How to get motor oil off a cat

Written by: Sabrina Ashley

Written on: July 14, 2020

Cats groom themselves on a regular basis. Adventurous and curious, they may get into situations that leave them with oil on their fur. This is especially true if you have a cat that goes outdoors. Motor oil, lubricants, and even spilt baby oil can find its way into a cat’s fur.

The only remedy is a bath, but cats are notorious for hating water. Still, it is the only option if you want to completely remove oil from a cat’s hair.

Blot the oil with paper towels to remove some of the oil on the surface of the hair.

• Cats groom themselves on a regular basis.
• Still, it is the only option if you want to completely remove oil from a cat’s hair.

Fill a sink, large bucket, or bathtub with warm water.

Add enough dish-washing liquid to the water to make it soapy. Use a liquid that is good at cutting through grease and oil.

Place the cat into the sink. The cat will probably struggle, but keep a firm hand it.

Rub the soapy water into the fur. Clean all areas of the cat that are covered with oil. Use your hand to wash the cat’s face, being careful to keep the soapy water out of the cat’s eyes and nose.

• Fill a sink, large bucket, or bathtub with warm water.
• Rub the soapy water into the fur.

Let the water drain out. Keep the cat in the sink.

Refill the sink with warm water for rinsing. If you still feel oily areas, add dish-washing liquid to the fur, and scrub again.

Drain and refill the sink until the cat is free of oil.

Use a towel to dry the cat. If the cat has long hair, you may need to use a blow dryer on a low or medium setting to completely dry it.

My cat took a swim in a bucket of car oil, that we have left on top of the shed, with a lid on, but it must have broken and he fell in. We have washed him in shampoo twice and washing up liquid once but he is still oily. He is ok in himself, but am worried it will make him ill, so we need to get the oil off him ASAP!! any advice please!!

Can you ring a vet? Poor Mieow’s Mieow!

she said to use the washing up liquid, which we did but he is still oily, (and Misdee!! Nemo is a skinny thing with his fur all wet!!)

talc. to absorb the oil.

Can you try using washing up liquid again and again until he’s clean? Poor cat – how does he like being bathed?!

Big ruff made out of cardboard to stop him washing for a day or two, so he doesn’t ingest too much oil?

dry his fur as much as possible, then rub soap into the dry fur, then rinse.

poor disco kitty, all skinny.

Think talc may just make a sticky mess stickier – it wouldn’t brush out and then he’d ingest car oil and talc.

dp suggested covering cat in vegetable oil which should mix in with car oil. then wipe off with kitchen roll so you get rid of as much as possible. also that way car oil is diluted if cat does lick it. keep repeating it to get rid of more car oil. alternatively keep going with washing up liquid, that is sort of thing they use to clean birds caught up in big oil spills. poor moggy, bet she will be more careful in future!

oops sorry

Washing up liquid, but very little water. You really have to work it into the fur working tiny areas at a time.
Had to do it to my dog once, (border collie, longish hair) when he knocked a big container of oil off the garage worktop. Took 2 bottles of detergent and hours of painstaking combing

Upside was, his coat was glossy for months afterwards

she has gone to help wash the cat again. if they cant get the pil out the vet has said they will have to shave him. he’ll look like one of those ‘inside out’ cats

lol snugs

My cat did this too. Washing-up liquid’s definitely the answer. Just keep washing and rinsing him/her till it’s gone. May take sveral goes. You’ll need a large bottle of the stuff!

Our white Persian cat fell into a drain for old sump oil once. She had to go to the vet and they repeatedly bathed her in vegetable oil to loosen and dissolve the engine oil. It’s particularly important to get it off the paw pads as that’s where they are most likely to absorb the nasties.

When our cat came back from the vet hosp she had the most horrible ratty fur, which was now yellow. It was a hot summer that year and she stunk of frying every time she lay in the sun, for weeks! Hope your mog is okay.

Blokes in garages use Swarfega Hand Cleanser – a green gel-like product which washes grease off.

hes probably jumped and landed in a puddle of motor oil and i need to clean him up. can anyone help? what can i use to remove it without causing him skin irritation

14 Answers

margarine and sugar mixed together rub it in and then sponge off with warm water ,wrap puss in a towell to stop scratching/bite you good luck

I would suggest you ring the vet and ask for advice. Cats and water don’t mix very well; no more than oil and water! You need specialised help.

My cat came home once with green racing stripes where she had gone through a small, newly painted area. I had to let the vet clean her as it was a long, difficult process.

If you are concerned about the cost then the cats Protection League can help.

Hope he is back to his loveable self soon.

soapy water made from washing up liquid will emulsify the oil and the kitty will be clean make sure you remove all detergent as after a bath the cat will perform a self cleaning ritual and it will feel ill if it takes in detergent

OMG! ok motor oil isnt good but i worked at a vet so this will work USE DAWN DISH SOAP we used it on animals all the time in oil spills its safe kitten will cry from frightened of the texture and running water but dont let the kitten lick itself till u remove all oil.

Good LUck if ur afraid of doinf this urself take her/him to the vet asap they will bathe them. make sure its DAWN soap tho notihng special just the orginal.

hope this helps.

well. I have observed a lot of oil slick clean ups and have seen experts use Dawn or Palmolive dish liquid detergents being used to take off the oil in birds and other animals affected by the oil slick.

The experts who clean ducks and wildlife who come into contact with major oil spills use Dawn dish detergent. maybe it will work on your cat too! Good luck!

Fairy washing up liquid a squirt in a bowl of warm water it is to be advised as soon as you can aswell because he will clean himself every chance he gets and it could well upset his tummy! If you think of all of those toxins in oil, fairy liquid should be as good and harmless as anything else, it’s safe and aslong as you rinse him off he should be ok.

I would use some dish soap as suggested — not something I would usually do, but this sounds alarming. How did he get into something so dangerous? Also call your vet and ask if he needs to be flushed in case he licked some of it.

You’ll have to have him put down i’m afraid, serious stuff motor oil! Alternativly try washing up liquid

Tar and oil can accumulate on your car just from normal driving. In addition to taking away from the look of your car, tar and oil will also damage the paint on your vehicle, causing expensive repairs. Tar and oil can usually be removed with items in your house. If they don’t work, you can remove the tar with stronger tar removers. Always remove tar and oil from your car as quickly as possible.

Step 1

Scrub the areas of your car that have tar and oil with dish soap and water. Scrub carefully to avoid damaging the paint on your car. Rinse off the area with clean water.

Step 2

Apply some regular household items to the tar. These items include vegetable oil, creamy peanut butter, bath oil, and denatured alcohol.

Step 3

Allow the tar to sit for 24 hours. Wipe off the tar and oil with a soft rag.

Step 4

Apply a stronger tar-removing agent such as water-displacement spray, mineral spirits or kerosene if the tar and oil remain.

Let the water-displacement spray, kerosene or mineral spirits seep into the tar for five minutes. Wipe off the tar with a soft rag.

• There are commercial tar and bug removing products that may also work.

Warning

• Water-displacement spray or kerosene will most likely remove the wax from your car. Be prepared to apply a coat of wax to the parts of your car where you removed the tar and oil. Do not smoke around kerosene, which is flammable.

Items you will need

• Dish soap
• Water
• Rags
• Vegetable oil
• Peanut butter
• Bath oil
• Denatured alcohol
• Water-displacement spray
• Kerosene
• Mineral spirits

This article was written by the It Still Works team, copy edited and fact checked through a multi-point auditing system, in efforts to ensure our readers only receive the best information. To submit your questions or ideas, or to simply learn more about It Still Works, contact us.

Sue asked: How do I clean engine oil off a dot’s paws? It happened last night. I have tried dog shampoo and washing up liquid. I submerged the dog’s paws. It’s still coming off all over the carpets.

When dogs get into engine oil, it not only creates a walking mess, it can be a real hazard to their health. It’s important to clean the oil away completely to prevent the dog from licking it off. Here are some pet-safe methods for removing the oil.

