How to Clean Car Oil From a Garage
If you have a garage, chances are good that you have at least one unsightly oil stain marring your concrete floor, especially if your household includes a handyman or mechanic. Oil stains can create a challenge, because concrete is porous and the oil will penetrate into the surface. The secret is to attack the oil stain as soon as possible, but with persistence, even older stains can often be removed. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Trisodium phosphate
- Nonwire scrub brush
- Bucket
- Old towels or newspapers
- Plastic bag
- Kitty litter
- Broom
- Shop vacuum cleaner (optional)
- Powdered dishwasher or laundry detergent
Instructions
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Sprinkle trisodium phosphate on fresh, wet oil stains. Allow the trisodium phosphate to remain on the stain for up to 30 minutes, then scrub the stain with a sturdy, nonwire brush and hot water. Rinse thoroughly with water. Alternatively, mix a cup of trisodium phosphate in a bucket with a gallon of hot water. Pour the mixture over the oily spot, then allow the mixture to work for 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing.
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Blot up as much oil as possible from older oil stains, using old towels or newspapers, then place the oily paper or towels in a plastic bag. Store the bag outdoors until you can take to a recycling facility, as oily materials create a fire danger. Alternatively, cover the oily spot with clean kitty litter. Use a broom to move the kitty litter around on the oil. Allow the kitty litter to absorb the oil for a few minutes, then sweep up the oily kitty litter or remove the substance with a shop vacuum cleaner.
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Sprinkle powdered dishwasher or laundry detergent directly on old, dried stains. Allow the detergent to sit undisturbed for a few minutes, then pour a small amount of boiling water on the detergent to make a paste. Use a sturdy, nonwire brush to scrub the paste into the oily spot. Allow the paste to remain overnight, then scrub again and rinse.
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Tips & Warnings
Prevent oil stains by placing a vinyl tarp under your vehicle when you change the oil or work on your car. A concrete sealer will also protect your garage floor.
Never use trisodium phosphate on asphalt surfaces.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
