Effective Ways to Clean Oil Off the Floor

Spilled oil on the floor can be annoying but don’t worry, it’s not a huge problem, and we have some ways to help you clean it up. When it happens, try to stay calm. Keep in mind that an oily floor can be dangerous, and if you don’t take precautions, you could get hurt. So, pay attention, and we’ll share our tips for cleaning up different types of oils, even cooking oils.

How to Clean Oil off the Floor

When you accidentally spill oil, there are two fantastic and budget-friendly natural ways to clean it up: salt and baking soda. It’s easy to use these methods. Simply scatter a generous amount of either salt or baking soda onto the area with the spilled oil. Give it a few minutes for the salt or baking soda to do its job and absorb the oil.

Then, you can either vacuum the area or use a broom to sweep it up, removing both the powder and the absorbed oil. These simple and effective solutions can help you quickly and affordably tackle oil spills.

This method will remove most of the spilled oil, but there might still be a little left. We’ll show you how to get rid of that remaining bit in the next steps.

Granular Powders & Cornstarch

If you’ve had an oil spill, not only can you use salt and baking soda to clean it up, but you can also turn to granular powders or cornstarch as effective solutions. These alternatives work in a similar way to salt and baking soda but provide another option for absorbing spilled oil. Here’s a step-by-step explanation:

1. Select Your Absorbent: First, choose between granular powders or cornstarch. You can use products like kitty litter, sawdust, or even powdered laundry detergent as granular powders. They all work well for soaking up oil. Cornstarch, which you might have in your kitchen, is also a great choice.
2. Sprinkle Generously: Spread the chosen absorbent material evenly over the entire area where the oil has spilled. Make sure you cover the entire oil-stained surface with a good amount of the chosen absorbent.
3. Wait and Let It Work: Allow the granular powder or cornstarch to sit on the oil for a few minutes. During this time, it will start to absorb the oil, turning it into a clumpy or powdery mixture.
4. Clean Up: After waiting for a bit, use a broom, a dustpan, or a vacuum cleaner to pick up the powder and the oil it has absorbed. This will leave your floor cleaner and less slippery.

These granular powders and cornstarch are handy alternatives to salt and baking soda, particularly if you have them readily available. They can effectively tackle oil spills and make your cleaning job easier. Just remember to dispose of the used materials properly, as they may contain oily residue and should not be left lying around.

Kitty Litter

Kitty litter, the product often used in cat litter boxes, is quite remarkable for its ability to soak up liquids. What makes kitty litter special is the type of clay it’s made from, known as sodium bentonite. This clay has an incredible absorption power, capable of absorbing liquids up to 40 times its own weight. This unique feature makes kitty litter an excellent choice not only for managing cat waste but also for dealing with various types of spilled oils.

When oil is spilled on a surface, whether it’s a garage floor or a driveway, it tends to create a slippery and hazardous situation. This is where kitty litter comes to the rescue. When sprinkled over the spilled oil, the tiny particles in the kitty litter quickly go to work, absorbing the oil and turning it into a solid or clumpy substance. As it absorbs the oil, it helps to minimize the slipperiness and makes it easier to clean up the mess.

Kitty litter’s absorbent quality and its versatility in handling different types of oils make it a valuable tool for managing oil spills. It’s a convenient and readily available solution for homeowners, particularly for those who have pets and keep kitty litter on hand. After using kitty litter to soak up the oil, it’s important to dispose of it properly, following local regulations, as it will contain the absorbed oil and should not be left untreated.

How to clean oil from the floor

Once you’ve used one of the methods we discussed to soak up all the spilled oil on the floor, you might notice some stains left behind. To tackle these stains, you can follow these steps:

First, mix a small amount of dish soap with a bowl of water. Dip a soft brush into this soapy solution and gently scrub the stain. Keep scrubbing until the stain completely disappears. After that, use a dry cloth to dry the area. You might need to repeat this process a few times to make your floor look nice again.

Alternatively, you can create a cleaning mixture by mixing one part baking soda, two parts warm water, and one part lemon juice. Spray this solution onto the stained area and rub it in well. If the stain doesn’t go away with the first application, rinse and repeat the process.

It’s crucial to be very cautious while cleaning the oil from your floor because it can make the floor slippery. If you’re not careful, you could end up getting injured. So, always pay close attention and watch your step to stay safe.

We also have a useful guide on How to Remove Acid stains from floor tiles effectively. The tips in that guide are budget-friendly and can be done using everyday household items. So, don’t miss out on such helpful information!

How to Clean Different Types of Floors With Spilled Oil

How do You Clean Oil off Concrete Floor

After removing excess oil using one of the methods mentioned earlier it’s advisable to utilize powdered laundry detergent mixed with water to dissolve the oil stain effectively. To achieve the best outcome, rinse the area with warm water and repeat the procedure if needed. If you don’t have powdered laundry detergent available, consider using baking soda as an excellent alternative.