You Will Need:

• Corn starch
• Grease fighting dish soap (ex: Dawn)
• Warm water
• Soft cloths
• Old, soft bristled toothbrush
• Patience

Steps to Clean the Paws:

1. Start by dipping your pet’s paws into some cornstarch. Allow it to set for a few minutes if the dog will tolerate it. The cornstarch will absorb the liquid in the oil and allow it to dry up.
2. Fill a bowl or shallow dish with warm water.
3. Rinse away the cornstarch on the paw with water.
4. Apply a drop or two of grease-fighting dish detergent directly to the oil spots on the paw.
5. Massage the soap onto the paw gently with your fingers. A soft cloth can also be used to rub the paws gently.
6. Rinse with warm water.
7. Repeat if necessary. A soft toothbrush can be used to gently scrub away the oils.
8. Depending on the amount of oil, it may take several repeated cleanings to completely remove it. Take breaks as needed to keep your pet relaxed and compliant.
9. Once clean, rinse the paws completely and dry with a soft cloth.

Ever change the oil on the lawnmower (or worse, your car) and the old oil somehow missed the catch pan and is now on the driveway or floor of your garage? Most heavily used driveways or garages will eventually get some oil stains, though you can minimize the damage by containing and soaking up the oil as soon as it’s spilled. Follow this up by treating the stain area with a strong cleaner—the sooner the better. But even if you have deep oil stains caused by slow, gradual oil drips on your concrete, they can very often be removed almost completely by using one or more of the following methods.

To prevent oil spills from happening in the first place, experienced homeowners often lay down sheets of cardboard to catch and absorb spills when changing oil or mixing oil with gas for use in mowers and other equipment.

How Often to Clean Up Oil Stains

If you can, clean up oil stains on concrete as soon as you spot them. When this is not practical, a thorough annual cleaning, including oil stain removal, can be part of your maintenance routine.

What You Need

For Concentrated Soap Method:

• Paper towels or rags
• Concentrated soap
• Stiff nylon brush
• Garden hose

For Kitty Litter Method: kitty litter, broom, heavy-duty detergent soap, stiff nylon brush, bucket
For TSP Method: bucket, TSP, eye protection, rubber gloves, stiff nylon brush, hose
For Paint Thinner and Sawdust Method: paint thinner, sawdust, broom
For Microbial Oil Stain Remover Method: microbial stain remover, pump sprayer, stiff broom, hose

How to Remove Oil Stains Using Concentrated Soap

The right soap in the right concentration can be a miracle oil-stain remover—along with some serious scrubbing, that is. One soap that will truly remove oil from concrete is Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Multi-Surface Concentrate. It’s a natural-ingredient liquid soap sold in big 32-ounce bottles and is usually diluted for general household cleaning. Other natural soaps may work just as well, but any product should be used in concentrated form when cleaning up oil stains. At full strength, Mrs. Meyer’s concentrate is strong stuff, and the vapors may cause the user’s eyes to sting a bit.

Soak It up ASAP

Start tackling fresh oil stains by blotting up as much oil as possible with paper towels or rags. Just lay the towels over the spill, let the oil soak in for a few seconds, and pick up and discard the towels. Don’t try to rub the oil “out” because it’ll only rub it in deeper or spread it around.

Warning

Oil is regarded as industrial waste, so consult your local authorities on instructions for how to dispose of oily paper towels or rags. In most places, these materials should not be added to household waste destined for landfills.

Apply Soap and Scrub the Stain

Apply the concentrated soap full-strength directly to the stain, Then, scrub vigorously with a stiff nylon brush, such as a heavy-duty tub brush with a handle.

Rinse and Repeat

Rinse the area with a garden hose and nozzle, using a strong stream, if possible. Repeat one or two times, and chances are the stain will be gone. When the rinse water no longer beads or “rainbows” on the concrete surface, the oil is gone.

Alternative Methods

Cat Litter Method

If the oil stain is substantial, begin by sprinkling inexpensive absorptive cat litter on the stain, making sure to cover it thoroughly. Crush and grind the litter into the oil stain with your feet. Let the cat litter sit for an hour to absorb oil, then sweep it up and discard it.

For very heavy stains, let the kitty litter set overnight after crushing, then sweep it up. Wash the area with a heavy-duty detergent soap (or something like Mrs. Meyer’s) and a stiff brush, then rinse. Repeat as necessary.

Using TSP

Add 1 cup of phosphate-free TSP (trisodium phosphate), also called “TSP-PF,” to a gallon of hot water, and mix thoroughly.

Wearing eye protection and rubber gloves, pour the TSP onto the oil stain and let it soak in for 20 to 30 minutes. Then, scrub with a stiff nylon brush, and rinse with a hose. Repeat as needed.

Oil Removal With Paint Thinner and Sawdust

Mix sawdust with paint thinner until it is damp, then spread the soaked sawdust over the stain. Let it soak into the oil stain for 20 minutes. Sweep up the sawdust and repeat, if necessary. This can be a good first step for heavy oil stains, followed by a cleaning with concentrated detergent.

Microbial Oil Stain Removal

You can also use a biodegradable microbial oil stain remover, such as EATOILS BT200™, which uses micro-organisms to actually eat the oil and grease away. For large areas, apply the solution with a pump sprayer and simply wait for it to consume the oil. This may take a full 24 hours for serious stains. After the solution dissolves away the oil, the area can be cleaned with soap and water.

My cat is usually an inside cat but last night I found him outside covered in motor oil (I’m not sure where it was from) and we tried getting it off with dishwashing detergent but there was still some left on him, now he keeps licking his paws and his stomach. Is it harmful to them? Will he die?

7 Answers

you’re a bad pet owner.

no longer something, different than your cat could have some unfastened bowel strikes if she ate lots of the oil. Vegetable oil is nutrition. this is an ingredient in some cat meals. It won’t harm cats. It does have a laxative effect, although.

No your cat won’t die, if he/she continues licking motor oil just make sour you keep the oil filter changed every 3 months

don’t let him lick it off of himself because he will get extremely sick and his kidneys and liver will shut down and he will die. the best thing you can do is to keep washing him until all of the motor oil is off of him and keep him on a water diet for the next 24 hours. if anything changes take him to the vet immediately because it could kill him. i hope nobody poured it on him purposely.

Im sure motor oil can be harmful to any living thing. He may be okay, but I’d take him to a vet

oil isn’t good for anything to eat. you did the right thing in washing him to get most of it off. he is rbably trying to get the reamons of the oil and soap off of him by the licking.

Wash him again if you need to.

I don’t think he will die because it appears he is behaving normally. If you are worried, wash him again. just be sure to dry him off as much as you can.

If he is sick inthe morning, take him to the vet, but I expect he’ll be fine.

I doubt it but go 2 a vet and i think its an 30 % chance it will die

The best way to clean up spilled oil is to cover the oil with a generous layer of kitty litter, let it soak up the oil for a few hours (it will even pull some up out of the concrete or asphalt), then sweep up and properly dispose of the oil-soaked stuff. Next, squirt some liquid dishwashing soap onto the stain and scrub with a stiff brush; or on unpainted concrete, scrub the area with a solution of half laundry soap and half bleach. Wipe up the dirty cleaning liquid with paper or cloth towels, and rinse the area well.

Never dump oil onto the ground, throw it out with your regular garbage, or flush it down a drain. It’s a major toxic pollutant that needs to be treated accordingly. In many locales, putting oil filters into a landfill is against the law, so you may risk a fine.

So what do you do with your old oil? Decant the oil from the garbage bag that was in your collection pan into clean disposable containers with tight-fitting, screw-on lids — the bottles that the new oil came in or old, washed soda bottles work well. Place a funnel in the neck of the container, tie-off the bag, and hold it above the funnel. Then cut a tiny hole in a bottom corner of the bag and let the oil drain out of the bag into the funnel and container. You may want to cover the ground underneath the container with a thick layer of newspapers.

Oil recyclers probably won’t accept oil that’s contaminated with another substance or in a dirty container, so take it to a toxic waste disposal center.

