Case Study: Managing Heavy Grease, Corrosion, and Environmental Compliance in Fleet Washing

by Heath King and Paul Laramee | Published June 2026

 

 

Problem to Address

One of the biggest challenges in fleet washing—especially across eastern North Carolina and similar regions—is removing heavy grease buildup while staying within environmental guidelines.

Through my work and in collaboration with Paul Laramee of Exquisite Finishes Power Washing in Rhode Island, we’ve seen this same issue show up across different regions and fleet types.

Whether it’s tractor-trailers, service trucks, or equipment haulers, these units are exposed daily to the following:

• Diesel soot
• Road film
• Hydraulic oils

Over time that buildup reaches a point where a basic wash process won’t get the job done.

At the same time, increasing attention on runoff and wastewater control means contractors have to be more intentional in how they approach these jobs.

Expanded Risk—Corrosion and Long-Term Damage

In more aggressive climates like the Northeast, fleets face an additional challenge—salt-induced corrosion.

Winter road treatments include such as the following:

• Sodium chloride
• Calcium chloride
• Magnesium chloride

When these are combined with moisture and freeze/thaw cycles, they create one of the most aggressive corrosion environments in the United States.

This leads to the following:

• Rapid rust formation on steel components
• Oxidation on aluminum
• Salt buildup in undercarriages and hydraulic systems
• Increased maintenance costs and reduced equipment lifespan

Key Insight

Salt residues remain active long after application, continuously attracting moisture and accelerating corrosion if not properly neutralized.

Cause of the Problem

From both field experience in North Carolina and long-term operations in the Northeast, the root issues typically come down to the following:

• The types of contaminants fleets are exposed to daily
• Inconsistent or outdated washing methods

Many fleets are maintained using the following:

• Single-step detergents
• Cold water systems

This may improve appearance temporarily, but it doesn’t remove deeper contamination.

Once grease and salt residues bond to the surface, you’re no longer cleaning—you’re just rinsing.

What Happens If It’s Not Addressed

We’ve consistently seen fleets fall into a pattern where the following occur:

• Trucks are washed regularly but never fully cleaned.
• Contaminants continue to build over time.
• Each wash becomes less effective and more time-consuming.
• Corrosion begins to accelerate beneath the surface.
• Environmental risks increase if runoff isn’t controlled.

At that point, the process turns into constant recovery instead of routine maintenance.

Solutions: What’s Changed Over Time

Older Methods

Historically, fleet washing relied on the following:

• Single-step detergents
• Cold water
• Minimal attention to runoff

This approach doesn’t hold up under heavy grease or salt exposure.

Current Best Practice

Through combined field experience, a more structured system delivers consistent results:

• Two-step chemical application (acid followed by alkaline)
• Hot-water washing
• Controlled water flow and runoff awareness
• Salt neutralization where applicable

The two-step process is the biggest difference-maker. It allows multiple contaminant types to be broken down effectively instead of relying on a single product.

The Job: Real-World Application

We were brought in on a fleet of approximately 75 tractor-trailers experiencing heavy grease buildup and inconsistent cleaning results.

Starting Conditions

• Heavy buildup along lower panels and trailers
• Black streaking that wouldn’t come off
• Previous cleaning efforts producing inconsistent results
• Concerns around wash water management

Our Approach

Instead of just washing, we focused on correcting the entire process:

1. Site and Fleet Evaluation

• Identified problem areas
• Evaluated water flow and runoff across the property

2. Two-Step Cleaning Process

• Low pH presoak
• Second step with high pH detergent
• Effective breakdown of grease and road film

3. Hot Water Application

• Increased cleaning efficiency
• Reduced overall wash time

4. Corrosion & Salt Treatment (When Applicable)

• Application of salt neutralizers
• Focus on undercarriages, joints, and hidden areas
• Optional rust inhibitor for high-risk equipment

5. Controlled Washing Technique

• Adjusted methods to manage runoff
• Reduced unnecessary spread of contaminants

6. Ongoing Maintenance Plan

• Established a routine schedule
• Prevented buildup from returning

Results

After initial cleaning and several maintenance cycles, the following were evident:

• Cleaning time per truck decreased
• Grease buildup stopped compounding
• Visible rust formation reduced (where applicable)
• Fleet appearance improved across the board
• Reduced long-term maintenance risks
• Increased customer confidence in fleet reliability

What started as a recovery job became a manageable, repeatable maintenance system.

Key Insights

• Bi-weekly washing can outperform monthly cleaning in high-contamination environments.
• Neutralization is critical—water alone is not sufficient for salt removal.
• Hot water and proper chemistry significantly improve efficiency.
• Preventive maintenance is far more cost-effective than repairs.
• Consistency in process delivers consistency in results.

Follow-Up

The biggest feedback from the customer was consistency. Instead of mixed results, they knew exactly what to expect every time their fleet was washed.

Wrap-Up

Fleet washing has evolved. It’s no longer just about rinsing trucks—it’s about the following:

• Matching the process to the level of contamination
• Addressing both cleanliness and corrosion prevention
• Operating in a way that holds up over time and meets environmental expectations

If your process doesn’t match the problem, you’ll keep chasing the same results.

Author Bio

Heath King is the founder of Quality Pressure Washing and Cleaning Services LLC, established in March 1997. Starting with a $450 Sears Craftsman pressure washer mounted on a 5×10 trailer and pulled by a Chevrolet Lumina, Heath built his business while working through college, balancing residential washing and janitorial services.

He is now a fleet washing contractor based in eastern North Carolina and serves on the board of the PWNA. Working alongside professionals like Paul Laramee, he focuses on practical, field-tested cleaning methods, environmental responsibility, and long-term customer relationships.

Contributing Industry Perspective

Paul M. Laramee is the founder and owner of Exquisite Finishes Power Washing, established in 1988 in Warwick, Rhode Island. A lifelong resident of the area, Paul has decades of hands-on experience in exterior cleaning and property maintenance.

Over the years, he has built Exquisite Finishes into a trusted company serving both residential and commercial clients, with a strong reputation for quality workmanship, reliability, and attention to detail. His long-standing presence in the industry reflects not only his technical expertise, but also his commitment to maintaining high standards across every project.

Beyond his professional work, Paul is a proud father of three and grandfather of three. He continues to live in Warwick, where he remains actively involved in both his business and family life.