How to Remove Oil Stains From Concrete
How to Remove Oil Stains From Concrete Concrete is a durable material that can withstand the harshness of the outside world and pass the test of time with flying colors. Because of this, it’s often used to create driveways, parking lots, parking garages, and other structures where vehicles are stored. However, this actually puts the concrete at risk of accumulating oil stains. When oil leaks from vehicles, it can penetrate deep into concrete, creating seemingly permanent stains. This may leave you wondering how to remove oil stains from concrete. The good news is that we’ve got the answers to your question below. We are Southwest Pressure Washing, a locally owned and operated business, and we are the concrete pressure washing professionals in the Maineville, OH community. We’ll teach you what we know about removing oil stains in the following paragraphs. That way, with the right equipment, you can try getting rid of them for yourself! Why Oil Stains Are Difficult to Remove Over time, concrete falls victim to many sorts of unwanted debris. A few examples include dirt, moss, mold, algae, and pollen. However, these substances are easy to remove when compared to oil stains. What makes oil so difficult to remove? It all revolves around the chemical properties of oil. Oil molecules have no trouble seeping into the pores of concrete, eventually binding with the concrete to anchor themselves in place. Additionally, remember the old saying that “oil and water don’t mix”? Since oil naturally repels water, that means oil stains are more difficult to wash out. However, you shouldn’t get discouraged. While it’s true that oil stains are tough to get rid of, that doesn’t mean that the work is impossible. In fact, Southwest Pressure Washing is highly experienced in removing oil stains with pressure washing. So, let’s take a look at the pressure washing process and how it works. How Pressure Washing Helps When learning how to remove oil stains from concrete, you will inevitably find yourself reading about pressure washing. Why? Because pressure washing is one of the most straightforward methods of removing oil stains. The reason that pressure washing is so effective for this task is that high-pressure water is hugely effective at breaking the bonds between oil molecules and the concrete itself. With these bonds shattered, removing oil from your concrete will be much, much easier. There are many other helpful benefits that you’ll only get from pressure washing. For example, the high water pressure allows this cleaning technique to more deeply penetrate the pores of the concrete. This allows you to lift as much of the oil stain as possible. Finally, pressure washing will remove all other forms of debris, too, leaving your concrete in visually stunning condition! Oil Removal Detergents Another crucial weapon in your fight against oil stains is some sort of oil removal detergent. In fact, when researching how to remove oil stains from concrete, you’ll find these detergents recommended everywhere you go. In fact, you might even experience decision fatigue because of all the different options. We recommend oil removal detergents with ingredients such as: As you probably noticed, these chemicals all have something in common: sodium. This is because sodium catalyzes a chemical reaction called saponification. During saponification, oils are broken down, making them easier to remove. Who knew that the process of removing oil stains from concrete was like a little science experiment? Of course, if you don’t want to purchase oil removal chemicals, you could always whip up something at home. Some property owners even report success with dish soap and warm water. How to Pressure Wash Your Concrete If you plan to pressure wash your concrete to remove oil stains, you’ll need to make sure you have the right equipment. This includes a pressure washer, safety gear (e.g., eye protection, closed-toe shoes, and gloves), and of course, one of the oil removal detergents we spoke about above. Be sure to clear off the concrete surface before you begin your work, too. Once all these preparations have been made, you’re ready for the pressure washing process itself. First, set your pressure washer to a level of 3,500 PSI. Concrete is highly durable and will be able to withstand this force with ease. Next, apply your oil removal detergent of choice to the area afflicted by oil. Give it a few minutes to “soak in”, helping to break down oil so it can be more easily removed. Finally, thoroughly pressure wash the area. If this does not completely eliminate oil stains, it should at the very least lighten them significantly. You can always apply more detergent or continue pressure washing in your journey for the best possible results. The Challenges of Removing Oil Stains Learning how to remove oil stains from concrete isn’t so bad. Putting that knowledge to the test during an actual project? That is a whole other thing. In fact, you may find yourself faced with various challenges during the oil stain removal process. What if your oil stain detergent doesn’t work as well as you hoped? What if you don’t have enough time in your schedule for this sort of work? And what if you don’t have a pressure washer, and you don’t really want to make room for one on your property, either? If you feel like you aren’t prepared for this sort of work, don’t worry because you can always schedule an appointment with us. We are Southwest Pressure Washing, and we know how to remove oil stains from concrete with ease! If you choose our concrete pressure washing services, you won’t have to lift a finger. Stay seated and get comfortable—we’ll restore your concrete so you don’t have to. Contact us online if you would like to get started. We’ll give you a free cost estimate, and if you like what we have to tell you, you can choose a time and date for your appointment. See you soon.
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