The Steel Recycling Institute says that if all the oil filters sold in the United States each year were recycled, enough material would be recovered to build 16 stadiums the size of Atlanta’s Olympic Stadium! Many auto parts stores and some service stations accept old oil and oil filters for recycling. If you don’t have one close by, look in your local yellow pages for the nearest oil recycling center or toxic waste disposal center, or visit Earth911 or the Filter Council Web sites and enter your zip code.

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Oil leaks and drips can leave ugly blotches on your driveway, marring your home’s curb appeal and gradually damaging the structural integrity of the pavement. Because most driveways are made of porous material, such as concrete or asphalt, oil can seep into them over time and become harder and harder to remove. Clean up oil spots as soon as you discover them to make the job easier. Special driveway-cleaning products are available, but you should be able to remove the spots using household materials.

Pour fresh kitty litter over the oil spot if the spill is still wet. Stir the litter with a broom after a few minutes to expose clean litter to the remaining oil. Wait while the litter soaks up the spill. Sweep the litter into a dustpan.

Press old newspaper into the spot to blot up any remaining oil. When the newspaper stops absorbing oil, place it and the oily kitty litter in airtight food storage boxes. Fill the boxes with enough water to saturate the newspaper and litter completely, then close them and discard them. This system prevents the oily paper and litter from spontaneously combusting.

Cover the spots in the driveway with a grease-cutting liquid dish soap. Let the detergent sit on the stains for several minutes, then scrub it into the spots with a stiff-bristle brush. Don’t use a wire brush, as this can damage the surface of the driveway.

Add water from a garden hose to the detergent. Scrub the spot again. Rinse the driveway with the hose.

Apply more detergent and repeat the process if the spot remains. If the process stops having an effect before the spot disappears, apply more detergent and rinse it with hot water just off the boil.

Things Needed

• Kitty litter
• Broom
• Dustpan
• Newspaper
• Airtight food storage boxes
• Grease-cutting liquid dish soap
• Stiff-bristle brush
• Hose

• If you choose to use a commercial driveway cleaner instead of household products, make sure the cleaner you select is designed for your type of driveway. A product that works on concrete may damage asphalt and vice versa.
• Stubborn, set-in oil stains can be removed with paint thinner or kerosene, but these products are highly flammable, toxic and dangerous. Use them with great caution. Wear protective clothing, gloves and goggles, and make sure there are no open flames anywhere in the area.

References

• Mrs. Clean: How to Remove Oil Stains From the Driveway
• Ask the Builder: Oil Spills on Pavement
• Good Housekeeping: How to Remove Car Oil Stains from a Driveway

Photo Credits

• Jupiterimages/liquidlibrary/Getty Images

About the Author

Stephanie Mitchell is a professional writer who has authored websites and articles for real estate agents, self-help coaches and casting directors. Mitchell also regularly edits websites, business correspondence, resumes and full-length manuscripts. She graduated from Syracuse University in 2007 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in musical theater.

Those people who find themselves needing to remove oil stains from various surfaces in and around their homes oftentimes find themselves in a difficult position. Oil from cars can leak out and damage sidewalks, driveways, and other surfaces, while other types of oil may cause permanent stains to other areas in and around your house. If you find an oil stain on a brick surface on your property, you’ll be able to remove or at least lighten the stain considerably. Read on for a brief guide on how to remove oil stains from brick.

Step 1 – Blot With Rags

If the oil was recently spilled, blot the spill with clean rags as quickly as possible. This may help to prevent the stain from occurring, or it will at least help to limit the size and scope of the stain. Do not spread the oil around with the rags, as this may increase the size of the stain.

Step 2 – Use Cat Litter to Soak Up the Stain

If the stain is older, dump a large amount of cat litter on top of it so that it covers the stain entirely. Just as cat litter is designed to soak up odors and waste liquids, it can also soak up oil that is covering a brick surface as well. Stir the cat litter around slightly about once an hour with a push broom, and leave the cat litter for 4 hours before you remove it.

Step 3 – Use a Bleach Solution

If the cat litter option proves to be ineffective, you may need to resort to a more powerful tool, like bleach. Mix one part bleach with four parts water and cover the stained area with bleach. Allow the bleach to sit on the brick surface for about 30 minutes in order to wash out the stain from the oil. Wipe the bleach with a clean rag when it has had sufficient time to soak. Follow that up with a quick rinse with plain water.

Step 4 – Scrub Remaining Stains With Oven Cleaning Spray

If there is still any trace of the oil stain left on the brick, spray it down with a generous amount of oven cleaning spray. Do this only if the area is well ventilated and you can sufficiently avoid contact with the spray. It is helpful to wear thick latex or rubber gloves while you work to avoid contact. Let the spray sit on the stain for about 10 minutes, then scrub it down thoroughly with a wire brush. Wipe up any remaining spray with a clean rag and dispose of it properly.

You probably let your vehicle rest in a garage, carport, or driveway when you’re not driving it. Depending upon the mechanical condition of your vehicle, oil and grease spots soon begin to decorate the concrete in these areas. If this situation sounds familiar, you’ll be pleased to know that there is a clean-up formula for you — a couple of formulas actually, depending on the severity of the stains. In either case, wait until the area is shaded to prevent the cleaning solution from drying out too quickly.

Plan A: The soda-pop concrete stain remover

This first formula may cause your neighbors to wonder whether you’re playing with a full deck of cards. However, you’ll soon be the envy of the neighborhood when you have the cleanest driveway on the block.

Gather the following items:

A small bag of cat litter

A few cans of a cola beverage (diet or regular)

A nylon brush or stiff-bristle broom

A mixing bucket

Powdered laundry detergent (ammonia free)

Liquid chlorine bleach

Eye protection and rubber gloves

A garden hose and running water

Then follow these steps:

Completely cover the grease or oil with a thin layer of the cat litter and grind it in using the soles of your shoes.

Sweep up the cat litter and pour on enough cola beverage to cover the entire area.

Don’t just throw the oil and grease-laden cat litter in the garbage can — dispose of it as you would used motor oil, paint, or other potentially hazardous chemicals. If you’re not sure how to dispose of such materials, call your local waste-management company for advice about the rules in your area.

Work the cola into the affected area with a scrub brush or bristle broom, making sure to keep the entire area damp with cola. Then leave it on for about 20 minutes or until it has stopped fizzing, but don’t permit it to dry.

Rinse off the cola with fresh water.

You should see a gray stain.

Scrub the gray stain with a solution of 1 cup liquid chlorine bleach, 1 cup powdered laundry detergent, and 1 gallon of very hot water.

Make sure the detergent you use is ammonia-free. Mixing ammonia with bleach creates a lethal gas, similar to mustard gas.

Plan B: Muriatic acid

If Plan A doesn’t do the trick, then it’s time to bring out the big gun — muriatic acid. Make a solution of one part muriatic acid to nine parts water, adding the acid to the water (not the other way around).

Working with muriatic acid is dangerous! Wear eye protection, put on rubber gloves to protect your hands and arms, and make sure that there’s plenty of ventilation. Do not attempt this project when children or animals are present.

After you carefully mix the acid solution, follow these steps:

Pour the solution over the area and work it in using a nylon scrub brush or stiff-bristle broom.

Be careful not to splash — you don’t want to damage the surrounding area.

Flush the entire area with fresh water after the solution has stopped fizzing — about ten minutes.

More than one treatment may be necessary for those stains that only professional race-car drivers can appreciate.

Use Valvoline four-stroke ATV oil in your 2013 Arctic Cat 400 ATV. This oil is formulated to withstand the rigors of use in an air-cooled, roller bearing engine. Automotive-type oils won’t hold up to the extreme temperatures and shear pressures generated by this engine, and they will break down prematurely and leave the engine unprotected. Never use synthetic oils in this engine. Synthetic oils prevent the friction necessary to prevent the bearing rollers from hydroplaning, or skidding, in the race. Additionally, engine oil bathes the clutch pack and synthetic oils will make the clutch slip.

