How to Clean Up an Oil-based Spill

Oil-based spills and stains can be difficult to clean or remove because of the properties of oil. Oil leaves surfaces slippery, and cleaning it with plain water won't work. Cleaning methods vary based on the type of material, but most involve using an absorbent material first to soak up as much oil as possible before washing. These common materials make cleaning an oil spill more manageable, especially if there is a large quantity of oil. Clean up oil-based spills as soon as possible to prevent staining and fall hazards.

Things You'll Need

• Corn starch
• Salt
• Soft-bristled brush
• Paper towels
• Dry-cleaning solvent
• Grease-cutting dish detergent
• Sawdust
• Kitty litter
• Broom
• Dustpan
• Dry cement
• Oven cleaner
• Cloths
• Rubbing alcohol
• Flour

Instructions

Fabric or Clothing

1. Apply absorbent material, such as corn starch or salt, to the oil stain. Use enough to cover the oil. Allow it to work for two minutes.

2. Brush the absorbent material off the fabric with a soft-bristled brush.

3. Turn the fabric inside out and place the stained area over a paper towel.

4. Pre-treat the stain with enough drops of grease-cutting dish detergent to cover the stain and wash the item according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Concrete

1. Place enough sawdust or kitty litter over the stain to cover it completely. Allow it to remain for one day.

2. Sweep away the sawdust or kitty litter and throw it away with a dustpan.

3. Pour dry cement onto the stain and let it stay there for one day.

4. Sweep the cement and throw it away. If the stain remains, spray the concrete with oven cleaner and allow it to sit for two hours.

5. Wipe away the oven cleaner with a damp cloth.

Carpet

1. Apply rubbing alcohol or dry cleaning solvent to a paper towel.

2. Blot the stain with the paper towel to remove the oil stain. Start at the outside edge of the stain and work your way in toward the center.

3. Repeat the cleaning process as often as needed to completely remove the stain. It may take more than one attempt.

Hard Floor

1. Apply enough salt, flour, cornstarch or kitty litter to the oil to cover and absorb it. Allow it to work for two or three minutes.

2. Sweep the absorbent material into a dustpan and throw it away.

3. Wipe the floor with a damp cloth or paper towels and 2 or 3 drops of grease-cutting dish detergent.

4. Rinse the floor with a clean, damp cloth or paper towels.

5. Dry the floor with a clean cloth or paper towels.

References

• Mrs. Clean: Tips on Oil & Grease Stain Removal