How to Get Oil Stains Out of Concrete
Whether you are a homeowner or a business owner, it’s incredibly likely that you have some sort of concrete surface on your property. In most cases, it’s simple to keep these surfaces clean. Some basic pressure washing is enough for even the toughest messes. However, there are unique cases that require special attention. Yes, we’re talking about oil stains! If you’re on this webpage, it’s probably because you are trying to learn how to get oil stains out of concrete. Well, good news because you’re about to discover the process.
We are Alpha Exterior Cleaning Services, a local pressure washing company in Lake Oswego. We have removed oil stains from our clients’ concrete many times before, so trust our concrete cleaning experience and keep on reading to learn more!
What Makes Oil So Hard to Remove?
As you’ll quickly discover, it’s difficult to remove oil from concrete. But why? What makes it any different from dirt, pollen, moss, mold, or algae? First, understand that oil is quickly absorbed by concrete. This is because concrete is porous, allowing oil to soak into it with ease. Once oil molecules have bonded to the concrete’s internal surfaces, it’s quite difficult to get out.
Even the process of pressure washing isn’t enough to remove oil in some cases. That’s because oil repels water. So, it’s naturally resistant to pressure washing and other similar techniques. When learning how to get oil stains out of concrete, prepare to use new strategies that may be completely unfamiliar to even seasoned DIYers.
Preventing Oil Stains When Possible
Since oil stains are so difficult to remove, it’s best to prevent them whenever possible. If you discover that oil has recently spilled on your concrete, take quick action to stop it from deeply penetrating the surface. Perhaps the best way to do this is with an absorbent material. We recommend cat litter. Simply apply a generous helping of cat litter to the area. Then, wait thirty minutes to an hour for it to soak up as much oil as possible. Finally, sweep up the cat litter. This should drastically minimize the amount of oil that soaks into your concrete.
Don’t have cat litter? Don’t worry because there are other materials that will work in a pinch. Consider using baking soda or corn starch. It’s very likely you already have these helpful items stocked in your pantry.
Treating Deep Oil Stains
Unfortunately, not all messes can be prevented. It’s possible that your oil stain has already soaked so deeply that you can’t absorb it with cat litter. In this scenario, it’s time to prepare for a more in-depth oil stain removal process. The first step of this process is treating the oil stain with a cleaning solution. But what kind of cleaning solution should you use? There are actually quite a few options for your consideration, including:
- Dish Soap and Water. Probably the least effective of your options, so it’s better suited for minor stains. The good news is that it’s incredibly easy to find the necessary ingredients. You probably already have them in your kitchen.
- Alkaline Degreasers. These degreasers break down oil at the chemical level with saponification so it can be more easily washed away. Some examples include sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, and tri-sodium phosphate.
- Oxidizing Degreasers. These degreasers use oxidation to destroy the bonds between your concrete and oil molecules. Some examples include hydrogen peroxide, sodium percarbonate, and sodium perborate.
Once you have selected your cleaning solution of choice, apply a thin layer of it to the area afflicted by oil stains. Then, wait ten to fifteen minutes. After this time has passed, use a stiff brush to scrub the area. This will loosen grease and further distribute the cleaning solution across the concrete surface.
Removing Oil With Pressure Washing
An important part of learning how to get oil stains out of concrete is pressure washing. That’s because highly pressurized water can shatter the bonds between oil and concrete, especially if the area has been pre-treated with a cleaning solution. Plus, since concrete is so durable, you can pressure wash with an extremely high level of water pressure. We recommend using 3,000 to 3,500 PSI. Remember to wear safety equipment, such as gloves, goggles, and closed-toe shoes, when handling pressure washing gear.
To pressure wash oil stains, simply position yourself two feet away from the concrete and thoroughly rinse the area. The pressurized water will deeply penetrate the concrete, helping you remove even the most stubborn oil molecules. This should significantly brighten your oil stains if not get rid of them altogether.
Benefits of Removing Oil Stains
There are many benefits to removing oil stains from your concrete. The first and most obvious advantage is that it will improve your concrete’s appearance. This will improve the property’s appearance, too, even increasing its value. The sooner you tackle that oil stain, the less likely it is to become permanent, so don’t waste time—strike now or regret it later!
Another benefit of removing oil stains from concrete is that it will make the surface less slick. This means a reduced chance of pedestrians tripping. It also makes it less likely that vehicles will skid or slide on the concrete.
Need Professional Oil Stain Removal?
Learning how to get oil stains out of concrete isn’t easy. Far from it. From acquiring all the right equipment to spending your time and energy doing the work, there are many reasons you may want to avoid this project. The good news is that you can have professionals clean your driveway for you! By reaching out to Alpha Exterior Cleaning Services, you’ll be able to schedule an appointment with our fully trained experts. Contact us online, let us know about your oil-stained concrete, and receive a free cost estimate. Then, choose a time and date for your appointment, and we will be there in the very near future!
