Q. What is the easiest way to remove oil stains on blue stone walkway?
A. Since your question is about exterior stone, we will assume that the oil is from a vehicle engine. While different oils have different properties, the initial treatment approach is generally similar, with adjustments made if the stain persists. Oil is not water-soluble and has properties that allow it to strongly adhere to surfaces and become absorbed into porous materials. The oil stain may be challenging to remove since it is possible that it has chemically bonded with the stone.
How long has the oil been there? The length of time matters. If it is a new spill, it will be easier to remove.
Your first step will be to absorb as much excess oil as possible. Blot the spill with paper towels. You can also cover the area with an absorbent material such as cat litter, baking soda, baking flour, or diatomaceous earth. Leave the absorbent material in place for several hours or overnight so it can draw oil out of the stone.
NOTE: Do not rub the spill, as this can spread the oil around and drive it deeper into the stone.
Next, clean the stained area:
If the oil stain remains, a poultice may be necessary.
A poultice draws the stain out of the stone over time. For detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to mix and apply a poultice correctly, check out our free Stain Management App. Your poultice chemical will be degreaser.
Apply the poultice to the stained area, allow it to dry, then remove it and rinse. This process may need to be repeated several times for stubborn stains.
NOTE: Always follow safety precautions and never mix different chemicals together.
Once the stone is clean and fully dry, applying a penetrating stone sealer can help inhibit future oil absorption. For best results, consider consulting a professional stone restoration contractor who can recommend the proper sealer and maintenance plan to keep your bluestone walkway looking its best.
To find a vetted PRO in your area, visit www.surfacecarepros.com and click on Find a PRO.
If the stain does not respond well to the treatment we suggested, your PRO can also offer more specific alternative poultice ingredients, such as stone-safe solvents or commercial oil stain removers, depending on what type of oil was spilled.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Fred Hueston is the Chief Technical Director at SurfaceCarePROS.com and Director at StoneForensics.com. He is also the author of Stone and Tile Restoration: The Manual, a comprehensive online manual for stone and tile restoration contractors. [Learn more about Fred.]
Article ID: 840
Created: December 26, 2025
Last Updated: December 26, 2025
Author: Alice Dean
Online URL: https://surfacecarepros.com/kb/article/how-to-remove-oil-stains-on-a-bluestone-walkway-840.html