Getting oil spilled on your pavement can make your day go from good to worse in just seconds. If you’re confused, angry, and helpless about what to do next…well, you’ve reached the right place!
Through this blog, let’s take a look at how to get oil out of concrete, what tools we can use to achieve this, and how to soak up oil from concrete pavement. Let’s dig in!
Types of Spills
Before we move on to how to get oil out of concrete, let us understand the types of oil spills that can happen.
- Fresh Oil Stains: These appear dark and oily on the concrete surface. They haven’t penetrated deep yet, making them more susceptible to removal. Fresh oil stains are much more easier to remove and can be cleaned up with minimal effort and products.
- Set-in Oil Stains: These become lighter or even transparent over time. The oil has seeped into the concrete pores, requiring a more aggressive approach. Set-in stains are harder to remove when compared to fresh oil stains. They require much more effort and more products to make sure the pavement is clean.
Essential Tools for Spill Clean-Up
Spill Control Products are a must have when it comes to taking care of oil spills in concrete. Some necessary tools are
- Safety Gear: Wear gloves and eye protection to shield yourself from harsh chemicals. A dust mask is recommended if using powdered absorbents.
- Absorbent Materials: Choose from readily available options like baking soda, cornstarch, or sand. For larger spills, consider using spill absorbent materials.
- Cleaning Agents: Dish soap, laundry detergent, or a concrete degreaser are your primary cleaning solutions. Opt for eco-friendly degreasers if you’re environmentally conscious.
- Scrubbing Tools: A stiff-bristled brush or a broom will help agitate the stain and cleaning agents. A deck scrub brush is ideal for larger areas.
- Water: You’ll need plenty of water for rinsing and diluting cleaning solutions. A hose with a sprayer nozzle is a convenient option.
You will get all these products in an oil spill kit or you can buy individually as per your requirement. Spill control product manufacturer like Spillxorb provides customized oil spill kits specially designed to remove oil spills.
How to Get Oil Out of Concrete; 6 Steps to Follow
Here’s a step-by-step comprehensive action plan to take care of oil spills.
- Contain the spill using Spill Absorbent Socks and blob the oil spill to absorb most of it.
- Once the oil spill is contained and the stain is absorbed, add the contents of spillxorb’s spill absorbent bag to the remaining spill.
- Allow the absorbent to rest on the spill for 15-20 minutes to ensure the absorbing process is completely efficient.
- Once the 20 minutes are up, use a scrubber or a scrubbing tool to remove the mix of absorbent and the oil, and clean the area. If you’re using Spillxorb products, the spilled area will be clean and as good as new!
- If there’s any residual oil, create a cleaning solution with warm water and a few drops of dish soap. Dip your microfiber cloth in the solution and wring it out thoroughly (the cloth should be damp, not soaking). Wipe the affected area to remove any remaining oil residue.
- If necessary, rinse the cleaned area with clean water and a fresh microfiber cloth to remove any soap residue.
Conclusion
Oil spills on the payment are unfortunately something we cannot avoid. But it’s not something we should fret over. With the right mindset and tools, no spill can ruin your day! Just make sure to act quickly, choose the appropriate cleaning method for your concrete type, prioritize safety throughout the process, and consider preventive measures to minimize future spills.
By following this guide and utilizing effective cleaning methods, you can say goodbye to oil stains and live a stress free life!
