Best Cat Litter For Oil Spill? 122 Most Correct Answers

Still using Oil Dry for oil spills and leaks?

Absorbent pads, socks and spill kits are the most effective way to clean up spills

Many facilities still use oil drying oil on their facilities. Oil Dry goes by many names – Kitty Litter, Oil Dri, Cat Litter, Clay Absorbent – but they all have the same result. They are not as effective as using oil absorbing pads!

Here are questions we get asked about Oil Dry all the time:

Is cat litter for oil spills a good absorbent for oil?

The simple answer is no – Kitty Litter or Oil Dry is not a good absorbent for oil. While it may appear that the oil is absorbed into the litter, technically the oil is never fully absorbed and simply settles onto the surface of the litter.

Oil Dry vs Kitty Litter vs Clay – what’s the difference?

There is no difference between oil dry litter or cat litter. They are both a clay based absorbent used to quickly remove oil on the ground. Both have one thing in common – they are not effective and can even be harmful if inhaled.

Oil Dry Absorbents – What’s the Difference Between Them and Oil Absorbing Pads?

While oil-dry absorbents such as kitty litter and clay absorbents remove the oil on the floor surface, they are often heavy and cumbersome to use. Oil absorbing pads are more effective to use. While they are healthier for the user, they can also be easily discarded and lifted off the ground when fully absorbed with oil.

Here are some reasons why we do not recommend using oil dry or cat litter:

1) It is dangerous to your health – inhaling the dry oil will be brought to the ground, there will be dust that will become airborne, which can get into your lungs when inhaled and cause breathing problems. Oil absorbing pads and socks do not contain dust.

2) It’s Dirty – Clay can get stuck anywhere from the soles of your shoes to the tires of a truck or forklift, moving the clay from one area where the oil spilled to other areas of your facility, such as the bathroom. B. the office, arrives or production hall. Oil pads stay in one place and cannot be tracked.

3) It can damage machines and other parts – because the clay absorbent becomes airborne and some of the pieces are so small that you can hardly see them when tracked or taken to other places in the camp, they can be put into machines and result in these machines not working as effectively.

4) It’s heavy and requires a lot of work – a typical 50 pound bag of kitty litter or oil dried clay will absorb about 4 gallons of oil. Not only do you have to lift the heavy sack and then put it on the ground, you also have to move it around to pick up the oil and then sweep it up. A 10 pound pack of our absorbent pads absorbs up to 30 gallons of oil and weighs only 10 pounds. Plus, if you have a small spill, a couple of pads weigh less than 1 pound!

It’s great to explore the ways you use the cat litter absorbent in your facility to absorb oil. While each bag is cheap, they are ineffective, don’t absorb much, are heavy and just don’t look good!

Ypers spill control absorbents and spill kits are more effective than clay and granular absorbents at cleaning up spills.

Please contact us or view our full line of oil absorbent pads, booms, socks, spill kits and secondary containment to help your facility (and your employees) stay safe on the job and keep spills to a minimum.

Ypers spill control absorbent

What are absorbent granules and how can they help clean up workplace spills?

Granular absorbents make cleaning up water, gasoline, antifreeze, oil spills and other chemicals a breeze. Simply sprinkle these loose absorbents directly onto the liquid. The granules begin to soak up spills immediately, hence the name: granular absorbent.

After absorbing most of the liquids, collect, bag and dispose of the soaked granular materials. It’s an incredibly simple and effective solution for cleaning up workplace spills and chemicals.

But how do loose granular absorbents compare to other products like absorbent mats when it comes to spill control? A key advantage of loose absorbents is that they can easily get anywhere a spill can go. For example cracks, crevices, corners and porous surfaces. Some loose granular products are even good for smothering oil fires. Their small textured pallets can also improve traction. Not only keeping floors clean and dry, but also reducing accidents and hazards from slipping.

There are well over half a dozen different types of granular absorbents on the market. While each of them serves a single purpose – soaking up spills – some prove better than others. Familiarize yourself with the subtle differences between the individual granules before you buy.

