Will a Pressure Washer Remove Oil From Asphalt?

Yes, a pressure washer will remove oil from asphalt, but it depends on the pressure washer. If you have a very powerful pressure washer, it can remove oil stains from asphalt. However, if you have a weaker pressure washer, it may not be able to remove the stain completely.

Also, keep in mind that using a pressure washer to remove oil stains from asphalt can damage the asphalt if you’re not careful. So, if you’re not sure how to use a pressure washer, it’s best to hire a professional to do the job for you.

How to remove oil from asphalt with a pressure washer

If you have a pressure washer that is powerful enough, you can remove oil stains from asphalt.

Whether the oil stains are extensive or a large part of your driveway needs cleaning due to general grime & dirt buildup, you should consider a pressure washer surface cleaner. It will leave your driveway uniformly clean, where using a wand or pressure gun might leave wave marks.

If your surface is more or less clean and you’re just trying to remove an errant oil stain, a wand attached to your pressure washer hose can work.

First, wet the area with the stain. Then, apply a degreaser to the stain and let it sit for a few minutes.

Next, use the pressure washer to blast away the degreaser and oil stain. You may need to apply the degreaser and pressure wash a few times to remove the stain completely.

When using a pressure washer to remove oil stains from asphalt, it’s important to use the lowest setting possible. This will help prevent damage to the asphalt. Also, be sure to hold the nozzle of the pressure washer at least 12 inches away from the surface of the asphalt. If you get too close, you could damage the asphalt.

Once you’ve removed the oil stain, it’s important to clean the area where the stain was. This will help prevent new stains from forming.

First, sweep away any debris or dirt that might be on the asphalt. You can then then, use the pressure washer to clean the area with a mild detergent. Be sure to use a detergent that is designed for pressure washers.

You can also use dish detergent. Just be sure to dilute it with water before putting it in your pressure washer. A good rule of thumb is 1/3 cup of dish soap per gallon of water.

For more information on detergents & general cleaning with pressure washers, check out our article on how to use soap in a pressure washer.

After you’ve cleaned the area, it’s a good idea to apply a sealer to the asphalt. This will help protect it from future stains and damage.

How a pressure washer can damage asphalt?

You may think concrete is invincible, but it actually can be eroded by water over time. Just look at the Grand Canyon!

If you use a pressure washer that is too powerful, it can damage the asphalt. The high-pressure water can erode the surface of the asphalt and cause it to become weak and brittle. Maybe not after one cleaning, but over time you might notice your asphalt will start to deteriorate. If you’re not careful, you could end up damaging your asphalt.

When using a pressure washer to remove oil stains from asphalt, it’s important to use the lowest setting possible. This will help prevent damage to the asphalt. Also, be sure to hold the nozzle of the pressure washer at least 12 inches away from the surface of the asphalt. If you get too close, you could damage the asphalt

Should you use an electric or gas pressure washer to remove oil from a driveway?

If you’re going to use a pressure washer to remove oil stains from asphalt, it’s important to choose the right type of pressure washer.

There are two main types of pressure washers: electric and gas. Electric pressure washers are less powerful than gas pressure washers.

However, they’re also much lighter and easier to maneuver. If you’re not sure how to use a pressure washer, an electric pressure washer might be a better choice.

Gas pressure washers are more powerful than electric pressure washers. They’re also heavier and more difficult to maneuver.

However, if you know how to use a pressure washer, a gas pressure washer might be a better choice. It will be more powerful and can remove stubborn oil stains more easily.

Either way, make sure you’re using the lowest setting possible to prevent damage to the asphalt.

Are some oils harder to remove from concrete than others?

Unless you’re doing a lot of block party BBQing in your driveway, the most common type of oil you’ll find staining your driveway is motor oil.

Not all motor oils are created equal! Some motor oils are more difficult to remove than others. For example, synthetic motor oil is easier to remove than regular motor oil.

The main difference between synthetic and regular motor oil is the way they are made. Regular motor oil is made from crude oil that is refined to create the finished product.

Synthetic motor oil, on the other hand, is man-made. It’s created using a chemical process that starts with basic molecules and builds them up to create the finished product.

Due to its chemistry, synthetic motor oil is less likely to form sludge and deposits. This can keep engines cleaner and running more smoothly. It also prevents it from staining your driveway in such a way that makes it harder to remove the way regular motor oil does.

If you’re trying to remove a tough stain, you may need to repeat the steps above more than once.

Something to note: if you are trying to remove an cooking oil stain, that might be harder to remove than motor oil. So if you’re cleaning asphalt in your backyard under your gas BBQ, be prepared to repeat the cleaning steps above once or twice to remove the stain.

If you’re still having trouble removing the oil stain, you may need to call a professional.

Hiring a professional to clean oil from your asphalt

If you’re not sure how to use a pressure washer, it’s best to hire a professional to do the job for you. A professional will know how to safely and effectively use a pressure washer to remove oil stains from asphalt. They will also be able to apply a sealer to the asphalt to help protect it from future stains.

What kind of professionals are experts with pressure washers?

Most pressure washer manufacturers have a list of authorized dealers and service centers on their website. You can also find pressure washer experts by searching online or in your local yellow pages. Try searching on Yelp or Google for pressure washing service.

Often painters, handymen, and window washing companies employ people who can provide expert pressure washing service. When searching for a pressure washer expert, be sure to read reviews and compare prices before hiring someone.

A Useful Video on How to Remove Oil From a Driveway with a Pressure Washer

Conclusion

Yes, a pressure washer can remove oil from asphalt. However, it’s important to choose the right type of pressure washer and use the lowest setting possible to prevent damage to the asphalt. Some oils are more difficult to remove than others, so you may need to repeat the steps above more than once. If you’re still having trouble removing the oil stain, you may need to call a professional.