Oil Spill Clean-up

If you are a DIY auto repair mechanic, you know that oil finds a way to spill no matter how careful you are. If you’re a beginner in DIY Auto Repair, you’re probably here because you just learned that lesson the hard way. Relax. Blain’s Farm & Fleet will show you how to clean up an oil spill.

How To Clean Up an Oil Spill

Oil is toxic to the environment. It can pollute top soil and seep into ground water and wells. Always find out what the regulations are in your area that govern what you must do with your used oil and follow them.

Step 1. Remove any objects from the oil spill.

If there are any oil caps, shop rags, or tools in the spilled oil, remove them and wipe them and place them in a container so you can clean them up later.

Step 2. Cover the oil spill with oil absorbent.

Use a generous amount. Put down a layer about one inch thick to start. Wait a minute or so to let the absorbent soak up the oil spill, then stir it around with your foot to get more of the dry absorbent down to the floor.

Step 3. Sweep up the used oil absorbent into a container.

Use a broom, dustpan, and a wide-mouthed container or pail. Don’t throw the absorbent in the trash – call your local recycling center and ask what the rules are for disposing of used oil absorbent.

Step 4. Pour dish soap onto the stain left on the floor.

Make sure to spread it around evenly so it’s covering the whole stain. Let the detergent sit for an hour or two and then add water. Don’t add so much that the soap runs off of the stain. Let the soap and water sit  for another hour or two, and then scrub the area with a brush.

Step 5. Dry up the area with shop towels or more oil absorbent.

Save whatever you use to dry up the soap and water and dispose of it with the first batch of oil dry you swept up.

Repeat steps 4 and 5 until you’re satisfied with the results. You may not be able to remove the oil stain completely. It depends on the oil, the dish soap, how hard you scrub, and how porous the concrete is.

For more vehicle guides and how-to’s, check out Blain’s Farm & Fleet’s Automotive blog.