What Are the Different Types of Granular Absorbents?

Loose granular absorbents come in several different material options. You can also choose from different packaging and dispensers such as polybags, buckets and shaker boxes. Each type has its own absorption characteristics and applications for use on spills. We will outline some of them next.

corn on the cob

As the name suggests, these suction granules contain the ground remains of corn on the cob. That means it is eco-friendly and also biodegradable.

This highly effective all-round absorbent can absorb up to 4 times its weight in liquid. Whether you’re dealing with oil, antifreeze, or plain water, you can rest assured that corncob granules will get the job done.

peat moss

These purely natural granules made from peat moss are particularly suitable for cleaning oils. Just 2 cubic feet of this material will absorb approximately 16 gallons of oil spill. Throw it over the spilled liquid and then sweep it up – easy!

Not only is it super absorbent, but it’s also lightweight and has a non-abrasive texture. And is a good choice for outdoor oil spills, e.g. B. on the floor. However, it is important to note that peat moss does not absorb water.

Gran Sorb

A Top Seller on AbsorbentsOnline.com, Gran-Sorb contains cellulosic materials left over from paper mill processing. It offers a dust-free formula that is 100% biodegradable.

The versatile Gran-Sorb has a 1:1 absorption ratio and is suitable for general purpose applications. Use it for oil, lubricants, gasoline, antifreeze, coolant, solvents, water and many other liquids.

Super sorbent

This light and inert formulation is another of our best sellers. A universal absorbent, it instantly soaks up a wide range of liquids including oils, coolants and solvents. It’s also dust-free and fireproof, with a melting point in excess of 3900 F.

A 2 pound carton will absorb about half a gallon of liquid. With the convenient dispenser, you can simply shake the contents directly over spilled liquids. This makes it ideal for routine maintenance tasks and small leaks.

cat litter

The name is self-explanatory; Cat litter is the same material used to absorb cat urine. Cat litter formulas typically contain silica-based diatomaceous earth or traditional clay.

The main benefit of using cat litter is its cheap price, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best choice. Clay and silica compounds are not only heavy, but also hazardous to health.

The rough texture of clay can also scratch and damage floors or expensive machinery. It can often be sticky, messier to use and pick up afterwards. Unlike other all-purpose absorbent granule alternatives.

In short, we encourage you to leave this stuff where it belongs: in your pet’s litter box!

Loose special sorbents

In addition to the above, several other specialized granular compounds and neutralizing powders are available. And are often the key components of specialty spill kits. For example, to clean up bodily fluids, acids, hazardous materials and chemical spills.

For more information, see our previous posts on acid spill response and liquid mercury cleaning.

What is the Best Granular Absorbent?

the us Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) conducted a test to determine which granular absorbents are most effective. They found that cellulose like Gran-Sorb is the most effective at absorbing oil, fuel, and antifreeze. Meanwhile, peat moss and polypropylene sorbents came in second.

“Cellulose insulation was the material that absorbed the most oil, fuel, and antifreeze; however, it also absorbed the most water. Polypropylene and peat moss also performed well, with oil, fuel and antifreeze absorption percentages in excess of seventy percent by volume,” wrote the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in a study conducted on the efficiency of various granular absorbents.

How do I safely dispose of granular absorbents?

After vacuuming up a spilled liquid, use a broom to sweep up and collect the soiled granular materials. Then place them in an appropriate waste container or bag.

Depending on the nature of the liquid or chemical spill, it is often possible to burn products like Gran-Sorb. This can be a great way to reduce your company’s waste disposal costs. And also minimizes the chance of chemicals ending up in landfills.

Always consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) disposal recommendations for specific details.

Find affordable spill response supplies

We are here for all your workplace spill containment and clean-up needs. Take advantage of our competitive prices on spill kits, absorbent pillows, pads and more. Talk to your absorbent product experts today!

