How To Clean Up Oil Spill In Garage

• The dangers of an oil spill in the garage
• What you should do when oil spills on concrete
• Don’t attempt to clean up the oil yourself
• Bring in professional cleaners as soon as possible
• How to prevent oil spills in your garage
• Book our technicians for oil spill clean up

Oil spills are very common in garages, whether you spilt some while tending to your car or it is leaking it. But that does not mean they are not a serious problem. Oil spills can have major consequences, ranging from staining your concrete floor to harming the environment.

Here at ICE Cleaning, we offer a rapid response oil spill cleaning service. Our technicians can use their industry-leading technology and intensive training to quickly remove all traces of the oil in your garage, and make your property safe again. We operate nationwide, round the clock, 365 days a year.

Read on to find out the best ways to clean up oil spill in garage and what to do when it happens.

The dangers of an oil spill in the garage

Motor oil is hazardous to be exposed to. Regular exposure can cause health problems including rashes, dermatitis, headaches, blood anaemia, and skin cancer. Oil spills in garages are particularly dangerous as it is an enclosed space so fumes can quickly build up.

There is also a risk of physical injury as oil spills can make the garage floor slippery, increasing the chances of slips, trips, and falls.

As a combustible liquid, spilled oil is a fire hazard and could lead to a fire if there is an open flame or heat source, too. Should other vehicles or flammable possessions be stored in the garage when it catches fire, it could become a major house fire.

You must have the oil spill cleaned up as soon as possible to protect your health and minimise the chances of a fire.

What you should do when oil spills on concrete

Most garage floors are made of concrete which is particularly vulnerable to oil spills. Oil can break down the finish and seep into the concrete’s pores, resulting in a permanent stain if not removed quick enough.

It can even compromise the strength of the concrete, making it less durable. You can find out more about how to clean up oil spills on concrete in this blog.

Don’t attempt to clean up the oil yourself

There may be plenty of DIY remedies for cleaning up small spills online, from saturating the stain with oven cleaner to scrubbing it with baking soda, but you should always hire professional cleaners.

Oil is very stubborn and difficult to remove, and should you fail to remove all traces of it, it could make the garage dangerous.  

Without personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves and face masks, you could also be putting your health at risk as you have to come in close contact with the oil to clean it.

There is a chance you may clean up and dispose of the oil incorrectly, too. Washing it down the drain, for example, can cause pollution, and hosing it down could wash it onto soil and into waterways. Oil can have devastating impacts on the environment and causing pollution is illegal.

Bring in professional cleaners as soon as possible

Specialist cleaners have the products, equipment, and PPE to contain and clean all the oil safely and thoroughly. Professionals will know exactly how to clean up an oil spill in your garage, and can save you spending on expensive products and tools that might not work.

They can give you peace of mind that your property is safe and clean again. Their quick, effective response will prevent it spreading onto soil or into waterways, as well, and ensure the stain will not be permanent.   

How to prevent oil spills in your garage

There are lots of ways to minimise the chances of oil being spilt in your garage. Aside from having your car regularly serviced, these include:

• Placing oil mats underneath your car if it is leaking oil to stop it spilling onto the floor
• Inspecting your car and the garage floor for signs of leaks frequently to catch the early signs of problems so you can have them fixed
• Having concrete sealed so if oil does spill, the concrete will not absorb it and the spill can be cleaned up easily
• Changing the oil filter in your car in case it has become loose or misaligned
• Checking the oil pan for damage and punctures
• Replacing rubber gaskets which can become worn and brittle
• Carrying out routine oil inspections and having the oil changed

You can find out more about the main causes of engine oil spills and the warning signs to look out for in this blog.

Book our technicians for oil spill clean up

Our technicians are fully permitted to handle and dispose of oil, along with other harmful substances. They can clean both surface and water oil spills, no matter its size. Our oil remediation experts can be on site in a matter of hours in an emergency.

To book your free site survey and get a no-obligation quote for our oil spill cleaning services, contact our friendly team on 0208 066 0360 or send them an email at enquiries@icecleaning.co.uk.