How to degrease a workshop floor without the struggle
Oils, grease and tyre marks make workshop floors black and slippery. Here is the professional method with the right degreaser, the right dilutions and the mistakes to avoid.
Why the workshop floor never gets really clean
In a workshop the dirt is different: not dust, but a mix of engine oil, grease and tyre residue compacted by foot traffic. Ordinary detergents slide over it without lifting it and leave the floor even more slippery.
You need a concentrated alkaline degreaser designed for industrial dirt: Rocket is formulated precisely for workshops, garages and mechanical environments, where grease and oil are the daily problem.
The method in 4 steps
1) Remove swarf and coarse dirt with a broom or industrial vacuum. 2) Dilute Rocket from 5% to 20% depending on soiling (maintenance 3–5%, deep clean 10–20%). 3) Spread and leave to act for 5–10 minutes without letting it dry: contact time does 70% of the work. 4) Work with a single-disc machine or stiff deck brush, then vacuum up or rinse with clean water.
For fresh oil stains: absorb first with granules or sawdust, then treat the residual film with neat Rocket on a cloth, 2 minutes contact time and rinse.
Safety: a degreased floor is a safe floor
A film of oil on the floor is the number one slip risk in a workshop. After degreasing, the floor becomes 'grippy' and safe again: it is a safety measure, not just aesthetics. During washing, sign the area and wear non-slip shoes; Lüster safety datasheets can be downloaded in 4 languages from the product page.
Maintenance: 10 minutes that change everything
After the deep clean, maintenance is enough: Rocket at 3–5% once a week, or neutral Painet for quick in-between passes. A maintained floor never goes black again and the deep clean becomes rare. With the IPC scrubber dryer the time is halved and the floor is immediately dry and walkable.
FAQ
Can Rocket be used on concrete, resin and tiles?
Yes: suitable for industrial floors in concrete, cement, porcelain stoneware and alkali-resistant surfaces. On resin and painted floors, first test a hidden corner with a light dilution: strong alkalis can dull some coatings.
How do I remove black tyre marks from the floor?
They are compacted rubber residue: treat with Rocket at 20% or neat in small amounts, 10 minutes contact time and mechanical action with a stiff brush or single-disc machine. Old marks may need two passes.
Single-disc machine or scrubber dryer — which is better for a workshop?
For deep degreasing the single-disc machine with a hard pad is irreplaceable: it lifts compacted dirt. For weekly maintenance the scrubber dryer is faster and leaves the floor dry. In the IPC catalogue you will find both, with a quote within 24 hours.