[cta]Have questions about which spill or absorption products are right for your facility? Contact Travis Zdrazil at [email protected] or (800) 869-9633.[/cta]

This is a revision of a blog post with an original publication date of May 15, 2014

Don’t hesitate. Treating an oil stain quickly is the best way to ensure successful removal.

Baking soda helps absorb excess oil. Sprinkle and pat to remove soaked fat.

Skip the dryer until you have successfully removed the entire stain. Heat settles in the stain.

You may think that getting rid of stubborn oil stains is an impossible task. With a few tricks, however, you can prevent grease-stained clothing and fabrics from becoming permanently soiled. Read on to learn how to properly tackle oil and grease stains with expert tips from Leanne Stapf, Chief Operating Officer of The Cleaning Authority.

What you should know before cleaning

Before you do anything, check the care label to learn if any methods are off-limits. artursfoto/Getty Images

Oil-based stains go beyond cooking oil. “Mayonnaise, deodorant, motor oil, and cooking oil are examples of oil-based stains,” Stapf says, so you can treat them all the same way.

Depending on the size and severity of the stain, you may need to repeat the removal process. Here are a few things to remember:

act fast . As soon as you notice an oil stain on your clothing, it’s best to act immediately. A stubborn oil stain is much more difficult to remove than a fresh one. Also, grease stains darken as they harden, making them even more noticeable (and unsightly) over time.

. As soon as you notice an oil stain on your clothing, it’s best to act immediately. A stubborn oil stain is much more difficult to remove than a fresh one. Also, grease stains darken as they harden, making them even more noticeable (and unsightly) over time. Check the garment care label. In general, you should use warm-hot water to treat oil-based stains, but if you’re dealing with a specific fabric, check the specific instructions.

. In general, you should use warm-hot water to treat oil-based stains, but if you’re dealing with a specific fabric, check the specific instructions. Don’t rub the stain. When removing excess oil, the key is to blot, not rub, Stapf says. “If you rub the stain before blotting, it could push it further into the fabric and make the stain more difficult to remove.”

. When removing excess oil, the key is to blot, not rub, Stapf says. “If you rub the stain before blotting, it could push it further into the fabric and make the stain more difficult to remove.” Pre-treat the stain. Do not simply toss the stained garment in the washing machine. It’s always better to pre-treat an oil-based stain with liquid dish soap or baking soda, which will help loosen the stain first.

. Do not simply toss the stained garment in the washing machine. It’s always better to pre-treat an oil-based stain with liquid dish soap or baking soda, which will help loosen the stain first. Remove the stain before machine drying: if the stain is still there, the high heat of the dryer will solidify the oil. Make sure the stain is completely gone before putting the garment in the dryer.

How to remove oil stains with baking soda

Baking soda absorbs oil and pulls it out of the fabric. ThamKC/Getty Images

Baking soda is an effective option for removing grease stains because it easily absorbs excess oil.

1. Dab the stain. Blot the stain with a paper towel or absorbent cloth to remove as much oil as possible. Don’t rub. “If you rub the stain before dabbing, it could be pushed further into the fabric and the stain might be harder to remove,” explains Stapf.

2. Sprinkle baking soda on the stain. Using a clean paper towel or cloth, press the baking soda into the stain. The baking soda will soak up the oil and pull it out of the fabric. After dabbing the baking soda on the stain, do not wipe it away.

3. Allow the baking soda covered stain to set. Do this for 30 minutes to an hour depending on the size of the stain. This step will help lift the fat.

4. Then use a toothbrush to rub the baking soda into the stain. You can add more baking soda if you feel there isn’t enough left after the blotting process. When you’re done, scrape away the remaining baking soda.

5. Repeat. Repeat this covering and rubbing process until the oil is fully absorbed – you’ll know the oil is fully absorbed when the baking soda stops turning brown. Rub thoroughly, but be careful not to damage the fabric.

6. Add dish soap before putting the clothes in the washing machine. “Add the remaining baking soda on the stain, add a small amount of dish soap and mix it in with your finger,” adds Stapf.

