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Stains From a Garage Floor
Does the oil stain on your garage floor have you feeling down? Don’t worry, we’re here to help! Though unsightly, oil stains on a garage floor are not the end of the world. With a little elbow grease and the right cleaners, you can get that floor looking as good as new in no time.
In this article, we’ll cover the basics of oil stains before moving on to the top 12 tips for removing them. By the end, you’ll be an expert on oil stain removal!
So, what causes an oil stain? When oil and water mix, they form an emulsion. This means that the water droplets are suspended in the oil, rather than separating from it. The longer the two substances are in contact with each other, the harder it becomes to break them apart. So, when oil drips onto your garage floor and sits there for a while, it can cause a nasty stain.
Now that we know how oil stains happen, let’s move on to the tips for removing them:
1. Remove Excess Oil
One of the first steps to cleaning a fresh oil stain is to remove any excess oil. This can be done with a paper towel, rag, or even a mop. If you have a large amount of oil to remove, you may need to use a shop vac.
2. Apply Hot Water
Next, apply hot water to the affected area. This will help to loosen the oil and make it easier to remove. Be sure not to use boiling water, as this could damage your floor.
3. Use Soap and Hot Water
If hot water alone doesn’t seem to be doing the trick, you can try adding soap. Any kind of dish soap or laundry detergent will work. Mix together equal parts soap and hot water, then apply it to the stain. Allow it to sit for a few minutes before scrubbing with a brush.
4. Use Vinegar and Hot Water
Vinegar is another substance that can be used to remove oil stains. Mix together equal parts vinegar and hot water, then apply it to the stain. Allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes before scrubbing with a brush.
5. Use Baking Soda and Hot Water
Baking soda is yet another helpful tool in the fight against oil stains. Mix together equal parts baking soda and hot water, then apply it to the stain. Allow it to sit for 15-20 minutes before scrubbing with a brush.
6. Use Ammonia and Hot Water
If you’re dealing with a particularly stubborn oil stain, you may need to use ammonia. Mix together equal parts ammonia and hot water, then apply it to the stain. Allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes before scrubbing with a brush.
7. Use a Commercial Cleaner
There are a number of commercial cleaners that are designed specifically for removing oil stains. You can find these products at most hardware stores or home improvement centers. Follow the instructions on the product label.
8. Use Kerosene
Kerosene is often used as a fuel, but it can also be used to remove oil stains. Apply kerosene to the stain, then scrub with a brush. Once you’ve removed as much of the stain as possible, rinse the area with hot water.
9. Use WD-40
WD-40 is a multipurpose lubricant that can also be used to remove oil stains. Apply WD-40 to the stain, then scrub with a brush. Once you’ve removed as much of the stain as possible, rinse the area with hot water.
10. Use Baby Powder
If you’re out of other cleaners, you can try using baby powder. Apply a generous amount of baby powder to the oil stain, then wait 15-20 minutes for it to absorb the oil. Once the powder has turned dark, sweep it up and dispose of it.
11. Use Cornstarch
Cornstarch can also be used to absorb oil from a garage floor. Apply a generous amount of cornstarch to the oil stain, then wait 15-20 minutes for it to absorb the oil. Once the cornstarch has turned dark, sweep it up and dispose of it.
12. Use Sawdust
Sawdust can be used in much the same way as cornstarch or baby powder. Apply a generous amount of sawdust to the oil stain, then wait 15-20 minutes for it to absorb the oil. Once the sawdust has turned dark, sweep it up and dispose of it.
Now that you know how to remove oil stains from a garage floor, you can keep your space clean and free of unsightly blemishes.
If you are struggling to remove a stain, don’t hesitate to contact a professional for assistance. Our team has years of experience working to remove and restore all types of flooring. We would be happy to help you get your garage floor looking its best.