Removing oil based stains from a deck can seem daunting, but with the right products and techniques, it is possible to get your deck looking like new again. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk through the step-by-step process for removing oil based stains, as well as provide tips and recommendations for products that work best for cleaning deck stains.
Page Contents
What Causes Oil Based Stains on a Deck?
There are a few common causes of oil based stains on your deck:
- Spilled oil, grease or fuel – Oil and grease from automobiles, grills, torches etc. can spill or drip on to the deck leaving behind a stain.
- Wood finishes – Using oil-based finishes like tung oil or linseed oil to treat or finish a deck can lead to staining over time as the oils absorb into the wood.
- Wood preservatives – Many wood preservatives and sealants contain oil bases which can cause staining.
- Food stains – Foods with oil/grease such as salad dressings, cooking oils, butter etc. can leave oily stains if spilled on a deck.
- Plant oils – Plants and trees around the deck may release oils that get absorbed into the wood and cause dark spots.
The oil penetrates deep into the wood grain over time, making it hard to remove the stains from the surface. But with some heavy duty cleaning solutions and techniques, you can break down those stubborn oil stains.
How to Remove Oil Based Stains from a Deck
Here is a step-by-step process for removing oil stains from your deck:
1. Clean the Surface
First, do a deep clean of the entire deck surface using a deck cleaning solution or wood soap. This helps to prep the wood by removing built up dirt, grime and surface level stains.
Apply the deck cleaner liberally over the entire deck and scrub with a stiff bristle brush. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing thoroughly with a hose. Focus extra cleaning solution on the oily stained areas.
2. Use a Degreaser
After the initial cleaning, spray a degreaser directly onto the oil stained areas. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Use a scrub brush to work it deep into the wood grain and dissolve the oil residue.
Some of the best degreasers for removing oil stains on decks include:
- Dish soap
- Laundry detergent
- TSP (Trisodium phosphate)
- Oxalic acid
- Ammonia
3. Try a Poultice Paste
If the degreaser alone doesn’t remove all the staining, make a poultice paste. A poultice helps draw out deep set oil stains from wood.
Make a paste using an absorbent ingredient like talc, diatomaceous earth or clay mixed with the degreasing solution. Apply the poultice paste directly over the stain about 1/4 inch thick. Cover it with plastic wrap and let sit for 24-48 hours. The poultice will help draw the stain from the wood.
4. Lightly Sand
Use 80-100 grit sandpaper to lightly sand the surface of the deck where the stain remains. This helps remove the top layer of wood that holds the stain. Be careful not to overly sand which can damage the wood.
5. Brightener and Neutralizer
After sanding, apply a brightener to the sanded area which helps remove sanding residue and remaining stain. Let it sit for 10 minutes before rinsing. A wood stain neutralizer can also help further erase oil stains from the deck.
6. Power Wash
Rent a power washer and use it to deeply clean and blast away all the cleaning solutions used. Make sure to only power wash perpendicular to the direction of the wood boards to avoid damaging the deck.
Let the deck dry out completely after power washing. The oils stains should be successfully removed from the deck after following this intensive cleaning process.
Tips for Removing Oil Stains from a Deck
Follow these useful tips when tackling oil deck stains:
- Act quickly – the longer an oil stain sits, the harder it is to remove. Start the cleaning process soon after a spill happens.
- Use protective gear – wear gloves, eye protection and cover skin when working with chemicals.
- Use Oxalic Acid correctly – oxalic acid can be effective for oil stain removal but only if diluted properly according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Apply stain remover in shade – sunlight can dry out the cleaning solutions before they have time to work.
- Let solutions dwell – allow stain removers, degreasers and poultice pastes time to penetrate and lift the stain.
- Pressure wash with care – only use a wide angle tip and keep 6-10 inches between deck and power washer to avoid damage.
- Spot test products – always do a test patch before applying a cleaning solution to the entire deck to ensure it does not discolor the wood.
Oil Based Stain Remover Product Recommendations
Here are some of the best commercial and DIY products for removing oil stains from decks:
Commercial Deck Stain Removers
| Product | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Defy Deck Stain Remover | Heavy duty cleaner with oxalic acid. Simply spray and rinse. |
| Deck Max Deck Stain Remover | Poultice formula clings to wood to draw out stains. |
| Wolman DeckBrite Wood Stain Remover | Contains brighteners, oxalic acid and detergents. |
DIY Homemade Deck Stain Removers
| Recipe | How to Mix |
|---|---|
| Dish Soap | Mix 1/2 cup soap with 1 gallon water. Scrub onto deck with a brush. |
| Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide | Make a paste with 3 parts baking soda to 1 part hydrogen peroxide. Apply to stain. |
| Laundry Detergent and Salt | Mix 1 cup detergent with 2 tbsp salt and apply to wet deck. Let sit 15 minutes before rinsing. |
How to Prevent Oil Stains on a Deck
The best way to keep your deck free of oil stains is by taking preventative steps:
- Seal the deck wood with an oil-repellent sealer or stain that contains alkyd resin.
- Immediately wipe up food or oil spills from the deck before they have time to absorb.
- Place drip pans or mats under grills, torches and other greasy equipment used on deck.
- Park vehicles away from deck area to prevent oil leaks dripping onto the boards.
- Inspect your deck periodically for any minor stains and clean promptly before they become stubborn stains.
Conclusion
Oil stains can be one of the toughest deck stains to remove. But with persistent cleaning using the right combination of commercial stain removers, degreasers, poultice pastes and elbow grease, you can successfully rid your deck of those pesky oil stains. Just be sure to always test products first and take safety precautions when working with chemical cleaners. Your freshly restored oil-free deck will make all that hard work well worth it.