October 16 2020 0Comment
removing-oil-stains-from-concrete

How to Remove Oil Stains from Concrete on Your Commercial Property

Remove oil stains from your property.

As a commercial property owner, you’ll eventually need to deal with oil stains that are caused by vehicles driving through the property and those sitting in the parking lot for long periods of time. What we’re going to be looking at today is how you can effectively remove oil stains from concrete and the importance of sealcoating to prevent future problems.

Why Oil Stains on Concrete Should Be Removed

Although the primary function of concrete is to provide a durable surface as part of your commercial property, you must keep in mind that aesthetics plays an important role in how you’re viewed as a business. If your parking lot and other areas of your property that use concrete are marred by multiple oil stains, visitors will see that as unprofessional. This may seem inconsequential in the grand scheme of things, but if you don’t remove oil from concrete on your property, the damage will reflect badly on your company.

Techniques to Remove Oil Stains from Concrete

It can sometimes be difficult to remove oil stains from concrete, but there are a few different methods that you can try. At the very least, you’ll be able to reduce the appearance until you can hire a professional to fix the problem. Here are a few popular techniques:

  • Granulated kitty litter — This tried-and-true method is a favorite amongst many homeowners, and it will also work for commercial properties, especially if the oil is fresh.
  • Powered laundry detergent — Mixed with a paste, laundry detergent can work quite well. What you want to do is spread it over the stain, allow it to stay there a while, and then use a scrub brush and rinse it off.
  • Grease-cutting dish soap — Using these types of dish detergents and a stiff broom can often be effective on removing oil stains.
  • Full-strength bleach — Your results may vary, but some people swear by the use of full-strength bleach to remove oil stains from concrete.
  • Coca-Cola — Everyone probably knows by now that Coca-Cola can clean toilets, but it can also be effective on oil stains. Let it soak for a while and then scrub it down.

Professional Sealcoating to Prevent Oil Stains

Professional sealcoating will create a barrier on the surface of your commercial property’s concrete that will repel liquids, including oil. This makes it much easier to remove oil from concrete, either with the methods listed above or without, depending on the stain’s severity and how long it’s been there. Plus, sealcoating will give you these benefits as well:

  • Better appearance — Concrete that has gone through the sealcoating process will always have a newer appearance. This is a great way to keep your business looking clean and professional.
  • Slows Deterioration — Exposure to the air, sun, and weather elements causes concrete to deteriorate. Sealcoating helps slow down this process.
  • Prevents Water Intrusion — When water seeps into the cracks of aging concrete, it exacerbates the damage. When sealcoating is done, these cracks are filled in, with keeps water out.
  • Easier cleaning — Sweeping dirt and debris from concrete can be a little tough because the broom can get stuck. Sealcoating creates a smoother surface, which makes the job a lot easier.
  • Extends lifespan — Concrete is durable, but it must be well-maintained. With the benefits listed above you get from sealcoating, it can last up to 15 years and sometimes longer.

Contact Parking Lot Services to Remove Oil Stains from Concrete

If you want to keep your parking lot looking its best, it’s important that you learn how to remove oil stains from concrete and how to prevent future problems with the use of professional sealcoating. Parking Lot Services has spent years becoming the most trustworthy company to handle parking lot repair, asphalt repair, concrete repair, asphalt paving services, and asphalt sealcoating in Tampa. If you have any questions about our services or would like to receive a free estimate, call us at (813) 543-6322 today.