It is entirely possible to remove grease with a pressure washer. However, using a pressure washer alone is often not enough. You need the right tools, detergents, and techniques to remove grease and oil stains effectively.
Why Should You Remove Grease With a Pressure Washer?
Removing grease and oil stains is important for several practical, safety, and aesthetic reasons. First, grease and oil stains can cause long-term damage. These pollutants can penetrate porous surfaces such as wood and concrete, making it harder to remove them after a while. Moreover, allowing grease and oil stains to fester can weaken the integrity of certain materials, causing them to degrade.
Another reason to remove grease and oil stains is safety. These pollutants can make surfaces extremely slippery, making it more likely for people to slip and fall. They can also become fire hazards, as oil and grease are both flammable materials. Beyond that, oil and grease stains can harbor germs, making them breeding grounds for bacteria.
Aesthetically, grease and oil stains can have a profoundly negative impact on curb appeal. They can attract all sorts of dirt and debris. Additionally, the mere appearance of oil and grease stains on your driveway, siding, or patio can significantly affect property value.
Can You Pressure Wash Grease?
A pressure washer is a great cleaning tool, even in the case of grease and oil stains. If you want to facilitate grease removal without too much effort, a pressure washer can make quick work of these stains. However, a pressure washer alone is often not enough to remove oil and grease. Typically, you would need to accompany it with a degreaser. In addition, it is best to use hot water or even a steam-pressure washer, as the high temperature tends to work better for grease removal.
How to Remove Grease With a Pressure Washer
Removing grease using a pressure washer is entirely possible, but poor tools and techniques can make things worse. It is important to understand the steps that go into grease removal, especially if this is the first time you’ve ever done it with a pressure washer.
Here’s how to remove grease with a pressure washer.
1. Choose the Right Pressure Washer
The first thing you should do is choose the right pressure washer. Aim for something between 2000 PSI (for light grease) and 3000 PSI (for heavy grease). If it’s available, it’s best to opt for a hot water pressure washer. Hot water breaks down grease more effectively than cold water, so it will take you less time to remove the stain.
2. Select an Appropriate Detergent
Pressure washing grease requires the appropriate degreaser. This type of detergent is specifically designed for pressure washers and for grease removal. Make sure to avoid using harsh chemicals as these might damage the surface of your wood or cement. Moreover, they are bad for the environment.
3. Prepare the Area
The next step is to prepare the area. Make sure to clear the space of any loose debris or other items that could be damaged by the water or detergent. Pressure washers are very powerful, and the force of the water can blast objects and even cause injuries. This is also the best time to cover any plants with a tarp to avoid pouring detergent over them.
If you’re working indoors, make sure you have proper drainage and ventilation. However, whether you’re outside or inside, wearing protective gear such as goggles and gloves is crucial.
4. Apply Degreaser
The key to pressure washing oil stains effectively is the degreaser. Using the detergent nozzle, apply the degreaser liberally to the affected area. Make sure to cover it completely. Allow the detergent to sit for 5 to 10 minutes (or for however long the manufacturer instructs). This will give the detergent time to break down the grease. However, don’t let the degreaser dry on the surface.
5. Use Hot Water (If Possible)
Next, switch to a nozzle with a higher pressure, such as a 25-degree nozzle. If you have a hot water pressure washer, set the temperature to 120°F to 180°F for optimal grease removal. Hot water helps emulsify the grease, making it easier to loosen and remove it.
6. Pressure Wash the Surface
Now, it is time to clean the surface using the pressure washer. Start from the top of the surface, moving your way downward in overlapping strokes. Make sure to maintain a consistent distance of 6 to 12 inches from the surface. This helps control the force of the water and avoid damage. For more stubborn grease or oil stains, make slower passes. Alternatively, you can apply additional detergent and repeat the steps.
7. Work in Sections
It is best to clean the area in small sections. This ensures you cover the whole area thoroughly without drying the degreaser. This technique also helps you keep track of your progress.
8. Rinse Thoroughly
After applying the degreaser and letting it sit, you can then rinse it off using clean water. Make sure to rinse off all the remaining detergent and grease, leaving no residue behind. Keep in mind that any residue can stain the surface, rendering all your efforts useless.
9. Inspect and Repeat if Necessary
If you want to make sure you’ve done a thorough job, check the area for any leftover grease or oil stains. If you do find some, don’t fret. Simply reapply the degreaser detergent and repeat the process until you get the results you want. Once you’re done, allow the surface to dry completely.
10. Dispose of Waste Properly
Finally, don’t forget to clean up after yourself. Collect and dispose of wastewater according to the regulations in your local area. Many local governments have specific requirements when it comes to disposing of water that contains detergent or grease. These regulations help avoid contaminating the environment.
Call the Pros
As you can see, it is possible to remove grease with a pressure washer with the help of a degreaser detergent. However, using the wrong techniques or tools can make the job more difficult. Worse yet, you might end up damaging the surface or causing the grease to spread even more. As such, it is best to enlist the help of a professional pressure washer if you’re inexperienced.