7. Throw in the washing machine. Select the appropriate cycle using the label instructions. Stapf recommends tossing the clothes straight into the wash because the detergents increase the stain-fighting power. She also suggests using hot water unless the care label says otherwise. That’s because hot water helps loosen the stain, she adds.

8. Repeat if necessary. “If the stain persists, resort to the baking soda process,” she adds. Avoid putting grease-stained fabrics in the dryer. The heat sets in the stain, preventing you from removing it completely. While hot water sanitizes and helps activate detergent, heat from the dryer continues to set stains in, Stapf says.

How to remove oil stains with dish soap

Stapf recommends the combination baking soda and dish soap method, but explains that it’s also possible to tackle small oil stains with dish soap alone. “Both baking soda and dish soap are effective at cutting through and removing grease,” says Stapf. She adds that using them together gives more cleaning power.

For minor stains, apply a squirt of dish soap to the stain, allow the dish soap to soak up the grease and cut through it, then throw the garment in the washing machine.

Remove dried stains

You can tell that a grease stain has set in when it feels dry and is darker than before, says Stapf. Firm oil stains are much more difficult to remove than fresh ones. But you can’t always remove a stain as soon as it lands on clothing.

It may not be possible to remove a stubborn grease stain completely – especially if you have run the garment through the dryer.

However, you can try the same baking soda and dish soap method when dealing with dried oil stains, Stapf says. Cover the stain with dish soap and baking soda and rub the concoction in with a toothbrush. Then leave it overnight.

“You can also mix in your favorite stain remover for an extra kick,” she adds.

After treating the stain, run the garment through the hot water cycle. Repeat as needed.

Insider snack

Some people love to cook, but no one likes their clothes getting grease splattered. Treating oil stains quickly with baking soda is the best way to banish them. Stubborn stains will require a bit more muscle and patience, but you can use the same process and materials.

Make sure you don’t put oil-stained fabrics in the dryer as this can set the stains further and make them even more difficult to remove.

Don’t despair if you drop your phone in water — kitty litter can work even better than rice for dehydrating phones and other small electronics. Simply slip your phone into an old sock and tie the top to prevent dirt from getting inside. Place the sock in a bag of litter and leave it there for a few days or until there is no sign of moisture on the screen.

See also: New and Remarkable – 10 digital tools to help you build your dream home yourself

[AN OIL STAIN APPEARS ON A CONCRETE DRIVEWAY.] [SCREEN TEXT]: Oh no! A dried oil stain!

[SHOWING CHANGES TO A RED BRICK WALL.] [A HAND ENTERS FROM THE RIGHT WEARING A SAFETY GLOVE. THE HAND HOLDS A BOTTLE OF SPRAY LUBRICANT.] [SCREEN TEXT]: Spray lubricant

[HAND WITH SPRAY LUBRICANT DISAPPEARS AND A GREEN HOSE ENTERS FROM THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE SCREEN.] [SCREEN TEXT]: Water

[SHOW CHANGES BACK TO OIL STAIN ON DRIVEWAY.] [HAND ENTERS FROM THE BOTTOM SCREEN AND STARTS SPRAYING THE SPRAY LUBRICANT ON THE STAIN.] [SCREEN TEXT]: Spray. spray. spray.

[SCREEN TEXT]: Flush! [THE HOSE ENTERS FROM THE BOTTOM SCREEN AND STARTS FLUSHING THE STAIN. THE WORD “FLUSH” BEGINS TO FADE.] [SCREEN TEXT]: Air dry

[THE WATERMARK ON THE DRIVE IS SLOWLY DRYING. WHEN IT IS COMPLETELY DRY, THE OIL STAIN WILL BE GONE.] [SCREEN TEXT]: Oil Free!

Oil spills on land and land have the potential to contaminate the environment and kill plants and animals. Unattended, oil spills eventually migrate through the ground to the nearest water source, e.g. B. to a sewer or river.

Every organization has a responsibility to clean up its own oil spills as quickly as possible and to minimize the impact on the environment. To complete this task, you must use spill response kits and measures.

