It’s happened to the best of us – oil smudging on our clothes or leaking in the garage. Before working with motor oil, it’s important to understand how tough it is to remove from a surface. It can stain anything from concrete to the T-shirt on your back. That’s why it’s important to use oil drip pans to catch the oil as it leaks. However, if an accident does occur, here’s how to remove the stain:
From Clothes
Remove Excess Oil
No matter how significant the oil stain is, the first step is to remove any excess oil that has not already been absorbed. One method is to use an instrument with a sharp edge to steadily push the oil into a container marked for oil. Another approach involves soaking the oil-stained fabric in a bucket full of hot water and then squeezing out as much oil as possible.
Cover with Cornstarch
Cornstarch is a powerful resource that can draw out the moisture from an oil stain. Sprinkle it onto the affected area and let it sit for an hour or more to find the best result. Other powder-like substances, such as baking soda, may also get the job done.
Wash with a Stain Remover
Liquid soaps were invented to fight grease, so we recommend washing your clothes with dish soap and laundry detergent. Apply the stain remover to the article of clothing, let it sit on the stain for a few minutes, and start scrubbing with a brush before throwing it in the washing machine.
Hire a Professional
After all of that work, if the stain still won’t come out, take your clothes to a professional laundromat. Places like this are more than capable of handling your issue. If they can’t remove the stain, it’s time to repurpose that item specifically for vehicle maintenance or yardwork.
From Concrete
Absorb the Puddles
Immediately following an oil spill on concrete, break out the cat litter, an old towel, or even sawdust. All of these have the ability to absorb as much liquid as possible. While the cat litter and sawdust can be scooped up by a dust pan the next day, an old towel should be placed in a secure container and disposed of through a waste management facility. Remember – oil is flammable.
Wash with Soap and Water
Liquid dish soap and water will work to remove the oil from concrete similar to the way it works on pots and pans in the kitchen. For maximum effectiveness, utilize a hose or pressure washer on the affected area. The stronger the water pressure, the less time and effort that you will have to put in.
Hire a Professional
If you don’t own a pressure washer or the entire process just isn’t going your way, hire someone who will come to you and do the work. This may even be the perfect excuse to have your property’s deck or siding pressure washed as well.
Home Service Oil is in the business of delivering oil, fuels, and gasoline, so we’ve dealt with a stain or two in the past. The key to addressing your problem is to act sooner rather than later! The same goes for when your farm, construction site, or commercial building is running low on fuel. Contact us today at 1-800-467-5044 to find out more or to request our services.