How to Clean Oil Spills From a Garage Floor

Old oil stain on bare concrete

Oil spots on garage floors make a mess. If the floor is painted, cleanup would seem to be a simple matter of wiping the spill from the floor, except that there's still an oily film where the puddle once was. Bare concrete floors seems to absorb some of the oil, so wiping the spill up is even less effective, leaving an ugly dark spot on the floor. Dealing with the removal of this spot can be challenging.

Things You'll Need

• Speedi-Dry or other absorbent clay product
• Brake and parts cleaner

Instructions

1. Sweep the floor in the area to be cleaned.

2. 

   Using a spray brake parts cleaner, such as that sold under the Parts Master brand name, liberally spray the oil spot until a puddle forms.

3. 

   Allow the parts cleaner to soak for a few seconds, but do not let it dry.

4. 

   Quickly cover the puddle completely with Speedi-Dry. Allow the Speedi-Dry to stay on the puddle for one minute and then sweep it up. In many cases you will be able to reuse the Speedi-Dry for another spot.

5. 

   Look at the spot to make sure it has all been removed. You will likely find the area of where the spot was to now be cleaner than the rest of the floor. Repeat the process for any stubborn traces of the initial oil spot.

Tips & Warnings

• Any brand of brake and parts cleaner will work for this cleanup process. The materials for this project can be found at any automotive parts store.

• Use spray brake cleaner in well-ventilated areas and away from any source of ignition.