Vehicles are a necessary part of our day-to-day lives. That’s why it’s so unfortunate that vehicles can be so finicky, too. Engines die, tires go flat, and components fizzle out and demand replacement. One of the most frustrating automobile problems is oil leaks. A leak can spring when you least expect it, suddenly leaving you with unsightly oil stains on your concrete. In this blog, you’ll learn how to remove oil stains from concrete and restore its beauty!
At Riptide Pressure Washing, we specialize in concrete cleaning, so if you need a team of professionals to do this work for you, give us a call. It would be our pleasure to serve you!
Why Oil Stains Are Hard to Remove
When oil stains have appeared on your concrete, you’ll have a hard time removing them. But what makes this process so difficult anyway? The porous nature of concrete is to blame. Concrete has small holes in it that oil seeps into. Once oil has entered these pores, it’s difficult to get it back out. Think about it—it’s like trying to grab a dropped wallet out of a sewer grate.
To make a bad problem worse, oil molecules bind to concrete, and once these connections have been forged, it’s hard to undo them. This is why so many property owners simply deal with oil stains, allowing them to stick around for years to come. Don’t want to follow suit? Then you’re in the right place. Let’s review how to remove oil stains from concrete together.
Controlling Oil After a Spill
First and foremost, let’s talk about preventing oil spills. What can you do when you have just discovered an oil leak? As this dark liquid dribbles on your concrete, it is slowly wreaking havoc on its surface. Preventing the worst possible consequences is all about acting fast, so don’t twiddle your thumbs. Move quickly, and you can save yourself from a real headache of a problem in the future!
The first thing you should do after an oil spill is absorb as much of the oil as possible. To do this, we recommend using cat litter. Simply pour a generous amount of cat litter on the oil. This highly absorbent substance will soak up the oil. Then, you can sweep up the cat litter and properly dispose of it. Don’t have cat litter? There are a few other things you can use, including:
- Baking soda, flour, or cornstarch – very effective for small spills (let sit 15–20 min)
- Sawdust or wood shavings – great for garage/driveway spills
- Sand or dirt – works in a pinch, especially outdoors
Using a Degreaser to Weaken Oil Stains
As we mentioned before, oil binds to concrete. So, how can you effectively break these connections? The key to accomplishing this is using a degreaser. A degreaser breaks the oil down and even helps lift it from concrete’s pores. This is essential for learning how to remove oil stains from concrete because the work will be extremely difficult, if not impossible, otherwise. Some examples of degreasers you can use include:
- Alkaline degreasers
- Detergent/surfactant degreasers
- Solvent-based degreasers
To use a degreaser, begin by sweeping concrete to remove loose debris. Next, pour or spray the degreaser directly onto the stained area. Finally, use a stiff-bristle brush to scrub the degreaser into your concrete’s pores. Wait fifteen minutes for this cleaning solution to work its magic. This helps you break down oil to the maximum extent before progressing into the pressure washing process.
Removing Oil Stains With Pressure Washing
A degreaser does most of the work when it comes to weakening oil stains. However, pressure washing completes the process, leaving your concrete in beautiful condition. First, you’ll need to set your pressure washing to an appropriate water pressure setting. For concrete, this is typically 3,000 to 3,500 PSI. Concrete is a very durable material and will be able to withstand this amount of force without any issues.
Simply pressure wash the concrete with steady, overlapping passes. By doing so, you’ll ensure the entire surface is restored. Keep in mind that oil stains love putting up a fight, so it’s okay if you need to pressure wash the area multiple times. You may even want to try a second round of degreaser if oil isn’t going anywhere.
Benefits of Oil Stain Removal For Business Owners
Are you a business owner in the Wilmington, NC area? If so, you have a lot to gain from learning how to remove oil stains from concrete. That’s because dirty concrete makes a bad impression on your customers. This makes it less likely that they will return to your business in the future, directly impacting your bottom line.
To ensure your customers are amazed by your business’s appearance, don’t forget to eliminate any oil stains on your concrete. That way, you not only delight your current clientele but also make it more likely that you’ll attract new guests.
Don’t Want to Do DIY Oil Stain Removal?
Learning how to remove oil stains from concrete can be tough. It takes perseverance to conquer the toughest oil stains, as well as expensive equipment. Additionally, you’ll need to invest your time and energy into the process.
Don’t want to remove oil stains on your own? Consider reaching out to a professional business, such as Riptide Pressure Washing, for the help you need. Our team of experts will happily pressure wash your concrete and eliminate oil stains so you don’t have to.
Cost of Professional Oil Stain Removal
How much will you pay for our concrete cleaning and oil stain removal services? That ultimately depends on the size of the project. You are welcome to contact us online for a free cost estimate. Then, if you like our asking price, you can choose a time and date for your appointment.
We can’t wait to meet you and restore your concrete’s appearance! Leave it to Riptide Pressure Washing to remove all oil stains from your concrete and leave you with a smile on your face.
