Argent Fuels provides professional fuel tank cleaning and polishing services for commercial and industrial fuel storage systems in the UK. For those storing diesel, biodiesel, and renewable fuels in tanks, it is important to avoid contamination and poor fuel quality, which can cause equipment breakdowns. This means sludge, water and microbial growth need to be managed, and that’s what Argent Fuels can help with.
Whether you manage bulk fuel storage for fleets, backup generators, industrial plant or marine applications, our specialist fuel maintenance services are designed to extend fuel life, improve reliability and minimise operational disruption.
Professional fuel tank cleaning for commercial and industrial use
Professional fuel tank cleaning for commercial and industrial use
When storing fuel in a tank, regular cleaning is essential for maintaining the integrity of the fuel and ensuring the systems that use the fuel continue to run smoothly. This is because over time, fuel tanks can accumulate water, sediment and microbial contamination, which may cause blocked filters, the fuel quality to diminish, and equipment failure. Our fuel tank cleaning service is suitable for a wide range of commercial and industrial applications, including:
- Bulk diesel and biodiesel storage tanks
- Fleet fuel systems
- Industrial and manufacturing sites
- Standby and backup generator fuel tanks
- Marine and commercial fuel installations
Argent Fuels delivers diesel and biodiesel tank cleaning services nationwide, helping businesses maintain safe, reliable fuel storage while reducing unplanned downtime.
What is fuel polishing?
What is fuel polishing?
Our fuel polishing services involve a mechanical process that removes water, sludge, and microbial contamination from stored fuel.
It works by passing the fuel through a filtration system, which removes impurities and often adds stabilising elements. It works to eliminate:
- Water contamination
- Sediment and particulates
- Microbial growth and fuel sludge
Unlike simple filtration, fuel polishing conditions and restores fuel quality, making it suitable for continued use. It is particularly effective for long-term fuel storage where fuel may sit unused for extended periods. This process is relatively non-disruptive because it can be completed while engines are in use and involves restoring existing fuel rather than replacing it, which is cost-effective and more efficient.
Fuel polishing is more of a preventative measure, whereas fuel tank cleaning is needed when contamination levels are higher.
DIESELITE and Biodiesel:
If you’re interested, transitioning on to Dieselite brings the added benefit of using part biodiesel – a natural detergent. It gradually purifies your fuel system, ensuring peak performance. You can use Dieselite to achieve huge CO₂ savings, with no need to modify vehicles and at little to no extra cost. Argent Fuels is one of the UK’s suppliers of blended fuel for your fleet, ranging from B10 to B100, and everything in between.
Fuel polishing services for stored diesel and biodiesel
Fuel polishing services for stored diesel and biodiesel
Our fuel polishing services are designed for businesses that rely on fuel stored for long periods of time. Fuel polishing is especially valuable for:
- Long-term diesel and biodiesel storage
- Backup generators and critical infrastructure
- Emergency power systems
- Seasonal or low-use fuel tanks
We also support biodiesel blends and renewable fuels, which can be more susceptible to water absorption and microbial growth if not properly managed.
Keep your tanks in tip top condition
Take a look at the cleaned interior of the tank on the right to get an idea of what professional tank cleaning services can do.
When should a fuel tank be cleaned or polished?
When should a fuel tank be cleaned or polished?
Fuel tanks can be cleaned or polished at specified intervals as part of a planned maintenance programme, or when there are signs of contamination or degradation. Indicators that a clean or polish is needed include:
- Poor fuel quality or visible contamination
- Repeated filter blockages
- Fuel degradation or odour issues
- Equipment performance problems
- Long periods of fuel storage without turnover
In many cases, fuel polishing is enough to restore fuel quality, whereas, if contamination has settled within the tank itself, a full tank clean may be necessary. Our specialists assess fuel condition first and recommend the most effective approach.
Benefits of fuel tank cleaning and polishing
Regular fuel tank cleaning and polishing is operationally beneficial for commercial and industrial users.
Some of these benefits include:
- Longer fuel storage life
- Less risk of breakdowns and engine damage
- Reduced maintenance and filter replacement costs
- Higher fuel efficiency and reliability
For businesses managing large or critical fuel systems, proactive fuel maintenance is far more cost-effective than reactive repairs.
Our fuel tank cleaning and polishing process
Our fuel tank cleaning and polishing process
As one of the UK’s established fuel tank cleaning companies, Argent Fuels follows a clear, safety-led process:
- Site assessment and fuel condition review
- Fuel condition testing to identify contamination levels
- Tank cleaning or fuel polishing method selection
- Controlled removal or treatment of contaminants
- Safe disposal or treatment of contaminants, in line with current regulations
We avoid unnecessary complexity and focus on delivering the right solution for each site and fuel system.
Take Action Today
Is your tank due for a clean? We understand that tank cleaning can sometimes be overlooked, but it’s an integral part of your fleet’s housekeeping. Click the “Get in touch” button to request a quotation, or get in touch with any queries.
Fuel types and systems we support
You can utilise our fuel polishing and tank cleaning services to support a wide range of fuels and storage systems, including:
- Traditional Diesel
- Biodiesel blends (B10, B20, B30)
- Renewable fuels and HVO
- Static and mobile fuel tanks
When it is needed, we can advise on fuel compatibility, storage best practices and ongoing maintenance for multiple fuel types.
Service coverage across the UK
Argent Fuels provides fuel tank cleaning and fuel polishing services across the UK, supporting commercial and industrial clients nationwide.
Our services are designed for businesses that need a reliable, compliant solution to ensure their fuel continues to support their operations.
Fuel tank cleaning FAQs
What is fuel polishing?
Fuel polishing is the process of decontamination of stored fuels by running them through a filtration system, which removes water, sediment, and microbial contamination. The idea is that the fuel is restored, not discarded.
How often should fuel tanks be cleaned?
This depends on the fuel type, storage conditions and usage. Many commercial systems benefit from inspection or polishing annually, with tank cleaning being carried out when signs of contamination emerge.
What contaminants are removed during fuel polishing?
Fuel polishing removes water, particulates, sludge and microbial growth that can degrade fuel quality and damage equipment.
Is fuel polishing suitable for biodiesel?
Yes. Fuel polishing is particularly important for biodiesel and blended fuels, which can be more prone to water absorption and microbial contamination.
How much does fuel tank cleaning cost?
Fuel tank cleaning costs vary depending on tank size, fuel type and contamination level. We provide clear quotations following an initial assessment.
Do I need tank cleaning if fuel is not being used?
Yes. Stored fuel can degrade over time, especially in low-use or standby systems. Regular inspection and polishing can prevent costly issues.
Request a Quote
Request a tank cleaning quote
If you require professional fuel tank cleaning or fuel polishing services, our specialists are ready to help.
- Commercial volumes supported
- UK-wide service
- Expert fuel maintenance advice
Request a tank cleaning quote or speak to a fuel maintenance specialist to discuss your requirements.