Managing fuel supply is not just about timely delivery. It is about what happens after the fuel enters the tank. Over time, diesel stored in tanks begins to degrade. Water, microbes, and sediment accumulate at the bottom of the tank, even in well-maintained systems. This creates the risk of fuel contamination, which can damage equipment, clog filters, and reduce overall performance.

That is where using a fuel tank cleaner becomes part of a smart, preventative fuel strategy. It helps keep storage systems healthy, engines protected, and fuel systems ready when needed.

What is a fuel tank cleaner?

A fuel tank cleaner is a chemical treatment designed to break down and remove contaminants from the inside of diesel storage tanks. These contaminants include microbial growth, water, varnish, rust, and accumulated sludge. The cleaner works by loosening deposits from the tank walls and breaking up the settled layer at the base.

When applied correctly, a fuel tank cleaner will:

Break down sludge and biofilm
Disperse trapped water into the fuel for safe combustion
Remove varnish or resin from internal surfaces
Prevent corrosion or scale buildup
Stabilise stored fuel over time

This kind of product is often used ahead of fuel polishing or during routine maintenance. It can also be used when fuel problems are first identified, allowing for proactive management before more intensive cleaning is required.

Why tanks become contaminated

Contamination inside diesel tanks happens gradually and often goes unnoticed. Small amounts of water enter the tank through condensation. Even tanks with sealed lids can experience this, especially in environments with temperature fluctuations. When water settles at the bottom, it creates a layer where microbes begin to grow.

These microbes feed on the diesel and produce acidic byproducts, which form sludge and accelerate corrosion.

Sediment can also result from fuel degradation. Over time, diesel forms particulate matter, which settles and combines with microbial growth. This can reduce combustion quality and block filters or injectors.

In many cases, these contaminants are not visible until the tank is stirred during refuelling, causing particles to be drawn into the fuel system. The result is a chain of issues that affects equipment reliability, performance, and fuel economy.

Even clean fuel needs clean tanks

One of the most common misconceptions is that clean diesel guarantees clean performance. But once that fuel is inside a contaminated tank, its quality declines. Sludge, moisture, and microbial contamination from the tank interior compromise the fuel before it even reaches the engine.

This is why fuel quality is not just about supply. It is also about storage.

WA Refuelling provides dependable fuel delivery services across Perth, ensuring diesel arrives on time and in prime condition. But fuel quality also depends on the state of the tank receiving it. That is why we help clients understand when to use fuel tank cleaners, how to maintain tanks between deliveries, and what signs to look out for when contamination may be present.

When should a tank be treated?

There are several indicators that suggest a diesel tank could benefit from treatment with a fuel tank cleaner. These include:

The tank has not been cleaned in over a year
Water is visible at the bottom of the tank
Fuel appears cloudy or contains suspended particles
Filters are clogging more frequently
There is a noticeable odour from the fuel
Sludge is present in drained samples
Engines or generators have trouble starting after idle periods

Even if performance has not yet been affected, addressing contamination early can prevent larger, more expensive problems. Regular maintenance with a tank cleaner reduces the need for emergency repairs and lowers the risk of downtime.

Integrating cleaners into your maintenance schedule

Fuel tank cleaners are most effective when used as part of an ongoing fuel management plan. On their own, they can improve tank hygiene and fuel quality. Combined with other services, such as polishing, testing, and inspection, they help form a complete picture of fuel system health.

At WA Refuelling, we work with commercial and industrial clients to provide coordinated services that include:

Bulk and on-site diesel delivery
Mobile refuelling for fleets and equipment
Tank monitoring and inspection
Fuel polishing for stored diesel
Guidance on fuel tank cleaning and treatment intervals

This approach ensures fuel is delivered into tanks that are ready for use, reducing risks to both fuel quality and the systems it supports.

Who benefits most from tank cleaning?

While any business storing diesel can benefit from using a fuel tank cleaner, some sectors face higher consequences when fuel quality is compromised. These include:

Hospitals and aged care facilities with emergency power systems
Construction sites with high-demand machinery
Data centres and telecommunications infrastructure
Industrial operations with bulk fuel storage
Facilities with seasonal diesel use or long idle periods

In all of these settings, system failure due to contaminated fuel can be costly or dangerous. Cleaning tanks and conditioning stored fuel supports operational continuity, safety, and compliance.

Supporting compliance and safety

Fuel storage comes with responsibilities. Australian standards for fuel storage and handling require regular maintenance to prevent environmental risk and ensure operational safety. A poorly maintained tank can leak, corrode, or produce hazardous vapours.

Using a fuel tank cleaner is a practical way to support your compliance strategy. It helps maintain tank integrity, reduces the build-up of flammable residues, and keeps your storage system within operating standards.

By scheduling tank treatments alongside regular servicing or fuel delivery, businesses can avoid reactive maintenance and meet their obligations more easily.

Fuel system health starts with WA Refuelling

Fuel delivery is only one part of the equation. To get the best performance from diesel, the storage environment must also be maintained. A fuel tank cleaner helps address the invisible risks inside tanks, supporting fuel efficiency, equipment reliability, and long-term cost savings.

WA Refuelling supports businesses across Perth with professional advice, practical services, and timely delivery. We understand the role that clean fuel systems play in powering essential operations, and we’re here to help keep yours running. Don’t let tank contamination compromise performance. Explore our full range of fuel delivery services or call (08) 9359 1988 to speak with our team about a tailored solution.