Free Cleaning Checklist | Find a Certified Professional | Find CRI Certified Vacuums & Carpet Cleaning Products | ISSA Consumer Cleaning Resources
Housekeeping Channel - For the Home You Keep. The Resource for Better, Faster, Healthier Housekeeping. International Executive Housekeepers Association Housekeeping Channel - For the Home You Keep. The Resource for Better, Faster, Healthier Housekeeping.
Forgot your password?
New User?
Sign up free!
My House USER NAME
PASSWORD
REMEMBER ME

Follow us on Twitter

Some help from our friends...

 

HC-Pedia Entry

Oil spill

Options

Email to a Friend Email to a Friend
Print Print
Bookmark Bookmark

Related Topics

    As soon as you can, blot an oily or greasy fabric spot with a paper towel or other clean cloth, but be careful not to spread the oil around.

     

    entry continues below ↓

    Dry-cleaning solvent is best for quickly removing oily or greasy spots from fabrics. If you lack spot removers such as K2r or Carbona, you can use nail-polish remover in a pinch. However, nail-polish remover and some spot removers contain acetone, which will dissolve acetate. Test first in an inconspicuous place on the fabric and use in a well-ventilated area. Follow all solvent label and safety directions. See the entry Solvent safety for important tips on use.

    It’s important to use extra cloths underneath garments being treated to avoid spreading the solvent and oil to clean parts of the clothing or to other surfaces. Blot the spot until it disappears. Alternatively, take the garment to a dry cleaner.

    To treat carpeting, apply spot cleaner to the cloth, never directly to the pile, and then blot the spill. Solvents can weaken the carpet backing if allowed to soak in.

    Oil and grease on hard, porous surfaces (such as concrete in the garage or basement) should first be absorbed away. Sprinkle a generous amount of scoopable cat litter, cornmeal, sawdust, sand, or even clean, dry dirt over the spot. Allow the absorbent to “wick” the oil back out of the floor for a couple of days, then sweep it away or vacuum it up. If a spot remains, commercial degreasing products will have a better chance to work if the absorbent is applied first. Be sure to read all instructions, cautions, and warnings before using a degreaser.

     

    Enzyme products made for 'eating' grease can also be very helpful for removing embedded oils.

     

    Reference

     

    Jeff Bredenberg, editor, in Clean It Fast, Clean It Right: The Ultimate Guide to Making Everything You Own Sparkle & Shine.

     

    The Housekeeping Channel (HC), a for-profit educational LLC, provides the information on HousekeepingChannel.com as a free service to the public. The intent is to disseminate accurate, verified and science-based information on cleaning and housekeeping.

     

    While an effort is made to ensure the quality of the content and credibility of sources listed on this site, HC provides no warranty - expressed or implied - and assumes no legal liability for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, product or process disclosed on or in conjunction with the site. The views and opinions of the authors or originators expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of HC: its principals, executives, Board members, advisors or affiliates.

    Oil spill:  Created on November 3rd, 2009.  Last Modified on December 17th, 2009

     

    References listed above credit sources The Housekeeping Channel consulted for background or additional information.

    All HC-PediaTM content is © 2005-2012 The Housekeeping Channel.

    Except for third-party copyrighted material, you may freely use, excerpt or cite this material provided The Housekeeping Channel receives credit and the Web address www.housekeepingchannel.com is plainly listed with all uses, excerpts or citations.