Step 1

Locate the hole in the skid plate, just beneath the engine. Position a drain pan under the hole. Using a ratchet and socket, remove the drain plug and allow the oil to drain from the engine.

Step 2

Install a new gasket on the drain plug, and thread the plug in by hand. Torque the drain plug to 12 foot-pounds, using a foot-pound torque wrench and socket.

Step 3

Using a filter wrench, remove the old oil filter. Wipe the filter plate with a clean rag to remove any residual oil or road grime, and ensure that the old gasket came off with the filter.

Step 4

Smear a light coat of fresh oil on the new filter gasket. Spin the filter on until the gasket contacts the plate, then tighten it an additional one-quarter turn. Wipe off any residual oil.

Remove the engine oil dipstick cap. Add three quarts of engine oil. Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes, then turn the engine off and check the oil level, using the dipstick. Add oil as necessary to bring it to the “Full” mark and check the plug and filter for leaks.

Items you will need

• Drain pan
• Ratchet
• Socket set
• New drain plug gasket
• Foot-pound torque wrench
• Filter wrench
• No. 601 oil filter
• Clean rags
• 3 quarts Valvoline ATV oil

This article was written by the It Still Works team, copy edited and fact checked through a multi-point auditing system, in efforts to ensure our readers only receive the best information. To submit your questions or ideas, or to simply learn more about It Still Works, contact us.

Perhaps you were going through a DIY phase, tried to change your oil at home, and ended up dribbling oil across the driveway. Or, maybe an engine gasket sprang a nasty oil leak, turning a little “drip drip” into a major “drop everything and head to the nearest shop!” Whatever the case, an oil leak can lead to an unsightly oil stain in your garage, driveway, or parking spot. Get that oil leak repaired at your local Firestone Complete Auto Care and learn how to clean up the stain it leaves behind in three simple steps. Please note that this method of cleaning up motor oil is specifically for concrete surfaces.

Step #1: Gear up and get ready.

This method doesn’t require anything in the way of special tools or solvents. In fact, there’s a good chance you already have everything you need, especially if you have a cat!

• Clay-based kitty litter
• A brick
• Bucket of water and dish detergent
• Scrubbing brush
• Broom and dustpan
• An airtight metal coffee can with lid
• Garden hose (optional)

Step #2: Attack and attract the oil.

When it comes to staining concrete, motor oil doesn’t bat an eye. Concrete is porous, meaning that it has small holes or spaces that oil can easily seep into. While this characteristic means it’s pretty easy for oil to stain concrete, it also means there’s a good chance you can also get the oil out of the concrete. In this step, you’re going to “attack” the stain with kitty litter, which will help “attract” or pull the motor oil up and out of the concrete.

1. Spread the kitty litter over the oil stain.
2. Grind the kitty litter into the stain using the brick.
3. If the leak or spill is fresh, wait until the kitty litter has absorbed all of the oil. If you’re working with an older stain, let the kitty litter sit a few hours, even overnight.
4. Sweep up the kitty litter and store it in the metal coffee can. Check the household hazardous waste laws in your city to find out how the container should be properly disposed of. Your local trash collection service may pick it up or you may have to bring it to a local disposal center.

Removing the ground-up kitty litter will reveal an improved patch of concrete. Even under the best of circumstances, though, there’s likely to be a slight discoloration left behind…which means it’s time for our final step: wet and wash!

Step #3: Wet and wash.

To wrap up your clean-up, have your bucket of water and scrub brush ready.

1. Scrub the lightly stained area with water and soap.
2. Rinse with a garden hose or water bucket.
3. Repeat as necessary to remove as much of the surface stain as possible.

When it comes to oil stains, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, or should we say, a pound of kitty litter? Thankfully, our experienced technicians at your local Firestone Complete Auto Care offer some of the best preventative car care around, like fast oil change services and comprehensive oil leak repairs. Visit your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care today and help make sure you never have to clean up an oil leak or stain again!

GrungeTextures/FlickrRemoving oil from concrete isn’t impossible but does take work. If you keep your car in the garage, chances are you’ll see a few oil stains on the garage floor before long. If you want to keep your garage clean, and not track in oil and its toxins into your house, you’ll want to remove those stains. Removing oil stains from a garage floor isn’t as difficult as you might think, but it does take a little work. Here are a few methods:

Clay cat-litter, dish soap, and a quality wire scrub brush: Using these in three easy steps will remove an oil stain from a concrete floor, says Paige Ring, who runs a cleaning company in Toronto called Better Dwelling.

Step 1: Absorption.
Cover the stain in clay cat-litter, Ring says. Remove as much of the oil from the spot as possible before you start scrubbing. Clay litter, not clumping cat-litter, will absorb a lot after letting it sit for as long as possible — up to two days, Ring says. Then sweep it up.

Step 2: Saturate.
Saturate the stain with your cleaning solution, in this case liquid dish soap to cut the grease and break up the stain. Cover the stain in liquid soap and let it sit for one hour.

Step 3: Scrub.
Oil stains in a porous material such as concrete require a bit of elbow grease. Using the right tools will save your arms a lot of strain, so buy a quality wire scrub brush. Work the brush in a circular motion, reapplying soap and adding a little water if needed. Rinse the soap away with clean water and let the area air dry.

Dry laundry detergents: Scrubbing a concrete floor with a basic dry laundry detergent will also remove oil stains, though the Tide Professional brand works best, says Derek Christian, owner ofMy Maid Service. It’s basically an old formulation of Tide without any whiteners, brighteners or other things not needed when cleaning a floor, Christian says.

“This product has been used by gas stations for years to clean their concrete and it is sold to restaurants to clean their greasy quarry-tile floors,” he says.

It may be difficult to find, but retailers that sell it to professionals also carry it, such as Smart & Final, and Gordon Foodservice Marketplace stores, he says. Don’t use liquid detergents because they’ll leave the floor too slick, Christian says.

Coca-Cola: The phosphorous in the soda is like acid and eats up the grease, says Birgitta Lauren, owner of Expecting Fitness. Lauren says she’s used it on her garage floor, finishing the process by scrubbing the area with baking soda, or the dry cleanser Bar Keepers Friend, to clean up the color stain.

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O il stains are a common symptom of classic car ownership. They’re also an unsightly blot on an asphalt or paved driveway, and a recent spillage can be dangerously slippery.

Unfortunately, cleaning them up is incredibly difficult. Oil stains are notoriously stubborn and can seem impossible to scrub off. The most obvious – and effective – course of action is to hire a specialist cleaner to clear your driveway up – or indeed, to take preventative measures in the first place by putting a tray of sawdust or cat litter underneath the car to catch drips or when filling up.

But if you want to have a go yourself, there are a few tricks of the trade you can try first. These methods are rumoured to be great for removing oil spills, and though we can’t guarantee meaningful results, you might find they lessen the stain or remove it to a point you’re happy with. Either way, we’d advise against ploughing straight in and covering the stain with them right away; it makes sense to test them on a discreet corner of your driveway first, just in case they damage the surface. And remember: if all else fails, call in the experts.

How to deal with oil stains

1. Coca-cola

O ften adequate for small stains on a drive or garage floor, cola is a good place to start. Pour the beverage onto the affected area and leave overnight, before rinsing it off with water. The effectiveness of this method will be greatly reduced on a sloping drive, and it really won’t work with large spillages, but if you’ve recently left a dribble of 10W40 on the drive and have a can or two of coke in the fridge, this could be a passable short-term fix.

2. WD-40

Using a similar method, spray copious amounts of WD-40 onto the affected area and then leave it overnight. Once you’ve rinsed away the ensuing mess the following morning, you should find that the WD-40 has cleared up most – if not all – of the oil. This will also work on oil stains in your clothes, though only clothes you don’t care about.

3. Detergent

While commercial detergents might seem like an obvious answer, the real solution here is in the scrubbing. A good brush with hard bristles should help lift the worst of the stain when combined with a frothy, ideally warm, mixture of soap and water. Depending on how delicate the affected surface is, a wire brush might be more effective.

