best method of cleaning up a dried oil spill

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06-12-2013, 12:46 PM
GeorgeB

best method of cleaning up a dried oil spill

I would ask my father in law this question, but I cant reach him, and want to get this taken care of asap.

When I got home today, I noticed a good size dried up oil spill underneath my truck. Since we live in an HOA, I want to clean it up so they don't complain about it. I tried Googling what to use, and found a ton of results. However, most talked about what to do while it is wet.

The biggest thing most sites said was kitty litter and dawns dish detergent. Not bad, but will it work on a DRIED oil spill?

If anyone has any solid ideas, I would appreciate it.
06-12-2013, 12:49 PM
KzScrapper

Brake parts cleaner...it's in a spray can.
06-12-2013, 01:00 PM
GeorgeB

Quote:

Originally Posted by KzScrapper

Brake parts cleaner...it's in a spray can.

Well that is definitely one that I didnt see. One website had like 15 options/methods, but that wasn't one.

Is there any particular kind to use, or will any work? Once I spray it, how long would it need to sit for? Also, how would I remove it from the ground? With kitty litter, that is sweepable. You just wash it away?
06-12-2013, 01:14 PM
brandon

Dawn will still pull the oil up, Castrol makes a driveway cleaner that works well too.
06-12-2013, 01:17 PM
GeorgeB

Quote:

Originally Posted by brandon

Dawn will still pull the oil up, Castrol makes a driveway cleaner that works well too.

Do you know the Castrol product name by chance?
06-12-2013, 01:30 PM
GeorgeB

Also, if I used Dawn Dishwashing Liquid as one method, I read on several sites to put it in a bucket of very hot water and then use a scrub brush with very hard brussels.

What is it about that brand that works so well, versus others?
06-12-2013, 01:35 PM
brandon

Castrol Super Clean
06-12-2013, 01:37 PM
GeorgeB

Quote:

Originally Posted by brandon

Castrol Super Clean

Thanks.
06-12-2013, 01:39 PM
DiamondN

Quote:

Originally Posted by GeorgeB

What is it about that brand that works so well, versus others?

I'm sure you've heard their slogan: "Dawn Gets Grease Out Of Your Way"

I have also had good success with dried and soaked in oil spills using GUNK Engine Degreaser in the spray cans. Spray it on, let it soak a bit, brush it a bit and rinse off with the hose. Repeat as needed...Good Luck...
06-12-2013, 01:43 PM
GeorgeB

Quote:

Originally Posted by DiamondN

I'm sure you've heard their slogan: "Dawn Gets Grease Out Of Your Way"

I have also had good success with dried and soaked in oil spills using GUNK Engine Degreaser in the spray cans. Spray it on, let it soak a bit, brush it a bit and rinse off with the hose. Repeat as needed...Good Luck...

Yeah, I heard that too, but for dishes lol.

Thanks. I am writing all these down, so when I head to the store later, I can have a few options to choose from.
06-12-2013, 01:46 PM
brandon

Dawn blue not the scented or other colored ones has an additive that cuts oil, it is also what they use on birds after oil spills.
06-12-2013, 01:52 PM
DiamondN

Yeah...that's what they use to clean wildlife on the oil spills. You can buy the larger Dawn refill bottles at Home Depot right now for under $5.00.
06-12-2013, 02:00 PM
hobo finds

Cat urine, and then cover it with the cat litter. And sweep it up.
06-12-2013, 02:14 PM
Re-cycler

Quote:

Originally Posted by hobo finds

Cat urine, and then cover it with the cat litter. And sweep it up.

Ahhhhahahaahahahahahahahahahaahahahahaa!!!!
The visual of George out squeezing cats over his oil stain while the HOA is watching and taking notes and video will keep me laughing for the rest of the day.
;?)
06-12-2013, 06:54 PM
Whm1

I use to take mineral spirits (slow evaporating) and pour it over the spill, let soak, then use oil asorb. Smash up cheap coarse kind for a finer like powder...pulls it up better. But, that was when I lived in a house with a driveway and garage.
06-12-2013, 07:00 PM
ScrapYaHerd

I rub the oil absorber in with my shoe and it works real well.
06-12-2013, 07:08 PM
parrothead

Definitely a clay kitty litter. Sucks stuff up like crazy.
06-12-2013, 07:50 PM
Re-cycler

A little gas on the stain, scrub the hell out of it with the cat, put a spark to cat and the whole mess is history.
;?)
06-12-2013, 08:51 PM
GeorgeB

Quote:

Originally Posted by parrothead

Definitely a clay kitty litter. Sucks stuff up like crazy.

What is a clay kitty litter?
06-12-2013, 10:21 PM
zito

Quote:

Originally Posted by GeorgeB

What is a clay kitty litter?

Kitty litter made from bentonite clay. The same stuff floor dry is made from. I use dry cement powder for pulling up oil spills out of concrete, never tried it on pavement though. (don't know what surface you need to clean). It works really well, but it does take some time.
06-12-2013, 10:35 PM
Mechanic688

Quote:

Originally Posted by zito

Kitty litter made from bentonite clay. The same stuff floor dry is made from. I use dry cement powder for pulling up oil spills out of concrete, never tried it on pavement though. (don't know what surface you need to clean). It works really well, but it does take some time.

If it is pavement (asphalt) then you do not want to use gasoline or brake cleaner or any other spirits. It will soften up your pavement.
Just scrub it up with some Dawn then use your water hose to rinse it. And the Dawn should not hurt your grass.