If oil has just spilled onto your driveway or garage floor, acting quickly can significantly reduce the long-term staining and help us achieve better results during treatment.
Here’s what we recommend:
1. Contain the Spill
– Use rags, paper towels or cardboard to stop the oil from spreading.
– Try to blot, not wipe – wiping the oil pushes it deeper into the pores of the concrete.
2. Apply an Absorbent
– Spread kitty litter, Oil-Dri, sawdust, or even dry sand over the spill.
– Let it sit for 1-2 hours, or overnight if possible. These materials help pull oil from the surface before it penetrates deeper.
Unscented, clay-based kitty litter works best. Avoid the clumping or scented varieties, which can leave a residue.
3. Sweep and Dispose
– Sweep up the saturated absorbent and dispose of it in a sealed bag. Avoid washing it into the street or grass.
4. Do Not Use Dish Soap or Household Degreasers
– Household cleaners can push the stain deeper into the concrete and sometimes “lock the stain in” to the surface.
– Avoid DIY pressure washing, hosing or scrubbing – let the area dry and wait for us.
Why These Steps Matter
Oil is much easier to remove when it’s fresh. Quick action and attention reduces:
– Depth of penetration into the concrete
– Oxidation that happens as oil bakes in the sun
– Risk of permanent shadowing or discoloration
Taking these simple steps can improve your cleaning results, reduce cost, and help us deliver a better outcome when we arrive.