Oil leaks often create a mess on your garage floor and on your driveways. Oil stains look bad and can be difficult to remove. However, with the proper cleaners, tools, and techniques, you can easily remove even oil stains out of your driveway. Big Moose Pressure Cleaning will share how basic pressure washing can remove oil stains.
Is it Worth Buying a Pressure Washer?
Before you begin cleaning the oil stain you will have much more success if you use a pressure washer. You have three choices when you need to pressure wash a stained driveway. One is to hire a professional pressure washer company to help you with your cleaning. Or you can rent or buy a pressure washer. If you’re doing your own cleaning whether you rent or buy, you have the option of getting an electric or gas-powered pressure washer. The benefits of using a gas pressure washer is they tend to be more powerful. However, they are costlier. For bigger jobs, gas pressure washers are recommended. For smaller jobs, electric pressure washers will get the job done and they tend to be cheaper and easier to run.
Water PSI & GPM Chart
For cleaning oil stains and other general cleaning, you will need a pressure washer with 1700 to 2800 PSI (Per Square Inch). Basically, most pressure washers will produce enough PSI to do most residential cleaning projects. What you want to make sure you have is enough of is GPM (Gallon Per Minute) which is the water flow. For effective cleaning with a pressure washer make sure the washer’s GPM rates are between 1.5 GPM to 2.5 GPM. Most affordable pressure washers usually meet these requirements. Another feature you may have to choose from is a hot or cold water pressure. For most residential cleaning projects, including removing oil stains, a cold water pressure washer will do the job fine. Hot water pressure washers usually are more expensive.
Pressure Washer Nozzle Attachments
When cleaning oil stains there are two nozzles attachments you will want to have. The first nozzle is one that produces a 12 inch spread for cleaning large areas. For addressing the oil stain, you will want a rotary nozzle or sometimes called a high pressure nozzle that will help penetrate deep into the concrete.
Pressure Washing Cleaning Solutions
For removing oil stains you have a few options as to which cleaning agent you want to use. There is the all-purpose degreaser, liquid dish soap is well known for removing oil stains, or there is Coca Cola. Coca Cola contains both carbonic and phosphoric acids which help break up and dissolve oil stains.
How to Remove Old Oil Stains from Concrete
First, when using a pressure washer, make sure the area with the stain is cleared of vehicles, breakable items, and is free of kids and pets. Additionally, before you get started, wear protective clothing including eye, hand and foot gear. To start cleaning, sweep the area so it’s free of dirt and debris. Rinse the area with clean water using the pressure washer or hose. Apply your preferred cleaning agent as instructed. If you use coca cola, pour it on the stain and let it set for 30 minutes. Some agents may be used inside the pressure washer, depending on what you choose to use. With the high pressure nozzle begin cleaning the stain. Make sure to rinse the area after removing the stains with clean water afterwards. Some cleaning agents, if left on the concrete, can erode it over time.
Power Washing, Pressure Cleaning & More in McDonough, Barnesville, Fayetteville, Covington, Locust Grove & Griffin Georgia
For those who want to make sure the job gets done quickly and effectively, contact Big Moose Pressure Cleaning for all of your residential and commercial pressure washing needs. Contact Big Moose Pressure Cleaning today!