4. Oven cleaner

A pply as much oven cleaner as you can spare to the oil spill, then wait at least 15 minutes for it to do its job. After scrubbing the area very hard using a steel or hard-bristled brush, you should find that most of the oil stain has been cleaned. Remember that oil stains have a habit of reappearing, so you might have to do this twice.

If after trying all of these methods you still have an oily smear on your drive, it’s time to get serious and call a driveway cleaning specialist.

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Spilling oil on the driveway can end up leaving an unsightly stain that can quickly become an eyesore. Not only that, but oil stains are typically tough to remove. With a little time and patience, however, you can learn how to remove oil stains from the driveway.

There doesn’t seem to be any amount of scrubbing or pressure washing that can eliminate the stain. Fortunately, these stubborn stains can be lifted.

If your car is leaking oil, or you have an accident while changing your oil, it can result in the dreaded black spot in your garage or on your driveway that doesn’t seem to want to give up its grip on the concrete.

Several different cleaning techniques use simple, everyday items that will eat away the oil on your driveway without leaving a toxic residue.

• How to Clean Oil Stains from Driveways
  • Remove Oil Stains from Asphalt
  • How to Remove Oil Stains from Driveway Pavers
  • Removing Stains from a Concrete Driveway
  • How to Clean Oil Spots from Aggregate Driveways

How to Clean Oil Stains from Driveways

There are many different ways to remove oil from a driveway, depending on the kind of driveway you have. For smaller stains, you can start by cleaning the affected area with baking soda and hot water. Fortunately, even the stubbornest of stains can be lifted with the following methods.

Remove Oil Stains from Asphalt

You no longer have to worry about spilling motor oil on your asphalt driveway. With a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen, you can quickly remove the stains and return your driveway to its pristine condition.

Oils Stain Removing from Asphalt

• Liquid dish soap
• Kitty litter
• Water

Start off by cleaning up the excess oil with paper towels or an absorbent cloth. Next pour a clay-based kitty litter over the stain, covering it completely. Stomp over the granules to help it soak up the remaining oil.

Allow the litter to stand overnight. The following day, sweep up the litter and hose off the area. Next, squirt a small amount of dish soap on the remaining oil stain and scrub it with a stiff scrub brush. Rinse away the suds with warm water.

How to Remove Oil Stains from Driveway Pavers

When the oil is spilled on brick driveway pavers, the porous surface absorbs the oil resulting in an ugly mark.

When attempting to remove oil stains from a paved-stone driveway, it is essential to get rid of any excess oil first by mopping up with a clean towel. Unfortunately, because of the porous nature of pavers, you may not be able to obliterate the stain.

Cleaning Driveway Pavers

• Sawdust
• 2 tablespoons grease-cutting dish soap
• Hot water
• Powdered laundry detergent

First, cover the oil stain with the sawdust. Allow it to remain on the oil stain overnight. The next morning, remove the sawdust from the driveway with a broom and dustpan.

Next, pour the liquid dish soap directly onto the stained area. Pour hot water into a bucket. Dip a stiff brush into the bucket of water and scrub at the stain. Rinse the area with hot water to remove the dish soap residue.

If the stain hasn’t been completely removed, pour the powdered laundry detergent onto the stain and add ¼ cup hot water to form a thick paste. Scrub the area with the scrub brush and leave on overnight. The next morning, rinse the area with warm water.

Repeat the process until the stain has disappeared. This recipe also works well as a homemade RV cleaner; just remove the sawdust.

Removing Stains from a Concrete Driveway

Oil stains on concrete driveway can be challenging to avoid, no matter how hard you try. There are several methods for getting rid of oil stains, but the right approach will be determined by how massive the oil spill is and how long it has sat.

The best way to remove oil stains from the driveway is with kitty litter if the spill is fresh. Just pour the kitty litter over the stain and allow it to absorb the spill. After about an hour, you can sweep up the mess.

If the kitty litter isn’t successful in removing oil stains from a concrete driveway, you can use liquid dish detergent or a baking soda bath to remove the stain.

Easy-to-Make Oil Stain Remover for Concrete Driveways

• Water
• Baking soda
• Liquid dish detergent

For addressing stains on your concrete driveway or for cleaning concrete floors in the house, soak the stain with water first. Then sprinkle an ample amount of baking soda or dish detergent onto the stain. Allow it to sit for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, boil a large pot of water.

Pour the boiling water over the surface of the baking soda or dish soap and scrub the area with a stiff-bristled brush. Rinse off the residue and repeat the process if needed.

Sidenote: If you come across rust stains on your concrete driveway, make sure you check out our tips to remove rust from a driveway. A detailed guide on rust removing from concrete.

How to Clean Oil Spots from Aggregate Driveways

Oil stains can be effectively removed from aggregate driveways if it can be dealt with before the oil seeps into the gravel and crushed stone. If the oil is still moist, you can use this method to remove any stain that the oil leaves.

Cleaning Oil Spots from Gravel and Crushed Stone Driveway

• Box of baking soda
• 1 cup of fine grain kitty litter
• Several drops of liquid soap
• 1-gallon warm water

Mix the box of baking soda with a cup of the fine grain kitty litter. Blend it well, then slowly pour it over the surface of the spill. Avoid blotting the area before you apply the mix to limit the risk of pushing the oil further into the driveway material.

Leave the mixture on the oil for at least two hours. After most of the oil has been absorbed into the mixture, use a hose to spray it off. Next, add a few drops of the liquid soap to the gallon of warm water.

Slowly pour the water over the area. Using a wire brush, scrub the area using light circular motions. Continue adding water and scrubbing until the water is gone. Spray the area with a hose to remove any residue. Blot the area gently with rags.

Now that you understand how to remove oil stains from your driveway, you can rest easy that if your car is leaking or you happen to spill some oil during an oil change, that your driveway won’t be permanently stained.

With a few simple and inexpensive ingredients and a little bit of work, you can successfully remove any oil stain that is marring the look of your driveway.

We hope you enjoyed the information in this article. If you found the info about removing oil stains from a concrete driveway, we hope that you’ll share the article with all your family and friends.

If you love nature and often do tours around the countryside it will not be uncommon for you to have gotten some sap on your clothes and, upon returning home, this has been stuck on the inside of the car. It may also be the case that some sap has dropped directly from the trees onto your vehicle’s paintwork. Even if you soon notice the stain and act quickly it will not be easy to remove it and have the car looking as before, but you must try. In oneHOWTO we offer you a couple tips sou you can learn how to remove pine sap from your car.

Pine sap is characterized by its gunky texture and great stickiness. It falls from trees and can easily stick to your clothes without you noticing. If you go on a camping trip and have the misfortune of staining yourself with resin it is likely that this will end up sticking to the seat or other area within your vehicle. Nor is it difficult for resin to fall directly on the outside, especially if you park under pine trees.

Use a professional product. The safest way to remove pine sap from your car, at least in terms of not damaging the material on which you apply it, is to use a product specifically developed to remove pine sap from the car. You can find it in most shops selling spare-parts and car accessories.

Use windscreen cleaner. If you do not want to spend money on a cleaner that you will probably only use once you can try the following alternative. This involves using a windscreen cleaner you would usually use for the car’s windscreens to try and remove the sap stain on the car. The only risk is that, for example, if you apply it on the exterior paintworks it could leave a mark.

Use olive oil. You can also use a home remedy to remove pine sap from the car. The first thing we suggest is that you apply a splash of olive oil directly on the stain and leave it to act for few minutes. Then remove it with a cloth and clean the area with soap and water.

Use 99% alcohol. The other option is to use alcohol to try and dissolve the pine sap stain. In this case do not apply directly on the area, it is preferable you use a cotton wool ball. You should soak this in alcohol and then rub the stain until there is no trace of pine sap on the car. Then wash with soap and water to stop the alcohol leaving further traces on the car.

If you want to read similar articles to How to Remove Pine Sap from your Car, we recommend you visit our Car Maintenance and Repair category.

