soot | KE 67 Candle Wax and Stain Remover | Spray on, then wash with water and GR 75 |
Guide: removing oil stains with OE 68
- Soak up fresh oil immediately: with a fresh stain, blot excess oil with kitchen paper – don't rub.
- Work in the paste: spread OE 68 undiluted onto the stain and work it well into the pores.
- Apply a layer: use a spatula to apply a layer approx. 3 mm thick, extending slightly beyond the edge of the stain.
- Let it dry: depending on temperature, let the paste dry completely for approx. 12–24 hours. As it does so, it draws the oil out of the stone.
- Remove and check: wipe or sweep off the dry paste. If the stain is still visible, repeat – this is normal for old, deep-seated stains.
- Wash: wash the surface with a solution of water and GR 75.
Coverage: 1 kg OE 68 covers approx. 0.35 m² (at a 3 mm layer). For individual stains, a small amount is usually enough.
Alternative: removing oil stains with FE 61
- Apply FE 61 undiluted to the stain with a brush.
- Leave for approx. 10 minutes.
- Scrub and wipe with clean cloths. Repeat if necessary.
- Wash off residues with water and GR 75.
Important: FE 61 contains organic solvents and is flammable. Ventilate well, do not leave soaked cloths lying around (risk of spontaneous combustion), but dispose of them in a metal container.
Safety and tips
- If in doubt, always test in an inconspicuous spot first.
- Wear safety goggles and protective gloves.
- Immediately wash off splashes on painted or lacquered surfaces with plenty of water.
- The sooner you treat a stain, the easier it comes out.
Prevention: stop oil stains forming in the first place
A sealer makes stone oil- and water-repellent. Stains then no longer penetrate so quickly and are easier to wipe off.
- Natural stone kitchen worktops, floors, patios: SI 88 Stain Stop Aqua – oil-, grease- and water-repellent, food-safe, indoors and outdoors.
- Unglazed porcelain stoneware: SI 84 Porcelain Stoneware Stain Stop.
- Driveways, paving slabs, concrete interlocking pavers: SB 55 Stone Protection – reduces penetration of oily and greasy dirt.
Frequently asked questions about oil stains on stone
How do I remove an oil stain from granite or marble?
With OE 68 Oil and Stain Paste: apply approx. 3 mm, let dry for 12–24 hours, remove, repeat if necessary and wash with water and GR 75. The paste is suitable for marble and granite.
How do I get engine oil off paving or concrete slabs?
OE 68 is also suitable for cement slabs and interlocking pavers outdoors. Apply the paste, let it dry, sweep off and wash. Afterwards, SB 55 Stone Protection protects against new stains.
Do washing-up liquid, baking soda or a pressure washer help?
Washing-up liquid only dissolves oil on the surface. The oil soaked into the pores remains, and the stain often comes back. A pressure washer usually doesn't remove soaked-in oil either. A stain paste, on the other hand, draws the oil out from deep down.
Can old oil stains still be removed?
Yes, often they can. Old, deep-seated stains usually need two or more applications of OE 68.
How long does the stain paste need to work?
Until it has dried out completely – depending on the temperature, approx. 12–24 hours.
Need help?
StoneClear is your Swiss specialist for stone cleaning and stone care. We are happy to advise you: +41 41 790 38 05 or via the contact form. For larger areas, we also take care of the cleaning as a service. Delivery in 1–2 days, Swiss Made.