Learn how to quickly and effectively clean up oil spills on land, contact SpillPro for expert advice.

How to clean up oil spills on land

Land based oil spill kits contain the right mix of emergency equipment to contain and clean up the spill. The main components of this kit are as follows:

country is booming

Land booms look like big sausages. They are made of oil-absorbing material, thanks to which they act as a barrier. This will prevent oil from leaving an area surrounded by land booms.

hydrocarbon pads

Hydrocarbon pads are a type of oil absorbing pads. Each pad absorbs a large amount of oil. They are effective where there is an oil slick that needs to be vacuumed up. Once the pads are saturated, they can be collected in sealed plastic bags for disposal.

Envirosolutions floor sweeper

Sweepers look like sawdust or powder. It contains microbes that are dormant until they come into contact with hydrocarbons. These microbes consume the oil and clean the soil of all signs of hydrocarbon pollution. If the spill has seeped into the ground, it may be necessary to excavate the top layer and aerate the ground. Microbes work best when they are damp, so spraying the area with water also helps with cleaning.

Oil Spill Training

A crucial requirement for cleaning up an oil spill, land or dirt is not a piece of equipment but a person. Trained personnel are absolutely essential to limit the extent of a spill and carry out the clean-up efforts. On the other hand, a lack of training leads to ineffective cleaning and possible injury.

It may seem obvious to rush into a spill situation with absorbent material to clean up the spill as quickly as possible. But if the leak is not isolated and the spill is not contained, all the energy expended cleaning up the spill will be wasted as the spill continues to spread.

SpillPro offers oil spill cleanup training on land and soil. Our training covers the seven steps to cleaning up a spill as well as the proper use of the items in a spill kit.

The procedure for cleaning up the spill

SpillPro promotes a seven-step process to clean up spills. These steps are designed to help employees think through the hazards and take the appropriate action. Following the sequence will minimize the impact of a spill, reduce the risk of injury and ensure quick and effective cleanup:

1. Assess the burial and determine if assistance is needed

Ensure the spill source is isolated by closing a valve, leveling the container, or otherwise stopping the spill source.

2. Contain spill to prevent spread

It is important to keep an oil spill away from drains or water since the spill spreads very quickly across the water surface.

3. Use your personal protective equipment

The PPE included in oil spill kits is designed to withstand the effects of oils and additives. The gloves offer a good grip even in slippery conditions.

4. Clean up spilled material with absorbent material

The goal is to remove all of the oil from the ground, even if this means digging up some dirt where oil has seeped into the surface.

5. Dispose of waste absorbent by placing in sealed plastic bags

An approved contractor should transport these bags to a registered hazardous waste site.

6. Report any oil spills to supervisors or managers

Legislation requires some spills to be reported to local authorities, who may dispatch inspectors to the site.

7. Replenish the spill kits

Replenish the PPE, barriers and absorbents used to clean up the spill. This step should be completed as soon as possible to avoid a situation where you are unable to respond to a spill due to a lack of spill response materials.

Get advice from experts on how to clean up oil spills on land

SpillPro supplies spill kits for land and soil oil spills. With our products you can contain spills and clean them up quickly and effectively. We also offer training so your employees know what to do in the event of an oil spill.

Find out how to clean up an onshore oil spill with expert advice, training and equipment from SpillPro. Call us on 1800 368 450 for a consultation.

We’ve all been through that. The company is coming, we’re on the home stretch and we suddenly realize that we’re running out of a crucial ingredient.

I just whipped up a batch of brownies the other day. I had the eggs and flour in the bowl before I realized there wasn’t a drop of oil in the house.

It’s not far from the store, but it was pouring rain and you know how it is…

And then I remembered my neighbor telling me how she made Heart Healthy for her husband and used applesauce instead of butter in her muffins.

Why not try it in brownies?

I always have a large jar of smooth, unsweetened applesauce around the house, so I added it cup by cup instead of oil.