Sat Oct 28, 2006 9:25 am

Quoting KaiGywer (Reply 8): Just park in the ghetto overnight. problem solved

He might not have to go that far, Kai.

I have $0 deductible on comprehensive, which includes glass. If I were in a similar situation, I’d call an auto glass company of my choice (per state law). They’d come out and try to clean my windshield. If they couldn’t get it clean they’d have to replace it. Technically, it could be a visibility safety issue, especially in the rain.

That might be the best choice for Andre if he has similar coverage or a low deductible. Also, the glass company would be responsible for any rubber, plastic, or paint damage they cause during the cleaning process.

Years ago, I had my windshield replaced for a similar reason. It had become lightly sandblasted while following an uncovered sand truck just east of St. Paul. It was only a minor annoyance and was noticeable only while driving “into” the sun on bright winter days. After a year, I finally called my insurance company to see if anything could be done. coatings, polishing, etc. The insurance company representative all but ordered me to call a glass company and have it replaced immediately. She said they’d rather pay a few hundred dollars for a new windshield now than risk having to pay tens of thousands of dollars following a crash in the future related to a pitted windshield.

RE: How To Get Oil Off A Car Window

Sat Oct 28, 2006 9:32 am

Quoting Queso (Reply 14): his “occupation”

I’m a professional chemist. Does that make you feel better?

Not that it matters. All we’re talking about here is the ability to look at a dictionary. Words have different meanings depending on context. In the context of a chemistry textbook or journal, caustic has a specific meaning. In the context of a medical textbook or journal, the meaning of caustic is different. In the context of an aviation forum, the context and appropriate word usage is different yet again. That’s all I tried to point out.

If you have an oil stain on your asphalt driveway, wipe up the excess oil with an absorbent cloth or mop it up, then act quickly using the common household items below to make sure that it doesn’t become a permanent eyesore or a headache to clean up later.

Dawn dishwashing soap, cat litter, a can of Coke, baking soda, and WD-40 spray are just some of the common household items that can help break down or absorb the oil before it permanently settles into the asphalt. Before doing any of the following, make sure to mop up excess oil or soak it up with an absorbent cloth. Also note that these tips are for asphalt, but they may also work for concrete driveways or on concrete slabs in your garage.

• Dish soap: Squirt the liquid soap onto the oil stain and add water. Scrub at the stain with a stiff brush and use a garden hose to rinse away the suds.
• Kitty litter: Cover the oil stain with cheap clay-based cat litter. Stomp on top of the litter granules to help it soak up the oil, then leave it out overnight. Sweep up the litter the next day, then hose off the area.
• Powdered laundry detergent: Sprinkle detergent on oil stain and add water. Scrub the stain with a stiff brush, then let sit for 30 minutes and hose off.
• Soda: Pour a can or two of Coca-cola, or a similar brand of cola, onto the stain. Let it sit overnight before cleaning further.
• Baking soda: Sprinkle a generous amount on the oil stain, then scrub with a stiff brush. Wait at least 30 minutes before rinsing off.
• WD-40 spray: Spray the stain with a generous amount before rinsing off with water.
• Oven cleaner: Spray the stain and let it sit for 5–10 minutes. Scrub it with a stiff brush, then use a hose at the highest pressure setting to rinse it away.

Take note that these techniques work best for fresh oil stains. You can still try using these techniques for old oil stains to make them less noticeable, but making the spot go away may take multiple applications or commercial stain removers. Also, you can try a combination of any of the above — just not at the same time! Some chemicals just don’t mix well together.

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My cat went under a car and now he’s got car grease on his back. He’s a short haired cat.

We were wondering how to get it off, dish soap? vinegar? lemon juice?

We don’t want him licking anything dangerous!

11 Answers

tide if your cat lets you bathe him so you can rinse it all the way out. If not I guess vinegar would be the next best thing. or you could try some kitty litter first to see it works IDK since he may lick it if was a dog I would just tide him and put him in the tub.

I simply cannot believe some of these answers.

ONE – never let a cat lick any kind of petroleum product off of itself. This stuff is toxic.

TWO – never ever use laundry detergent on a cat. While it will dissolve grease it also removes the protective oils that protect the cat’s skin.

THREE – most hand degreasers are toxic in themselves. Never use them on a cat.

FOUR – dish washing soap is the safest bet. It will dissolve the oil and is not as harsh on the cat’s natural skin oils.

Dawn is totally safe to use but dilute it first. Typically, though, grease and oil and adhesives can be removed with mechanic’s waterless hand cleaner. The GOOP or whatever brand of hand cleaner must then must be washed off the cat as well. A vet I worked for in the early 90’s had a cat come in that had stepped on one of those glue mouse traps and that’s what she had us do. Seriously, don’t use laundry soap.

Solutions

Share on ThriftyFun This page contains the following solutions. Have something to add? Please share your solution!

Tip: Grease Spots on Cement

To clean old grease from concrete, saturate first with paint thinner or engine degreaser, then use the kitty litter or corn starch treatment. Sprinkle corn starch or kitty litter over the area and sweep up after the oil is absorbed.

By Monica from Cortez, CO

Tip: Cleaning Motor Oil Stains

I know some people have used kitty litter to clean up oil leaks. In my experience it’s been worth investing in a full-out absorbent product, although I work with cars on a regular basis so I deal with a lot of oil leaks. Stuff like SpillFix works really well – actually cleans up the spill without making an even bigger mess first and even takes care of the oily after-effects that I’d normally have to scrub to clean!

Source: Personal experience

Questions

Ask a Question Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community or ask a new question.

Question: Motor Oil Stains on Cement?

How do I remove a car oil stain on a cement driveway?

By Peggy B from Philadelphia, PA

Answers

I think I remember that you can sprinkle baking soda on it (a lot of it). Let it sit a while and then sweep it up. I will ask my sister, the expert, though, she does not have a drop of oil in her garage.

If they are not very deep stains, they do tend to fade over time. My son drives an old Toyota (85) which off and on, leaks fluids. These disappear in the wind, rain, snow, and sun over time.

Cover the oily spots with clay cat litter, which will soak up a lot of the oil. The rest will disappear over time as nature evaporates it. You could also mix some baking soda into the cat litter.

We use gasoline, lighter fluid or paint thinner and it removes oil stain very quickly after evaporation. Let us know what worked for you.

Cat litter is good to start with then buy some cheap detergent and pour on the stain, using a stiff broom to work it in. For discoloration separately use household bleach. My guys are always having to clean up, they drive up on my patio! So they know they have to clean up their messes.

“Behr” Cleaner/Degreaser sold Home Depot best ever, removes anything off the driveway, sold in silver bottle/green label, strong stuff will eat your hands but not your driveway, you will need rubber gloves, light scrubbing with a bristle brush. Try diluting but I use full strength. Great Stuff!

Question: Cleaning Oil Off Concrete?

How do you clean oil from concrete?

Answers

Try Coca Cola it cleans up blood on tarmac so it might work on oil

Oven cleaner works. Rinse it off after you are done and follow label cautions.

Husband is shop foreman at an Automobile Diagnostic company and they use concrete cleaner from Napa Auto Parts.

I have used “Carburetor Cleaner”, on smooth surfaced concrete. For stubborn spots,or un-even areas, saturate an old wash cloth with the cleaner, place on top of the soil and top off with a brick, or two. Leave over night. VENTILATION IS IMPORTANT

Kitty litter is supposed to be good for absorbing oil from concrete and brick. Good luck and God bless you.

My neighbor has a concrete driveway and found that pouring some gasoline on the oil and scrubbing it has helped her to remove the oil. I myself never tried it so I am only passing along what I have heard. Hope it helps you out. Good Luck!

I just used Gunk concentrated powder on my concrete driveway minutes ago and I am more than happy with the results. The oil stain has lightened considerably and is not so noticeable. The oil spill was 24 hrs old.

Best product for this is called Eximo. My local Safeway Gas Station uses and sells this stuff – just a powder you sprinkle on the oil stains that makes them dissapear.

