Will Pressure Washer Remove Oil From Asphalt?
Oil is one of the trickiest stains for many businesses across several industries. Those unsightly stains make your entire commercial property look unkempt and dirty, giving off a neglected vibe that will send your customers, vendors, and potential investors running away.
You may have tried a few cleaning methods without success, but will a pressure washer remove oil from asphalt?
Thankfully, power washing oil stains offers a seamless way to get the job done. Pressure washing is lightning-fast and completely safe, unlike slow methods like manual scrubbing or dangerous ones involving harmful chemicals.
You’ll learn how to use a pressure washer in this guide, including how to remove oil stains from asphalt, why oil is so tricky to remove, and a list of all the equipment you need.
If you have any questions during this guide or want more information, please talk to our team at Hotsy of Houston! As Southeast Texas’ best commercial pressure washer retailer and only authorized Hotsy store, we have a wealth of experience and can help you identify the exact products you need.
Will Pressure Washer Remove Oil From Asphalt?
We know unwanted oil can be frustrating, so can you pressure wash oil stains off asphalt?
You absolutely can–power washing oil stains is considered the most effective way to do so.
Still, oil stains can be highly frustrating. You’ll need to gather the right equipment to handle the unique obstacles they prevent.
Why Oil Stains Present Such a Challenge
Oil stains are a thorn in the side of many business owners, and the unique nature of asphalt only amplifies the problem.
This is due to asphalt’s chemical makeup. It’s a type of concrete paired with an oil-based binding agent known as bitumen. Bitumen is a form of crude oil, meaning that when oil hits the asphalt, it won’t just sit on top; it’ll soak right in with the rest of the surface.
Over time, the extra oil will oxidize with the bitumen, creating a deeply embedded stain that is functionally impossible to remove with manual scrubbing.
But will a pressure washer remove oil from asphalt?
Thankfully, it will so let’s cover why these nifty machines succeed when manual scrubbing fails with oil stains.
Can You Pressure Wash Oil Stains Off Asphalt?
Whether you are trying to power wash oil stains off driveways or remove a stain from your manufacturing plant’s loading docks, pressure washers provide the extra oomph necessary. Paired with a reliable degreaser or solvent-based cleaner, the high-powered jet water stream will cut through oil like a knife through butter.
Businesses across several industries have learned that pressure washing commercial buildings is the only reliable way to remove difficult stains.
Thankfully, learning how to remove oil stains from asphalt is relatively simple. Between restaurant pressure washing and pressure washing parking lots, we’ll break down the process in the next section.
How to Remove Oil Stains From Asphalt With a Pressure Washer
So, will pressure washers remove oil from asphalt?
Absolutely, but only if you know what you’re doing. Between all of the different types of pressure washers and figuring out what soap to put in a pressure washer, there’s much to learn to ensure the best cleaning power.
Let’s break down how to remove oil stains from asphalt with a pressure washer, starting with choosing your equipment and working our way to the cleaning process.
Optimal Pressure Washer Specifications for Oil Stain Removal
When dealing with a stain as stubborn as oil, you can’t just grab the nearest power washer and go to work. You need a suitable machine, considering pressure washer sizing, water temperature, and power source.
Sizing is defined by two attributes: PSI and GPM. Pressure washer GPM stands for gallons per minute, indicating how much water is in your stream, while pressure washer PSI denotes pounds per square inch, covering how much power is behind the water.
If you’re learning how to remove oil stains from asphalt, you’ll need a minimum of 3,000 PSI, a mark only found on heavy-duty machines. We also recommend a GPM of at least 4 GPM, as any less will prevent you from maintaining the force of your water stream.
What about power sources? Will a pressure washer remove oil from asphalt, whether it contains a gas or electric engine?
The choice between electric vs gas pressure washer is common for businesses; electric models are better for indoor settings to avoid fumes, while gas models offer more power. While electric models have come a long way in terms of power, gas machines are more likely to contain the PSI and GPM metrics you need to lift oil out of asphalt.
The hot water vs cold water pressure washer debate is much more straightforward.
For stubborn stains like oil, hot water is preferred to break down and dissolve oil. Look for temperatures of at least 180°F for the best results.
Effective Detergents to Aid in Removing Oil Stains
You’d hurt your efficiency without introducing a high-quality detergent into the process. You will need some chemical assistance to break the bond between oil and the bitumen found in asphalt.
Figuring out the best detergent for pressure washers is a critical part of learning how to remove oil stains from asphalt. We highly recommend Hotsy’s line of detergents, as they have several options specifically formulated for removing oil stains while maintaining biodegradability for a safe and eco-friendly clean.
Among our favorites are Hotsy Brown, which is used for carbon-based stains, including oil, and Hotsy Breakthrough, a scentless blend that removes crude oil and caked-on stains.
Setting up Your Equipment
With your machine and soap, you almost have everything you need to get the job done, but you’ll still need a few more pieces of equipment.
To break down stubborn oil, you’ll need high-quality accessories, including nozzles and specialized wands. Like soaps, Hotsy has a reputation for high-quality products, so you can find the best pressure washer accessories from them.
