Does your driveway, garage, or other concrete pad have an oil stain? These messes are unsightly and can potentially be hazardous.
Whether it happens because of a leaky car or a tipped-over oil canister, it should be addressed right away. Cleaning up the mess sooner rather than later drastically reduces the chance of a permanent mark.
Oil spills that are not cleaned up over time can actually break down or weaken concrete. Not to mention, it lowers the risk of tracking the oil throughout your home and carpet. Here are some easy-to-follow tips for cleaning up even the messiest oil spills.
1. Absorb the Excess
First, you will want to absorb the excess oil before spraying your hose down the area. Water and oil do not mix, which makes diluting the oil nearly impossible. Instead, grab your kitty’s litter or some sawdust and let it sit for a day. Don’t be fooled by products aimed at oil absorption. These are usually just made up of litter or sawdust and sold at a much higher price. Sawdust and kitty litter are inexpensive yet are very effective. After a day’s time, use your push broom and dustpan to dispose of the litter or sawdust. Now the stain is ready to be scrubbed.
2. Attack the Stain
Before you head to your local hardware store to pick up an oil cleaner, you should try a gentler, more eco-friendly and wallet-friendly approach.
Head to your kitchen and grab your dish soap, a firm bristled brush, and a bucket of hot water. Get the stain wet and pour some dish soap across the stain. Use your brush and some elbow grease to work the soap all over the stain’s surface. Let the soap sit for a bit, rinse, and then repeat. Let this sit for an hour to give the dish soap time to break down the oil. Once you rinse, hopefully, your stain is almost gone, if not entirely gone.
For stains that have been there longer or if the dish soap method failed, try a more potent cleaning substance. Follow the instructions on the packaging carefully. Pro tip: These types of cleaners can also work well for cleaning greasy tools, parts, or anything that needs cleaning. They can even be used in the laundry in some cases, but we suggest proceeding with caution.
3. Avoid Future Messes
Oil spills happen and are sometimes inevitable. It is wise to keep some sawdust or kitty litter on hand for the unexpected mess. It is best to be prepared.
If you have a leaky car or work with oil regularly, you may want to consider a protective mat for under your car or even a full-sized garage mat. You may also want to consider a protective epoxy coating for your garage floor. Oil spills won’t stain and are quickly cleaned up with a rag or paper towels. For a more cost-efficient fix, cardboard is a good choice, though it doesn’t look as good.
