CAN A PRESSURE WASHER REMOVE OIL STAINS?

This a question mostly asked by organizations when faced with hard and difficult stains from operations such as stains from bitumen, asphalt, greases and lubricants. "Can a pressure washer remove oil stains? Pressure washing is a great way to clean and restore all kinds of surfaces around the exterior of your home. You’d be surprised what you can clean with a Pressure Washer. Sure, you can use a pressure washer for cleaning or to remove oil stains. Find out all you need to know about pressure washers and how to procure quality pressure washers from GZ Industrial Supplies.

What is a Pressure Washer?

Pressure washers(also known as jet washers and power washers) deliver a powerful concentrated jet of water to remove dirt more efficiently than a brush, and using less water than you would with a garden hose. A pressure washer is essentially a motorized hosepipe. It uses a pump to create a high-pressure flow of water that dislodges dirt more quickly and effectively than you can with a scrubbing brush or hose alone.

Pressure washing is the use of high-pressure water spray to remove loose paint, mold, grime, dust, mud, chewing gum and dirt from surfaces and objects such as buildings, vehicles and concrete surfaces

Different Types of Pressure Washers

1. Cold Water Pressure Washers:

Cold-water pressure washers are the most commonly used type of pressure washer. This is due to the fact that they are more affordable to produce and easier to use overall. When you purchase one of these cold-water pressure washers, you can expect that it will work perfectly for pressure washing service and can do anything that you need to do at your home.

2. Hot Water Pressure Washers:

Hot-water pressure washers can reach temperatures of up to 311 degrees Fahrenheit. You can clean things much more easily when you have access to water that is this hot. When you have access to using really hot water, it is going to be much easier to clean things that are caked with oil and grease. You won’t have to worry about not being able to clean these items effectively because the hot water pressure washer is going to cut right through that grime. You won’t even need to use as much detergent when the water is this hot so it can be very convenient to use.

How to Wash Away Oil Stains with a Pressure Washer

Oil from an old or leaking car can leave big nasty stains on your surfaces that are an eyesore and a slipping hazard. You should take care of these dirty spots right away before they set in on your surfaces. Fortunately, the task isn’t too difficult. With the right materials and tools, you can clean this mess up in no time.

Step 1: Clear the surfaces of any obstructions. This might include any cars, storage items, and even your kid’s toys. Then do a quick sweep of your surfaces using a large utility broom, removing any debris such as small stones, twigs, leaves and dirt.

Step 2: Soak up the oil stains with an ample amount of detergent. Start by pouring and spreading an even amount on top of the excess oil. Give it about 20-30 minutes for the stains to be absorbed. For bigger oil puddles let the absorbent material sit overnight.

Step 3: As hard as surfaces might appear to be, it is still porous. That means it’s still possible for oil to seep into some of its small holes. This will definitely show when oil stains are given time to dry and set. So, you should definitely try to clean any oil spills when you first spot them.

Step 4: Set up your pressure washer. A hot water pressure washer will work better in this situation, simply because hot water has a way of breaking down oil and grease on a molecular level. Think about how much easier it is to wash oily and dirty dishes with hot water than with cold. A regular cold water pressure washer will also work. Make all the connections, which will involve attaching a garden hose to the washer, a pressure washer wand to the pressure hose, and a pressure washer nozzle to the wand. Prepare a cleaning detergent. There are ones that are specifically used in pressure washers. Some pressure washers have a detergent tank that you can pour the detergent into. Others will require a siphon hose to carry the detergent from an external source into the washer unit.

Step 5: Spray down the surfaces using sweeping strokes. Hold the wand about 12 inches away from the surfaces. Make sure to cover all the surfaces with a layer of detergent. For easier execution, work in small sections going back and forth and overlapping each stroke by a couple of inches. Allow the detergent to soak into the surfaces for a couple minutes so that it can do its job of loosening up the oil, dirt and grime that has gotten into the surface pores. Be sure not to let the detergent dry out.

Step 6: After the nozzle switch has been made, rinse out the detergent from the surfaces with the same pattern you used when you first sprayed detergent on. When you get to the oil spots, spend a little bit more time sweeping the area so that the pressure can lift and wash away the detergent filled oil from the surface pores. You could also bring the wand closer to the surface for the same effect.

Pressure Washer Maintenance

Regular maintenance will ensure the safety and dependability of the pressure washer. If you want to get several years of service out of your pressure washer, you will need to remember to follow maintenance procedures before and after use. By following these steps, you will be sure to get many more seasons out of your unit.

Maintenance Before Using:

1. Don't run the pressure washer without an adequate amount of water. Not having enough water in your unit can cause the pressure to increase too much.

2. Make sure, if you're using a gas pressure washer, that you have fresh gas and oil in it before starting it. Don't use gas that's been sitting in the tank since last season. If you have old gas, add some stabilizer and top it off with fresh gasoline.

3. Check your spark plug for corrosion. If you have a corroded spark plug, it could cause difficulty starting, and inefficiency during use. Replace corroded spark plugs prior to using.

4. Be careful never to plug the nozzle with debris, dirt, or anything else.

5. Keep the spray nozzle open while the unit's running. Leaving it running with the nozzle closed will build up pressure within the hose, and could cause damage.

6. Check the nozzle at the end of your wand to make certain it's locked securely in place.

7. Check the "o rings" on the ends of your high-pressure hose for wear and tear. Damaged “o” rings can cause serious problems including leaking and even injury during use. If one is damaged, replace it before use.

Maintenance After Using:

1. Locate the detergent space and clean it thoroughly with water. Make sure any residue or buildup is rinsed clean and the water running out of the intake is clear.

2. Wash away dirt and grime from the inside of the pressure washer to prevent any erratic behavior.

3. Drain all excess water out before storing. Water left inside can attract insects, grow mold, and produce bacteria.

4. Turn the power to "off" and unplug the unit. Always do this first to avoid injury or damage to the washer.

5. Store your pressure washer somewhere away from the elements where it can stay well ventilated and out of the sun, rain, and snow. Make sure it's not accessible to children who could injure themselves.

Contact us at GZ Industrial Supplies Nigeria Limited, for more information, assistance, consultation, training, and procurement.