After dinner I watched and waited, and you know what?

None of the delighted faces around my table noticed anything odd as they ate brownies baked with applesauce.

oil 101

Want to know why baked goods call for vegetable oil?

In short, this is to keep them moist and tender. Oil is a vegetable fat. By binding to dry ingredients, it encapsulates the gas released by the action of baking soda and soda, slowing gluten formation and creating light and fluffy foods.

A recipe for moist baked goods like brownies, cakes, or muffins that calls for oil is best prepared with light, bland-tasting varieties like canola (canola), sunflower, soybeans, and corn. These are usually also the cheapest.

Coconut oil is also great for baking, but adds a sweet flavor to foods and is expensive.

In addition to these vegetable fats, there are animal sources such as butter, ghee, margarine, and shortening. These also work to create a delicious texture and consistency, but unlike vegetable oils, they contain cholesterol.

For dressings, many people also use the types of oils mentioned above. Others prefer heavier and more flavorful varieties like olives, avocados, peanuts, walnuts, flaxseed, and sesame.

Oils with a high smoke point are best for frying. This means they can withstand intense heat without producing potentially toxic smoke. Good choices include canola, corn, safflower, peanuts, grape seeds, and soybeans.

Other products you may be familiar with are essential oils. Although these aromatic essences are not an oil but a hydrophobic liquid, they cause a sensation in gourmet preparations.

Here’s a fun fact: Did you know that oil and vinegar don’t actually mix, no matter how hard you try to mix them together? Without the addition of emulsifiers such as mustard, mayonnaise or garlic, these two opposites actually repel each other.

Practical Substitutions

Ah, forgive me. There you are with a bowl full of everything but the oil, and here I am scientifically waxing…

Without further ado, about the recipe-saving substitutions!

The vegetable oil in baked goods can be substituted cup for cup with the following:

Applesauce, preferably unsweetened

Banana, ripe and mashed

, mature and pureed butter , melted

, melted cauliflower – unseasoned, boiled and mashed

ghee

margarine, melted

mayonnaise

Pumpkin, boiled and mashed

, boiled and pureed sour cream

Vegetable Shortening

yogurt

Zucchini – unseasoned, cooked and mashed

As an added bonus, there is one more ingredient that I highly recommend:

Beets, boiled and mashed

Beets are a great substitute for chocolate baked goods and can change the color of lighter colored foods.

These ingredients can easily replace oil in a recipe. Generally this is because they contain at least some fat and/or pectin, a gluten inhibitor and a thickening agent.

Get creative

The idea when choosing a substitute is to choose a bland-tasting alternative to oil that will add moisture to what you’re baking.

If you have a leftover baked sweet potato rolling around in the fridge, be sure to mash it up and give it a try. You have nothing to lose and not only can you salvage a recipe, but you might even find it better with your new secret ingredient.

And what about that overripe avocado you’ve been avoiding?

Add it to your list!

If you’re using superfoods like sweet potatoes and avocado, pack in extra nutrients!

Don’t waste, don’t want!

Say you have some canola left over, but it’s not the full amount your recipe calls for. Use what you have and combine it with enough alternative ingredients to make up the difference.

You can also start stocking up on emergency repair ingredients. Sometimes I have a banana that’s riper than I’d like, so I put it in an airtight container in the freezer. You’ll be surprised how many times I’ve loved it being there and used one when I’ve come up short in a recipe.

Another good thing to have on hand is cooked vegetables. We eat a lot of these steamed at our house, and I always have some leftovers in the freezer. Not only are they a great baking solution, but they also make an excellent sauce thickener and rice additive.

Note recipe changes

Now that you know how to save a baked goods recipe with an alternative ingredient, there’s just one more point I want to cover – food allergies.

Make a note of when you change a recipe because you’re missing an ingredient. You may have guests with food allergies who need to know this.

If I added pureed peaches to my muffins as a last-minute substitute and accidentally served them to my nephew, he’d probably need his EpiPen and an emergency visit to the hospital. Let’s not go there!

