How to Clean a Motor Oil Spill

If you change your own motor oil, or if you refuel a chain saw or lawn mower, you will eventually spill motor oil and need to clean it up. A single quart of motor oil can pollute 250,000 gallons of drinking water, so don't ignore an oil spill. Concrete can absorb oil up to 1/4-inch deep, making it difficult or impossible to remove all the oil in a spill. It's possible to lift old stains (up to 30 days) with solvents, but it's also extremely dangerous to do so. For fresh spills however you can get the majority of the oil if you act quickly.

Step 1 - Soak Up Fresh Oil

If the oil spill is fresh, throw down as much cleanup compound as it takes to absorb the oil. If you don't have cleanup compound use paper towels, replacing them as soon as the towels are soaked with oil. Then, go to the nearest auto parts store and buy a five-pound bucket of cleanup compound. Broadcast (spread) the compound on and around the spill. Let it sit according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Using a push broom and dust pan sweep up the compound as it begins to absorb the oil. Each time you sweep up the used compound, add more compound and allow it to sit and absorb more of the oil. Do not use kitty litter unless it is made of newspaper, wood chips or other absorbent material. It will soak up oil, but follow up with cleanup compound if you want good results.

Step 2 - Emulsify the Oil

Once you have the bulk of the oil absorbed and cleaned up you'll need to emulsify the remaining oil so it doesn't solidify and become impossible to remove. Fortunately motor oil has a lot in common with bacon grease and all oils - meaning, by adding soap and warm water to the grease, or the motor oil, you emulsify it, which means you keep it from turning into a solid and adhering more permanently to the concrete or asphalt. To emulsify the oil simply spray the remaining spot with straight dish washing detergent and warm water. Use a broom or bristle brush (not wire) to scrub the oil spot to emulsify it. Use more compound to absorb the resulting liquid.

Step 3 - Use Solvents to Remove Remaining Oil

Do not use solvents on asphalt. If your motor oil spill is on concrete, however, you can use solvents, such as kerosene, paint thinner or other hydrocarbon based solvents. Only do so with extreme care as these materials are highly flammable.

Add small amounts of the solvent and allow it to soak into the stain. Rub lightly to absorb the dissolved stain. Do not throw away the rags or towels used to clean up the oil, but burn them in an open oil drum. They will spontaneously combust if thrown in the trash.