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Eco-Friendly Green Oil Stain Remover


by DoItYourself Staff

A patio can be a great place to hold a party and a garage perfect for storing autos, but oil stains do happen. However, there are some easy oil stain remover methods to make spots dissolve safely.

Natural Solutions

Whether it is with a simple concoction of baking soda, corn starch, and water or even a can of soda, oil stains can be removed quickly and permanently. By using natural products, you not only help keep the environment safe, but your home free from harsh fumes and chemicals. Using home solutions can also be cheaper than contacting a professional to remove oil spots.

Dress Accordingly

Be sure to wear appropriate protective clothing and eye goggles before attempting to use any cleaning agent, be it natural or over the counter. You should also test a small area of the surface before applying any ingredients to the main stain.

Sprinkle Baking Soda

If you have a dry oil spot on any concrete flooring or area of your home, try sprinkling it with a small amount of baking soda. After applying the powder, add a small amount of water and then scrub vigorously with a hard brush until the stain disappears. Rinse the area off with a garden hose. You can also try and use corn meal in the same manner.

Pour on Soda

Using a can of Cola, pour it over the oily spot and let it sit at least 24 hours. Next, apply a small amount of liquid dishwashing soap to the spot and scrub it with a hard bristled brush. The stain should disappear, and it can then be rinsed off with a hose.

Try Automatic Dishwashing Detergent

Another easy and safe solution for removing an oily area from concrete is with automatic dishwasher detergent. Pour the detergent straight from the carton onto the oily spot and scrub or brush it. Finish the cleaning by pouring very hot water over the stain and then let it dry. You can repeat the steps as needed or until the stain lifts or fades.

Crushed Cat Litter

Douse the oily spill with cat litter and then crush it with either a dust pan or your foot. In other words, turn the cat litter into a fine grain and let it soak up the oil stain. Allow the cat litter to sit on the stain for at least one hour before rinsing with a hose.

Last Choice: WD-40

Spray on a bit of household WD-40 on the spot letting it sit for at least 30 minutes. Then, rinse it off completely. Be sure to towel dry the area, as the lubricant may have left the concrete slippery.

Final Steps

You can also try any of these natural solutions to remove various oily spots and stains from concrete flooring at your home. As a final step, use dry baking soda once again to freshen up areas that have left a strong odor. The baking soda acts as a natural fragrance cleanser when sprinkled directly on the area.

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