For the same reason, it becomes easier to adapt a recipe to specific dietary needs when you get the hang of making healthy substitutes, even if you’re missing a key ingredient.

One day, when you’re not pressed for time, maybe experiment a little. Let us know in the comments what awesome substitutions you’ve discovered in no time! We are always happy to hear from our readers.

Photo credit: Shutterstock.

How to Remove Oil Stains from Concrete Expert Tips for Removing Stubborn Oil Stains from Concrete Driveways or Garage Floors By Chris Sullivan

Updated June 14, 2021

I love the wind / Shutterstock.com

Does your concrete driveway or garage floor have unsightly oil stains? It is important to remove oil before staining, resealing or resurfacing your concrete. If the oil is not removed, it will eventually seep back to the surface and ruin your new decorative treatment. Learn how to avoid this problem by removing the oil stains from your concrete.

Find concrete cleaning companies near me.

Some oil stains are just small spills or stains, while other concrete surfaces are more heavily contaminated. The size of the oil stain, as well as its age, will determine how difficult it is to remove. Removing oil from concrete can take some trial and error to find the best method for your situation.

How to deal with a fresh oil stain:

Remove Excess Oil – Wipe up oil with a rag or use Kitty Liter to soak up. Scrub with a paste – Use baking soda or washing powder and water to dissolve the oil stain. Flush with water. Wash with Soap – Dish soap and a scrubbing brush are often effective on new oil stains. Rinse the concrete clean.

Ideas to Beautify Your Driveway Once you’ve cleaned up the oil stains, you can add paint or an overlay to make your driveway look amazing! Get ideas from these concrete driveway pictures.

These are the four best ways to remove old oil stains from concrete:

Wash off the oil with a strong detergent and a scrubbing brush or sponge

Use a concrete cleaner or degreaser to loosen and remove the oil

Apply a poultice that will break down the oil and suck it out of the concrete

Let special unicellular microorganisms eat the oil

There are several chemical methods for removing oil or grease (both hydrocarbon-based materials) from concrete. Learn more about each of these approaches below.

Selected cleaning products

Cleaner & Degreaser Easily removes dirt, oils and grease from concrete Micro Degreaser Encapsulates and removes petroleum based oil stains Kemiko Neutra Clean Industrial strength for tough jobs

Remove oil with a detergent

Small spills or stains can sometimes just be removed with a strong detergent, scrubbing brush and sponge.

Use of concrete cleaner or degreaser

A more aggressive method is to use a commercial concrete cleaner or degreaser, which is a concentrated alkaline soap, scrubbed into the concrete surface. The soap acts like ball bearings, loosening the oil for easier removal. The downside is that typical degreasers don’t actually break down the oil, so they don’t work well on concrete that’s heavily soiled or has been soiled for a long time. They are also more effective on porous concrete than on concrete with a hard or dense surface.

How to remove oil stains from concrete to prepare a resinous floor covering

Time: 02:37

Clean oil stains with an envelope

Another common treatment for removing oil stains from concrete is a poultice. Used primarily for small, stubborn stains, an envelope is made by soaking an absorbent material (like kitty litter, pool filter media, or sawdust) in a strong solvent (acetone, xylene, paint thinner, or MEK) and then smearing the material over the stain. Cover the envelope with plastic and let the process of osmosis take over. The solvent breaks down the oil and the absorbent material sucks it out of the concrete. However, this process takes time and may not be cost effective or practical for removing large stains. See how an envelope can be used to remove oil from a concrete countertop.

Use microorganisms to extract oil from concrete

The most recent advance in removing oil stains from concrete is the use of special unicellular microorganisms that thrive on crude oil and its derivatives and eat them up like candy. Enzymes and oxygen digest the oil and convert it into carbon dioxide and other microorganisms. When the food source (oil) is depleted, the microorganisms die and the concrete remains clean and oil-free. This is the same technology used to clean up beaches and waterways after major oil spills. Two sources of these microbial cleaners are (TERMINATOR-HSD and ACT Concrete Cleaner & Degreaser), both of which are available on Amazon.

