How to Get Rid of Motor Oil Spills on the Ground

Prep the Spill

• 1

  Blot up the oil with paper towels, newsprint or old rags and dispose of it safely.

• 2

  Spread a thick layer of kitty litter over the spill to fully absorb the oil.

• 3

  Cover the area with a tarp or large garbage bags and let it sit overnight.

• 4

  Sweep up and throw away the kitty litter.

Liquid Detergent Method

• 5

  Pour a liberal amount of a grease-cutting liquid dish soap over the spill.

• 6

  Scrub the spill with a scrub brush until it reaches a soapy lather. Keep the mixture moist; if it dries out, add more soap and water and continue to scrub.

• 7

  Spread more kitty litter over the area to absorb the dirty soap mixture. Remove the mixture with paper towels, newsprint or old rags.

• 8

  Hose the area down with hot water.

Powdered Detergent Method

• 9

  Sprinkle powdered laundry detergent on the spill.

• 10

  Pour enough water on the spill to make a thick paste. Scrub it vigorously.

• 11

  Cover the area and let it sit for 24 hours.

• 12

  Hose off the area with hot water.

Last Resort Methods

• 13

  Put on a pair of latex gloves.

• 14

  Spray the area lightly with oven cleaner. Scrub the area with a brush, let it sit for 20 minutes and then scrub it again. Alternatively, mix kitty litter and acetone until they form a paste. Spread the mixture over the spill and let it sit overnight. Apply some water to the area the next day and scrub it thoroughly.

• 15

  Scrub the area with hot, soapy water and then hose it off.