Creosote Removal From Patio

[Calorin]

Is it possible to get spilt creosote off patio slabs? My husband jet washed it quite soon after it was spilt but it hasn't got it off!

[ImLostAgain]

Creosote or creosote substitute? Creosote's been banned for a while now. No matter, if it's oil based it's going to be tough. Turn the slabs over? If it's water based a good hard scrub with a good cleaner might do it.

[KARL]

It will possibly be near impossible to in the short term remove all traces of the spillage. However, there are ways to reduce the discolouration. What I would do (assuming there is no immediate risk to adjacent vegetation) is to in succession liberally wet limited areas with white spirit, rub/scrub and then wash off, perhaps after additionally applying some detergent - note that the washing mudst take place before the white spirit has evaporated. I would hope the creosote/creosote-like substance will mostly be removed, but any remaining traces which have soaked into the surface will then gradually weather down over months and more.