Remove pesky oil stains from porch

Q: My husband likes to cook on his grill out on the back porch instead of the patio. There are now oil stains out there from a large container of peanut oil that leaked, and from splattering when he actually cooks. I have tried almost every degreaser available, even automotive degreasers, and also tried using a pressure washer to clean it – but nothing works! How can I clean this oil? Also, we are considering enlarging the porch. Would I be able to use tile or paint on places stained with oil?

Rita, Brunswick, Ga.

A: There’s a new degreaser called “Pour n Restore” that’s available, and may help you. It is a liquid that turns into a powder and is very absorbent. It works well on automotive grease and might work for your peanut oil as well.

Two other cleaners you might consider are muriatic acid or gasoline. For either one of these, use caution and make sure that there is plenty of air circulation, and for the gasoline, make absolutely sure that no flame or spark is present. Keep in mind that a pilot light on a gas appliance is a source of ignition.

As for painting and tiles: You will have no problem if you use tile. You can do this yourself, and the result will not only look great, but the surface is durable and easier to clean than concrete.