Look for a concentrated spray nozzle, like Hotsy’s Turbo Nozzle, to help you concentrate all the power of your stream on specific spots. You’ll also want a durable hose to handle the 3,000+ PSI water pressure your machine emits.
Remember your protective equipment, like goggles, clothing, and non-slip pressure washing boots for safety.
Once you have all your equipment, simply attach your wand of choice. If you’re wondering how to add soap to a pressure washer, simply fill a soap tank and inject the detergent into your pressure washer. Perform a quick test run, and if everything looks good, it’s time to start blasting away that stubborn oil!
Applying the Detergent and Allowing it to Dwell
We’ll start with a suitable pressure washing pre treatment, applying it liberally to your entire asphalt surface. Cover every inch to let it soak in.
Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes, giving it time to break down that oxidized oil. Trust us, you don’t want to start too early, as you’ll just be pushing the oil in deeper without giving it time to break down.
Using the Pressure Washer to Blast Oil Away
Once your pressure washer detergent is thoroughly saturated, you can start blasting away at your oil stains. Start with broad, sweeping motions, overlapping each pass to ensure you don’t miss a spot.
You’ll gradually focus on stubborn areas, switching to your Turbo Nozzle. You can let your machine do the heavy lifting here–crank up that PSI and watch the water stream do its thing.
The entertaining part of the process is watching that embedded oil lift right up out of the porous asphalt. You’ll get to watch it rise and wash away as you work, and it can bring a huge sigh of relief to watch it disappear.
Assessing Results and Spot Cleaning as Necessary
After your initial passes, you should have achieved consistent coverage and eliminated most of the oil. There may be leftover oil stains, but that’s okay–nothing a second pass shouldn’t fix.
Carefully assess your surface, taking a mental note of any trouble spots that require extra attention. Start the process again in these problem areas with a 5 to 10-minute soap soak and then a thorough power washing.
When that’s done, you can allow your surfaces to dry naturally or use industrial fans–whatever is more convenient for your business.
Manually Scrubbing Tougher Stains
You’re likely feeling amazing watching all that oil dissipate, but there may still be a few holdouts. For those really tough stains, extra manual scrubbing can do the trick.
Of course, manual scrubbing can be made easier with pressurewashing attachments like Hotsy’s Surface Cleaner. Whether you use your machine or a small brush and old-fashioned elbow grease, you’ll repeat the process by letting the soap soak in and then going over the stains.
By working the brush into the stains, you’ll eliminate that oil for good.
Tips for Preventing Future Stains
After all the hard work you’ve put in, you want to minimize the time you spend going through the process again. The last thing you want is for this battle against oil stains to become never-ending.
Instruct your staff to remain vigilant about cleaning any fresh spills or drips as soon as they occur. The longer oil stains settle in, the harder they are to remove.
Applying fresh sealants to your asphalt can also help, making it more difficult for oil to soak into the surface’s pores.
Finally, don’t wait until the stains get out of control to start pressure washing. Breaking out the machine a few times a year and giving the asphalt a good cleaning will keep it clean and make subsequent cleaning tasks much faster.
We’ve covered everything you need to know about how to remove oil from asphalt. All that is left is to rent or buy a machine to experience the cleaning power for yourself! But where should you go to find one?
Thankfully, the #1 home for commercial hot water pressure washers in Houston is right before you!
Get Your Pressure Washing Equipment at Hotsy of Houston to Effortlessly Remove Oil Stains From Asphalt!
Hotsy of Houston has everything you need to eradicate oil stains for good!
As the #1 retailer of commercial pressure washers in Houston and an authorized Hotsy dealer, we have the know-how and products to set up your equipment with everything you need.
Our staff of Houston natives has decades of experience working with major brands like McDonald’s, HEB, and Bobcat to help them tackle the toughest stains. We’ll analyze your business needs and provide detailed recommendations from PSI to detergent type.
We provide sales and commercial pressure washer rental in Houston, giving you plenty of options for your budget. We even offer pressure washer trailers in Houston, including pressure washer trailer setup assistance for job sites where mobility is needed.
Our friendly team will walk you through the entire process, from how to rent a pressure washer to which of our fantastic accessories and soaps to choose from. We are also the #1 home for commercial pressure washer repair in Houston and can even help you save on pressure washer repair costs as an authorized Hotsy warranty repair center.
Final Thoughts on Power Washing Oil Stains Off Asphalt
Overall, oil stains are extraordinarily frustrating for any business. Oil can get embedded in, creating unsightly stains that deter from your curb appeal and make your work environment unsafe.
Whether you are clearing oil stains from asphalt, performing oil rig pressure washing, or pressure washing factory floors, our team at Hotsy of Houston is right by your side! We’ll get you the tools to eliminate oil stains for good.
If you enjoyed learning how to power wash oil off driveways, parking lots, and other asphalt surfaces, check out our blog for more!
Other helpful guides include warehouse power washing, can pressure washers remove paint, pressure washing concrete, how much does it cost to start a power washing business, fleet pressure washing, pressure washing construction equipment, how to store a pressure washer, and can pressure washers remove rust.
Otherwise, the #1 home for commercial cold water pressure washers in Houston is here at Hotsy of Houston. Email us or stop by our Pasadena Freeway location to learn how a power washer can help you eliminate oil stains for good!
