Arizona driveways take a beating. Between the hot sun, dusty winds, and cars that drip oil, it’s easy for concrete to look stained and worn. Many homeowners wonder: can pressure washing really remove oil stains? The answer depends on the stain, the tools, and the method. But pressure washing is about more than just cleaning—it plays a big role in protecting your home’s value.
Why Pressure Washing Is Important
Pressure washing is one of the easiest ways to keep your home’s outside surfaces looking fresh. A clean driveway, patio, or walkway makes your property stand out and can even boost home value. In fact, Zillow highlights power washing as a top curb-appeal task that helps homes sell faster.
It’s not just about looks. Built-up grime, oil, and dirt can wear down surfaces over time. Pressure washing helps extend the life of your concrete and saves money on repairs in the long run.
Can Pressure Washing Remove Oil Stains?
Yes—but the results depend on how old and deep the stain is.
- Fresh stains: Pressure washing, especially with hot water and the right degreaser, can often remove the mark completely.
- Older stains: Some oil soaks deep into the concrete. In these cases, pressure washing can lighten the stain, but it may not disappear fully without extra treatments.
Hot Water vs. Cold Water Machines
Hot water pressure washers are a game-changer for oil. They heat water up to very high temperatures, which helps break down grease and oil faster than cold water can. The Hotsy guide on hot vs cold pressure washers explains why heat makes such a difference.
Cold-water machines can still help, but they often need stronger chemicals and more time.
DIY Pressure Washing vs. Professional Service
Home pressure washers can help with small or new spots. Most electric units run at 1,200–1,700 PSI. Gas units usually reach 2,000–2,800 PSI, giving you more power. Pairing the right PSI with a degreaser improves results. Family Handyman’s oil-stain guide shares step-by-step methods you can try.
For deep or stubborn stains, professional services are the better choice. Pros use hot water machines, commercial degreasers, and surface cleaners that can reach deeper into concrete.
Should You Seal Your Driveway?
Sealing your driveway after cleaning can protect it from new oil stains. There are two main options:
- Penetrating sealers soak into the concrete. They block some oil and water while still letting the surface breathe.
- Surface sealers create a glossy finish that’s easy to clean but need to be reapplied more often.
Better Homes & Gardens explains sealer types and when to seal. If you’ve struggled with repeat stains, sealing can save time and money down the road.
HOAs and Clean Driveways
If you live in a neighborhood with an HOA, driveway appearance may not just be about pride—it could be about rules. Many HOAs include stain-free driveways in their guidelines. The Community Associations Institute explains how associations create and enforce appearance rules. Always check your CC&Rs before making changes.
The Bottom Line
Pressure washing is important for more than just looks. It helps boost curb appeal, protect your home, and fight back against Arizona’s tough weather and oil stains.
Fresh oil stains often come out with pressure washing. Older stains may need hot water, strong degreasers, and sometimes sealing to prevent future damage.
Ready to Restore Your Driveway?
Don’t waste another weekend scrubbing stains. Contact Velo Property Solutions to schedule hot-water pressure washing that removes tough oil safely and protects your driveway for the long haul.