Glossary
Degreaser
Definition
A degreaser is an alkaline cleaner that breaks the bond between oil or grease and a surface, used on driveways, dumpster pads, and commercial concrete before rinsing.
Oil sits in the pores of concrete, so a surface cleaner alone smears it. A degreaser emulsifies the oil so it lifts out, and it works far better with hot water, which is why oily commercial work usually pairs the two.
For a fresh spill, the degreaser does most of the work; for an old, deep stain, expect multiple applications and manage the customer expectation that decades-old oil may only lighten. Capture and dispose of the oily runoff properly rather than letting it reach a storm drain.