Commercial Property Services
Grease and oil stains on commercial pavement surfaces — from restaurant kitchens, vehicle leaks, and food service operations — are among the most challenging cleaning problems for commercial property managers. They're also among the most important: oil-soaked pavement is a slip hazard and an environmental liability.
Hot water pressure washing with degreaser: the standard approach for commercial grease removal. Hot water (140-180°F) combined with an alkaline degreasing agent breaks down grease and fat molecules. Multiple passes are typically needed for heavy accumulations.
Industry Best Practices
Pre-treatment: applying concentrated degreaser directly to stained areas and allowing dwell time (15-30 minutes) before pressure washing significantly improves results. Agitating with a stiff brush during dwell time further breaks down the grease bond to the surface.
Restaurant drive-throughs and patios: these areas require monthly or even weekly cleaning in active food service operations. Grease accumulation on pavement not only looks poor — it creates genuine slip liability for customers.
How D&D Commercial Services Can Help
Dumpster pad cleaning: dumpster enclosures accumulate biological contamination alongside grease and food waste. Regular cleaning with hot water, degreaser, and sanitizer is both an appearance and a health issue. Many municipalities require dumpster pad maintenance.
Environmental compliance: in Ontario, commercial pressure washing wastewater containing grease and detergents cannot be allowed to flow freely into storm drains. Proper containment and wastewater recovery is required on municipal systems. Ensure your contractor follows proper environmental practices.
Sealing after cleaning: once degreased surfaces are thoroughly clean and dry, applying a penetrating concrete or asphalt sealer helps prevent future stain penetration. This makes subsequent cleanings faster and more effective.