Question: Motor Oil on Concrete?

How do I remove motor oil from my concrete porch? My son left a bag of motor oil on the porch, not realizing that the bag was leaking, and the spot is about 12 by 12 inches.

Mary from Langhorne, PA

Answers

My son removed oil spots from his garage floor with spray oven cleaner!

Try cat litter or TSP.

I’ve used kitty-litter, the granulated type. Cover the motor oil with a generous amount of the litter and leave overnight. The next day just sweep away. You may need to repeat the process.

Kitty Litter works great but if you want it out right away just rub the litter in the cement with your foot. This is what i do, cause i don’t like oil on my drive way.

I used a product called Eximo concrete cleaner – I just sweeped it on, and within a week the entire stain was gone!

P.S. The product claims to be a “GREEN” alternative to other methods out there!

Question: Removing Oil Stains from Concrete?

How can I remove a bad oil stain from my concrete patio floor?

By Alex from Surrey, England

Answers

I’m not sure you can remove the entire stain but here is how I cleaned my driveway where our car leaked oil.

Get a wide blade putty knife and scrape up whatever you can. Next, get some Pine Sol and pour it directly onto the stain. Scrub with a wire brush. Rinse with water and let dry. When the area is completely dry, you can spray some brake cleaner or carburetor cleaner on the area. You might be able to get the residue off with that and you can buy it at any auto supply store.

Home Depot and Lowe’s also sell something that is supposed to work to get the stains off but we have never used it so I don’t know if it works.

Hope this helps!

Question: Removing Oil Stains from Concrete Driveway?

How can I get oil stains off the concrete outside? My car leaked and I can’t remove it.

Unfortunately, if you opt to change the motor oil on your car yourself, you will undoubtedly encounter the odd spill or two. It is never a good idea to leave spilt motor oil on the ground, not only does it look unsightly on your drive, but just a single quart (or two pints) of motor oil can pollute 250,000 gallons of drinking water, so if you spill it near a refreshment area, this could be very dangerous. Even if the oil has just simply effected the ground, if you have pets, local cats or other creatures wandering around, it could poison puddles that they will then drink from, potentially causing irreparable damage.

1. Soak up the Oil

It is important to act fast when dealing with oil, and soaking up the fresh spillage is the first thing that you should do. Use a special clean up compound to assimilate the oil, but if you do not have any cleanup compound at your disposal, use a moisture absorbing substance such as talcum powder, sawdust or even cat litter. However, you should only use cat litter if it is made from an absorbent material, such as newspaper or wood chippings. If you do not have access to any other of these components, you could simply use paper towels, just be sure to keep replacing them once they become saturated with oil.

Leave the cleanup compound on the oil for as long as the instructions tell you to do so. If you have chosen to use something else, we recommend that you leave it to settle in overnight after spreading it over the spillage with a brush.

2. Use a Broom

It is a good idea to purchase clean up compound even if you do opt for a different substance to initially absorb the oil. While these might do the trick, clean up compound is specifically designed to deal with motor oil, and is likely to do the best job.

Once the cleaning substance of your choice has been left for a sufficient period of time, it is time to begin the cleaning process. You should use a dustpan and push broom to carefully sweep the compound and oil away. As you sweep, continue to sprinkle more compound over the oil spill and allow this to absorb more oil.

3. Stop the Oil From Solidifying

Now that the motor oil has, for the most part, been assimilated, you will need to prevent it from becoming a solid matter. If it does solidify, it will become pretty much impossible to remove, so anything you can do to emulsify it will help the cleaning process. Motor oil is very similar to many other oils and will react to warm water and soap. Using dish soap and tepid water will stop the oil from changing state into a solid, so be sure to use it liberally and ensure the entirety of the spillage is covered.

4. Get Scrubbing

Whilst the oil is in its liquid state, you should begin to scrub at it briskly with either a broom or a bristle broom. It is not advised that you use a wire brush, this could cause further damage to the concrete. Scrubbing will aid in the emulsifying of the motor oil.

5. Use Solvents if You Are Able

This is the final step and last resort if the oil has not disappeared from carrying out the other methods. Although solvents are great at cleaning up oily messes, it should be noted that they are not suitable for use on asphalt. However, if you are working with a concrete driveway, then using a solvent will be absolutely fine. To take care of the oil, you could use a hydrocarbon-based solvent such as paint thinner or kerosene.

Slowly drip the solvent in small amounts onto the residual stain, and permit it to soak up the remaining oil. Begin rubbing the solvent in with a broom or bristle brush to stimulate the absorbing action. Do take extra caution when handling these chemicals, they are highly flammable and should be used sparingly. Make sure that you are wearing gloves when using solvents of any kind and dispose of any cloths that you use for clean up. The correct way to this is by burning them in an oil drum, this is because simply throwing it in a bin could cause spontaneous combustion, an absolutely no one wants that to happen in their garage!

Preventing Oil Spills

As with every situation, prevention is better than the cure, and there are steps you can take to try and reduce the chance of motor oil spilling out when you are dealing with your car, or refuelling a lawn mower. Making use of an oil drain pan will help to stop any excess drips when draining the oil from creating a mess. An essential part of any DIYer’s toolkit, they are used to collect the old car oil, ready to be disposed of properly.

Oil leakage is often caused by engine gaskets or oil seals that have become damaged over time. One way of solving this issue is by using a good quality non-leak additive. These solutions are formulated to reduce the amount of oil that escapes the worn out components of a car. They consist of a blend of refined petroleum substances that modify the friction, helping to stop excess leaking. There are many non-leak additives on the market, and they are available to purchase from any auto or do-it-yourself store.

If you do end up spilling motor oil, thankfully, there are ways to remove it effectively. Always take care when changing the oil of your car and if possible, use an oil drain pan to catch the drips and old oil safely. If necessary, invest in a reputable brand of non-leak additive for extra protection. And if you don’t feel as though you have the skills to deal with this job yourself, do seek out the help of a professional mechanic, rather than attempting it and making a mistake or spilling dangerous oil.

It is true that your asphalt driveway may hide those inevitable stains,however, It still is imperative you clean the stain to the best of your ability. This is because stains from any of the fluids from your vehicle (motor oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, brake fluid, gasoline, and household solvents),when soaked up by the asphalt the chemicals interact with the petroleum in the blacktop causing it to weaken and deteriorate. So it is not only important to clean it, but if there is a spill you must try to get it out right away. That way it won’t cause the asphalt to weaken, and the fresher a stain is, the easier it is to remove it. Keep in mind asphalt does require a bit more maintenance than concrete does.

There are several ways you can use to get an oil stain out:
1. Dawn Dish Detergent (you can get it at Wal-mart or your preferred store for approximately $4.00)
Squirt the soap onto the stain and add some water. Using a stiff brush, scrub stain thoroughly. This can be repeated for
the more stubborn stains. Rinse with the garden hose.
2. Cat Litter (approximately $8-$15)
After mopping up any excess oil, lay some cat litter down to absorb the rest. Crush the cat litter into the stain by
stomping the pile with your feet. Leave it on overnight. The next day simply sweep it up and rinse with the garden hose.
3. Powdered Laundry Detergent (approximately $5-$15)
Remove any excess oil with a cloth. Sprinkle detergent on the stain, add some water and using a stiff brush scrub the stain
thoroughly. Let sit for 30 minutes. Repeat for the more stubborn stains. Rinse it off with the garden hose.
4.Coca Cola (approximately $4-$10)
Wipe up any excess oil. Pour a can or two on the stain and let it sit overnight. Clean it off with the garden hose.
5. Baking Soda ($4-$8)
Using a generous amount, pour on oil stain and scrub with a stiff brush. Let it sit for 30 minutes before rinsing off with a
hose. Repeat for the more stubborn stains.
6. WD-40 ($8-$11)
Spray a generous amount on the stain, then rinse with the garden hose.
7. Oven Cleaner ($5-$10)
Spray the stain and scrub the spot with a stiff bristled brush. Then rinse it off on the highest pressure with the garden
hose.
There are several factors to keep in mind as well. Any cleaner you buy you must read the label carefully. Any cleaner you use cannot contain any solvents. Using a cleaner with solvents in it will react to the asphalt and cause further damage. It’s best to use a biodegradable cleaner or regular dish washing soap. If the stain is too heavy, it’s best to use a black seal coat. This coal/tar substance will cover any stain, and coats with a new looking black surface. One last thing to keep in mind is asphalt should be seal coated yearly. Doing this will prolong your asphalt driveway lifespan.

