Your car needs regular maintenance. However, maintenance outside of car maintenance, such as car garage floors, has received less attention. While oil spills are an unwanted side effect of owning a car, these risks can be prevented and minimized.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Absorbing Freshly Spilled Oil
Step 1. Soak up oil spills with coconut fiber (coconut coir is safer than sand/clay that absorbs cat litter)
Pour coconut coir over the oil spill as well as around it so it doesn't spread further. Use a brush to slide the coconut coir and absorb all of the oil spill.
Check the safety and health information of any absorbent product before using it. Some of these ingredients may be harmful if inhaled
Step 2. Discard the coconut husks
- If you spill a lot of oil, buy a waste oil can. These cans have holes so that the absorbent or cloth you use can dry faster.
- Do not try to flush the spilled oil. Vehicle oil can damage crops and contaminate sewers. If the oil is not completely absorbed, splashing water can actually cause the spill to expand.
Step 3. Spray dish soap over the stain
Usually, the oil that has been absorbed by the sand will leave a small stain on the concrete surface. Spray regular dish soap over this stain.
- If the stain is too dark or large, you can try the methods described in the Old Oil Stains section.
- A degreaser can also be used for this.
Step 4. Add hot water
Pour a little hot water and mix it into the soap so that the soap can be poured easily. Pour this mixture over the oil stain until the soap covers the entire stain like a thin layer.
Step 5. Brush the entire stained area
You will have to work hard to get the soap all over the oil-affected surface, especially if the oil has soaked in. Scrub with a stiff brush until the soap releases a lot of lather.
Do not use a wire brush as it can scratch the concrete surface
Step 6. Absorb the brushed surface after 10–60 minutes
Wait at least 10 minutes for the soap to remove the oil or up to 60 minutes for heavy stains. When ready, absorb the dirty soapy liquid using sand, tissue or disposable absorbent foam. Dispose of materials that have been oiled in the same way you would dispose of sand containing waste oil described earlier.
- Press a tissue or foam directly over the soap to remove the soapy liquid. Don't rub it on the floor.
- If the liquid soap is difficult to remove, dilute it with warm or hot water. Absorb all the water before the water runs and carry the oil pollution to the ground or sewer.
Step 7. Repeat if necessary
Oil spill cleaning often needs to be repeated two or three times to completely remove the oil from the surface. If the stain still looks dark or doesn't go away after scrubbing, try using a special product as described below.
You do not need to repeat the absorption of oil with sand. Just repeat cleaning with soap
Method 2 of 3: Using Commercial Products
Step 1. Brush with an alkaline degreaser
The product, which is sold as “concrete cleaning liquid”, is essentially a harsh soap sold in concrete-making distributors. This material is usually not suitable for non-porous concrete or areas with heavy oil stains. Here is how to apply this product:
- Dilute with water according to the directions for use (skip this section for heavy stains).
- Apply over the stain.
- Rub vigorously for a few minutes.
- Leave the floor for a few hours.
- Press off excess liquid with a rag or lift with a wet industrial vacuum cleaner.
Step 2. Clean with a cleaning liquid that contains enzymes or microbes
One of the latest ways to clean oil is to decompose it with enzymes or microbes. This method of cleaning with these ingredients is quite effective if you can find products like these that are specially formulated for oil products. Look for a building store or online store that provides a supply of room cleaning materials. To clean a stain, simply pour the cleaner over the oil and leave it on for a few days or a few weeks.
- You can use a general enzymatic degreaser, although for best results you should use a product that says your specific oil (such as engine oil) on the label.
- Read the label for instructions for use. While some products require water or require scrubbing, most products can clean without other additives.
- Maybe after the cleaning product is applied, there will be no oil left on the surface. If there is residue, read the instructions for use to find out how to dispose of the remaining waste. This type of residual waste is usually harmless and the water used to clean up this residue can be discharged into the ground or sewers.
Method 3 of 3: Mixing Poultry
Step 1. Try using a poultice for stubborn stains
Homemade poultice is usually a strong cleaning agent and using it can save you money. A poultice can be used to remove stubborn old stains, but it will take a little effort to mix and apply this material over a large area.
Step 2. Take security measures
Poultices contain hazardous materials which may be flammable, harmful by inhalation or corrosive. Read the safety instructions on the solvent chemical label before opening this product. At a minimum, you should apply this product in a well-ventilated area and wearing rubber gloves. Keep children and your pets away from the garage that is being cleaned with these materials.
Some chemicals may be banned in your area, especially sodium orthophosphate (or trisodium phosphate). Check local regulations or check with environmental agencies before ordering solvent chemicals from other regions or countries
Step 3. Select a solvent chemical
Poultices also contain chemical solvents that can break down the oil. The following is a selection of chemical solvents in order from the most common and mild to the most specific and strong.:
- Acetone
- Paint solvent or lacquer thinner
- mineral spirits
- 0.6 kg sodium orthophosphate in 3.8 liters of water (Very corrosive to skin. Use when there is no other option.)
- Note: test it by testing a few parts.
Step 4. Mix with absorbent ingredients to form a paste
To turn the chemical solvent into a poultice, mix it with the absorbent powder until it forms a thick paste that resembles the texture of peanut butter. You can also mix it with these easy-to-find ingredients:
- Baking soda, flour or powdered sugar (less effective but easy to get).
- Sand, diatomaceous earth, kaolin, or talcum powder (usually more effective).
- Whiting lime or fuller's earth (only for chemical solvents that do not contain acid. Lime is recommended for use with sodium orthophosphate.)
Step 5. Test by applying a poultice to one corner of your garage
The chemical solvents used may damage the surface layer of your concrete. Apply a small amount of poultice to the hidden areas on the floor. Wait for it to dry. If your floor is damaged, make a new poultice using another chemical solvent.
Step 6. Apply the poultice
Apply the poultice paste over the oil stain. Ideally, the paste should cover the entire stain in a layer of at least 0.6 mm thick. Apply it slightly beyond the outline of the stain to make sure all the stain is covered with paste.
Step 7. Leave it for 24-48 hours
Most poultices take this long to dry. If the poultice dries before this time period (usually a poultice made of mineral spirits dries quickly), scrape the poultice and apply a new poultice. Keep doing the same thing until the 24 hour period has elapsed.
Step 8. Scrub with plain water
Brush clean the dry poultice, then brush the stained area with water. Dispose of the poultice in accordance with local hazardous waste disposal regulations.
Step 9. Repeat if necessary
The poultice cleaning method needs to be repeated two or three times for stubborn stains. If there is almost no change in the stain, try a different cleaning fluid or commercial product.
Tips
- If you have a pressurized cleaning spray, use a chemical to mitigate the hydrocarbons then use a brush with hard bristles and rinse with a pressurized cleaning spray. Remember, if possible, HOT water (up to 88 degrees Celsius) will help a lot.
- If oil leaks in your car, sprinkle sand on the garage floor until the leak in your car is repaired.
- This method is intended to remove engine oil although it can also be used for other types of oil. If you are unable to remove a natural oil stain such as linseed oil, cover it with a cloth soaked in 1 part 3% hydrogen peroxide and 10-15 parts water. Cover the cloth with another cloth soaked in 3% ammonia commonly used for household purposes.
