A garage often acts as a multi-functional space; it can be an ideal area for working on projects and hobbies, a place of protection for vehicles, and a spot for storing everything under the sun from tools to Christmas decorations. With all of the purposes a garage can serve, it’s no wonder that keeping it clean can sometimes take a bit of work. This is no exception when is it comes to oil spills. Messy and unfortunately quite common, these spills can tarnish and weaken the garage floor, cause oil to get tracked into the home, and perhaps even cause a fall.
If you can, it’s best to act fast and clean up that mess as soon as it happens. That way, the spill will be easier to remove and its effects less problematic. That being said, let’s get down to the nitty gritty of how to clean up the oil spilled in the garage with these steps:
Absorb
To start the cleaning process, the first step is to absorb the fresh oil. This will be super easy if you have a cat because you can utilize the absorbing power of kitty litter to soak up the oil. Cover the oil spot with clay litter and let it remain there for a day or two. Next, sweep up the litter and throw it away. There will still be an oily stain on the concrete surface, and that will be the next thing to tackle.
Clean
Removing oil can be tricky. In fact, it usually requires a decent amount of persistence and hard work. Thankfully, there are several products and methods that can be used to help in this area. One is good ol’ fashioned soap and water. Make a mixture of hot water and dish soap and apply it to the stained area. Let the soapy solution be for about an hour while it breaks up the oily residue. Depending on the extent of the stain and how long it’s been there, you may be able to simply wash the solution away with water and discover the improvement, or you may need to use a bristled brush and try and scrub the oil spot out.
Other possible ways of eliminating the stain, involve using “soda.” One method is to use Coca-Cola to get the job done. Empty a few cans of the soda (room-temperature) to the area and leave it there overnight. Then, use some towels to soak up the cola and rinse with water. Another method is to use baking soda. In this case, pour baking soda on the stain and let it stand for a little while. Next, apply enough boiling water to the area to make a paste. Scrub with a brush and then rinse with the remaining warm water
Whether from a car leak or an accidental spill, oil stains can be pesky, unsightly, and downright detrimental to a garage floor. These commonly found household products and methods, can be used to lessen the potential damage. But if you want to provide your garage with protection and an aesthetic edge, epoxy flooring can be just the thing you’re looking for. This high-performance coating is able to resist oil stains and offer low-maintenance clean-ups, as well as many other benefits that take your garage to a higher level of function and appearance. To learn more about how this innovative flooring option, or to get help creating your garage vision, call us at 1-800-503-7178 (760-443-7787) today.