DRIVEWAY REPAIR SERVICES

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Feline scabies is one of the most common diseases your cat can suffer from, and it can be treated with home remedies. Mites embed themselves under the skin and cause very annoying and irritating infections and symptoms such as itching, rash and peeling skin, among others. It is a highly contagious skin condition and mites can easily spread among pets. For this reason, you should act as soon as possible and give your pet the appropriate treatment to ensure their well-being and good health. In this OneHowTo.com article, we explain how to treat feline scabies with home remedies.

The symptoms of feline scabies are very easy to recognize. They are highly visible and will cause your cat some discomfort too. If your cat is suffering from scabies, you’ll notice that they’ll scratch and rub their ears constantly, trying to find some kind of relief. They may even feel pain. Your cat will cry when they scratch, plus you’ll also notice that they’ll move and shake their head insistently, and will have secretions of earwax in the ear with a strong odor. Inflammation of the ears is usually strong and, if left untreated, it can cause blood vessels to rupture after scratching.

What is most important is to treat the feline scabies infection from mites as soon as possible so that your cat will quickly recover from it. Here we explain some natural remedies which will be useful for your cat’s recovery.

For example, white vinegar is very effective for curing scabies due to its acid content. White vinegar will help get rid of any trace of ear mites. You can dilute a little vinegar by adding water and pour the solution into the pinna. This home remedy for feline scabies can’t be used if your cat has open wounds, as it may make them worse.

Another home remedy for feline scabies is corn oil. This will act against mites very effectively and will help relieve the itching. You must massage their ear with some oil and make sure that no area is left untouched. You can use this treatment for at least 12 days and you’ll see how the mites disappear and your cat’s skin heals.

You can also treat scabies with olive oil because it has a moisturizing effect and greatly reduces itching in the affected area. You just have to apply a few drops of olive oil in the most damaged areas and then massage it into the skin so it is well absorbed.

Besides this, when treating scabies in cats, it is really important that you are extra cautious with their hygiene. You must use dry antibacterial shampoo to clean your cat’s skin, because the mites can easily spread to other parts of the body causing the condition to become worse. If you have any doubts, consult a vet and follow any instructions they give you.

You can also achieve the same effects with another home remedy: a solution based on almond oil and vitamin E. Warm the contents to room temperature and apply the mixture with a dropper. Bear in mind that this treatment should be given every 48 hours for at least 6 days.

Another home remedy for treating mites is boric acid, because it has antiseptic properties and is a good solution for cleaning your cat’s ear, to cure the infection and restore the skin affected by scabies.

Finally, it is highly recommended that you maintain a cleaning routine once a month and delouse your cat properly so you keep your cat protected and it won’t contract scabies again. That way, you will prevent the presence and growth of mites. Remember that if you have more than one pet at home, it is best to isolate your cat so it can fight it until the infection has gone to avoid infection of other pets.

If you want to read similar articles to How to Treat Feline Scabies with Home Remedies, we recommend you visit our Pets category.

MSE NEWSFLASH 28/09

Replies

Sounds like it might be a bit far gone, but we used dishwasher powder on a patch – it soaked it up and left no other mark over a couple of days.

Don’t think the dishwasher tablets would be so effective tho.

We are born naked, wet and hungry. Then things get worse.

. withdrawal, NOT withdraw e l .. bear with me, NOT bare with me
. definitely, NOT defin a tely . separate, NOT sep e rate
should have, NOT should of . guaranteed, NOT guar e nteed

The stain is quite large (4ft diameter) and has been there a long time, so isn’t really wet enough to be soaked up by anything now. It’s a kind of black gungey mess.

Lots of washing up liquid, water and a scrubbing brush sound inevitable to me.

Ok – You need to use a detergant of some type. Let it soak for a short while and wash away with a hose. Even non-bio washing powder will help but don’t leave it down for too long being tarmac is oil based!

There are specialist kinds about (as a marshal we use them on race tracks and as you have found oil damages tarmac!) but they are expensive.

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Don’t just put anything into your off-road vehicle

Motor oil is just motor oil, right? Wrong! Your ATV or UTV requires motor oil just like any other motorized vehicle, but any oil just doesn’t cut it. These machines run at higher RPM, work harder and run harder than your truck does, so specialized oils are definitely called for. What separates motor sports oil from common stuff off the shelf? It’s all about what goes into the blend. Let’s take a look at five of the best motor oil products for your off-road fun.

Factory Brands

The manufacturer of your specific machine designed it to work with its brand of in-house oil. Every brand, including for example Polaris, Can-Am, Yamaha (under the Yamalube brand), and Honda under the Pro Honda brand produces oils specifically designed to work with their engines. While there are advantages to using other oils, these are the safe choices. You can rest easy knowing that this ATV oil and UTV oil will not do any harm to your engine.

Maxima

Maxima has been in the game since 1979 and has been a leader in producing American-made lubricants ever since. It has a strong racing heritage, to boot. Many motocross fans from the 1980s will remember the name Ron Lechien. The former Kawasaki factory racer’s dad founded the company and the family still owns and operates it. These oils have very high tolerances for heat and fluidity, making them great choices for those of us that like to keep the gas pedal closer to the floor than most would deem reasonable.

AMSOIL

If you think about synthetic oils, the name that pops into most minds is AMSOIL. AMSOIL has been in the business of producing lubricants for over 40 years, and make a wide range of specific products for ATVs and UTVs. What makes them one of the best available is that these products are researched and blended specifically for our market.

Lucas Oil

An American success story, Lucas Oil started on the principle of producing a high-quality lubricant and bringing that product into the competitive marketplace. Lucas Oil did so in a big way by jumping into motorsports competition. What gets these oils on this list is the fact that the same technology that goes into the oil for top fuel drag racers also goes into the motor oil you can put in your machine to keep you on the trails. Simply put, this is some of the best ATV oil you’ll find anywhere.

Bel-Ray

Bel-Ray offers ATV and UTV users a complete line of products from performance four-stroke specific motor oil and they offer guides specific to use to help guide you through getting the right products for your machine and style of riding. The company has been around since the 1960s, and making powersports oils since the 1970s. It has been producing American-made lubricant products that are able to withstand any condition conceivable, making them a great choice for replacing the ATV oil in your ride.

Why Should You Buy ATV Oil Instead of Regular Motor Oil?

While the cheap automotive motor oil at your local big box store might seem like it will work well enough, we would caution you against it. ATV and UTV engines don’t see as many miles as your daily driver, but the engines in those machines get run extremely hard and rev very high. If you buy ATV oil, your machine gets the advantage of a product made specifically for it.

We know there are plenty of off-roaders who swear by using the same oil they use in their truck and it can certainly work if you are vigilant about changing it regularly. But ATV oil also has to lubricate your transmission (which gets a separate lubricant in your car/truck). ATV oil does not have the same type of friction modification as automotive oil, so it will do a better job of both protecting your transmission and providing improved transmission performance.

How Often Should I Change My ATV Oil?

Your ATV oil needs to be changed a lot more frequently when it comes to total miles traveled compared to your car or truck. But exactly how often you should change it depends on the type of use your four-wheeler gets. For example, if you have a Polaris Ranger Utility UTV, Polaris suggests changing the oil every 100 hours/six months/1000 miles (whichever comes first). ATVs and UTVs that see more sporty/hard-driving performance should be changed more frequently. About every 50 hours for a Sport UTV and as little as every 25 or 30 hours for a Sport ATV. Racers, for example, typically replace the oil after every race.

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