How to Clean an Oil Pan

Used car oil in an oil pan is actually considered a toxic substance because it is full of dirt and broken down chemicals that--when ingested or even allowed to remain on a person's skin for a long time--can cause severe and adverse effects. Therefore, when changing oil and allowing it to run into an oil pan, always wear gloves. The same remains true when cleaning one as well.

You can easily clean an oil pan using the many automotive solvents on the market that are specifically used to clean up used motor oil. However, you can also make your own solvent at home using milder--yet equally effective--chemicals. Since we are going to be using soap to clean the pan, the oil will actually be broken down much like grease from dishes. Therefore, cleaning an oil pan can be done in any laundry sink and the resulting soapy water can be flushed down the drain.

Things You'll Need

• Pair of gloves
• 5-gallon bucket filled with water, hot water works best
• Bristle brush
• Dish washing detergent
• Hose
• Bucket of water

Instructions

1. Make your washing solution. Pour two cups of dish washing detergent into your bucket of hot water. The bucket should have at least 3 gallons of water in it.

2. Wash the oil pan. Fill up the oil pan with your soapy water mix. Using your brush, scrub hard over all the areas inside and outside of the oil pan.

3. Rinse the area with either a hose or your clean bucket of water. Rinse it one more time than you think is necessary.

4. Make sure that you get all of the soap and the oily, grimy residue out of the pan. If there is any left, you need to repeat Steps 1 to 3.

5. Allow the pan to dry. You can wipe it off with clean rags or you can let it air dry if the day is warm and dry. Once it is completely dry, replace the pan in your car.

Tips & Warnings

• Since you are breaking down the oil using the dish detergent, it is unlikely that you would harm any animals with the runoff. However, if you wash your oil pan outside, you should avoid getting the water on grass or plantings since the soap and residue will not be good for the plants. Also, you should discourage animals from drinking the water directly from the bucket or the pan.

• Always wear gloves when dealing with oil pans to protect your hands and arms.

References

• Basic Information on Oil Pans