Find concrete cleaning products

Prevent oil stains on concrete

How to avoid stains from escaping oil:

Have your car serviced to ensure no oil drips

Seal your concrete with an oil resistant product (see Sealers for Concrete Driveways)

Get an oil mat to protect your garage floor

Related:

Cleaning a concrete driveway

Concrete work before selling your home

horizon

Posted on 2014-01-17 04:19 (#3610448)

Subject: oil dry or cat litter

Is “Oil Dri” actually better than regular kitty litter for soaking up oil from a concrete floor?

Anyone have experience with both?

Working on a sealed concrete floor in a heated hall.

TIA

Understanding clay, silica and biodegradable cat litter

By Lorie Huston, DVM

When trying to choose the best litter for your cat, you may be wondering what cat litter is made of. There are many different types of cat litter, but essentially most of them fall into three different categories: clay-based, silica-based, and biodegradable. The best cat litter for your cat depends on your expectations.

Clay cat litter

Clay cat litter is the oldest type of commercial cat litter and is still widely available. Clay is used in cat litter for its ability to absorb liquid. Traditional clay litter can absorb its weight in cat urine and, since it effectively separates urine, also has some natural odor control.

However, when clay litter becomes soiled and unable to absorb liquid, odor can become a problem. Various ingredients such as baking soda and charcoal can be added to cat litter to help with odor control.

Conventional clay litter must be cleaned and changed frequently. This litter does not form clumps that can be easily removed with a scoop, so the entire litter box usually needs to be emptied, cleaned, and the litter replaced at least once a week.

The addition of a special type of clay known as bentonite causes the litter to clump together when wet. This type of clay-based litter has come to be known as a clumping litter, as opposed to the traditional non-clumping clay litter (which contains other forms of clay instead of bentonite).

In the case of clumping cat litter, individual clumps of the dirty litter along with the faeces deposited in the litter box can be easily removed with a scoop. This allows litter boxes filled with clumping litter to be refilled regularly to replace the soiled litter removed and not need to be emptied and completely filled with fresh litter as often as non-clumping litter.

For some cat owners, clay cat litters, either clumping or non-clumping, are good cat litter choices. But there are other options.

Silica cat litter

Crystalized cat litter is formed from a silica gel. This gel is absorbent and also offers odor control. The silica used in these products is similar to the desiccant often found in sachets packaged as a preservative with food, medicine, and other supplies that can be damaged by excess moisture. Silica-based cat litter offers an option for those who prefer a clay-free litter. They tend to produce less dust than clay litter, but some cat owners are concerned about the possibility that the litter could prove dangerous to their cat if ingested in large quantities.

Biodegradable cat litter

Although a large amount of clay or pebble litter would need to be ingested to be truly dangerous to your cat, biodegradable litters offer an alternative for those concerned about this possibility. They also offer an alternative for those who prefer a more environmentally friendly “green” product.

Such biodegradable cat litter can be made from recycled paper products or plant-derived materials such as pine, wheat, corn, beet pulp and soybeans. Because these products are biodegradable, they don’t clog landfills. Some sources even suggest using the end product as a mulch. However, placing cat feces in garden areas, especially where edible fruits, vegetables, or herbs are grown, can introduce unwanted illnesses to people, so it’s not a wise choice.

The best cat litter for you and your cat will depend on how much time you are willing to spend cleaning the litter box, whether you are concerned about dust from the litter, and many other factors, not the least of which is your cat’s well-being and willingness to use it the litter. Educating yourself on the different pros and cons of each type of cat litter can help you make the best choice.

Image: Onur ERSIN / via Shutterstock

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Posted on 2014-01-17 04:19 (#3610448)

Subject: oil dry or cat litter

Is “Oil Dri” actually better than regular kitty litter for soaking up oil from a concrete floor?

Anyone have experience with both?

Working on a sealed concrete floor in a heated hall.

TIA