Outdoor cooking is one of life’s great pleasures, but the aftermath isn’t always as enjoyable. A stray burger flip or a dripping grease tray can leave unsightly, stubborn stains on your outdoor living space. Whether you are dealing with a pressure-treated wood deck, a concrete patio, or high-end stone pavers, the right technique and products can restore your surface to its former glory.
Here is a guide on how to tackle the most common grill spills and the best products to help you get the job done.
1. Act Fast: The Golden Rule of Grease
The best way to remove a stain is to prevent it from setting. If you see a spill happen, immediately blot (don’t rub) the area with paper towels. Rubbing pushes the oil deeper into the pores of wood or stone.
- Immediate Action Tool: Oil-Dri Absorbent Pads or even a generous dusting of Arm & Hammer Baking Soda can help pull liquid oil out before it bonds with the surface.
2. Cleaning Wood and Composite Decks
Wood is porous, and composite decking (like Trex) can also trap oils in its textured surface. You want a cleaner that breaks down grease without stripping the wood’s finish.
- The Method: Apply a concentrated degreaser to the spot and let it sit for 10–15 minutes. Scrub gently with a soft-bristled brush in the direction of the wood grain.
- Recommended Product: Simple Green Heavy-Duty Cleaner and Degreaser. It’s biodegradable and safe for use around lawns and plants.
- Alternative for Tough Stains: Dawn Platinum Powerwash. Its spray-on foam is excellent for targeted spot cleaning.
3. Concrete Patios and Stone Pavers
Concrete and pavers act like a sponge for oil. If the stain has already dried, you’ll need something that can penetrate deep into the stone.
- The Method: For fresh oil, use an absorbent “poultice” (a paste-like cleaner). For older stains, a heavy-duty degreaser combined with a stiff-bristled brush is necessary.
- Recommended Product: Krud Kutter Concentrated Cleaner/Degreaser. This is a powerhouse for lifting oil from concrete and masonry.
- The “Pour-and-Walk-Away” Option: Chomp Pull It Out Oil Stain Remover. This liquid dries into a powder, pulling the oil up with it.
4. Essential Tools for the Job
Avoid metal brushes on wood or pavers, as they can scratch the surface or leave behind rust-prone fibers.
- Scrub Brush: Libman Large Precision Scrub Brush provides great leverage for localized spills.
- Long-Handle Brush: For larger areas, the O-Cedar Professional 18″ Multi-Surface Push Broom is a solid choice.
5. Prevention: Stop the Stain Before it Starts
The easiest way to deal with grill drips is to ensure they never touch your deck in the first place.
- Grill Mats: A heavy-duty mat is a must-have. The Grilltex Under the Grill Protective Deck and Patio Mat is heat-resistant and easy to clean.
- Drip Pan Liners: Using Disposable Foil Drip Pans makes it easy to swap out full trays before they overflow.
Summary Checklist
- Blot the spill immediately.
- Apply a degreaser like Simple Green or Krud Kutter.
- Scrub with a synthetic-bristle brush.
- Rinse thoroughly with a garden hose.
- Protect the area for next time with a Grilltex mat.
