How to Clean Automotive Fluid Spills

Always use safety glasses and gloves when dealing with gasoline. Do not throw gas-soaked rags away – they are a fire danger.

You Will Need:

• Rags
• Water
• Brush
• Citrus Cleaner

The Cleaning Process:

1. First, soak up the excess gas with rags.
2. Scrub the remaining spill with Citrus Cleaner. Pour the concentrate directly on the stain.
3. Scrub the spot with a brush, thoroughly working the citrus into the stain.
4. Rinse area with water.
5. Repeat as needed.
6. Hang gas-soaked rag outside to allow fumes to vent.

This works on fresh spills or on those that are several days or weeks old. As always, wear protective goggles and gloves when dealing with automotive fluids.

You Will Need:

• Dish soap
• Scrub brush (not wire)
• Garden hose

The Cleaning Process:

1. Squirt dish soap directly onto the oil stain.
2. Scrub the soap into the concrete. Do not use a metal brush; it may damage the concrete surface.
3. Rinse the spot with a garden hose. If the rainbow residue remains, repeat the process.

Use protective eye wear and gloves when working around automotive fuels.

You Will Need:

• Brakleen
• Kitty litter
• Broom

Steps to Take:

1. Spray the fuel spill with Brakleen until it has been completely saturated.
2. While it’s still wet, cover the spot with dry kitty litter.
3. Allow it to sit until dry.
4. Sweep the kitty litter up, and the stain should be gone.

The process for removing diesel fuel from concrete will often work for battery acid as well. You can also follow these steps. Wear safety glasses and gloves when working with acids.

You Will Need:

• Baking soda
• Water
• Brush

Steps to Take:

1. Make a paste of the baking soda and water.
2. Apply the paste to the stain and let it sit.
3. After a few moments, scrub the area with the brush.
4. Rinse clean.
5. Repeat if necessary.

Oil stains as old as 30 days can be removed with the oil spill instructional method. For more stubborn stains, try this. (Important: Solvents outdoors only and keep away from flames. Use eye protection at all times).

You Will Need:

• Paint thinner
• Rags
• Brush

Steps to Take:

1. Pour a small amount of paint thinner on the stain.
2. Allow it to soak in.
3. Scrub lightly.
4. Blot up excess fluid with rags.
5. Repeat as necessary.
6. Dispose of rags according to instructions on the paint thinner label.

When working with this product, do not allow it to dry out. Do not work in direct sunlight. Eye protection is recommended. Protective gloves should be worn.

You Will Need:

• Lightning Strip Paint Remover
• Paint scraper

Steps to Take:

1. Read all label directions before using paint removers.
2. Hold the nozzle 1” from the paint surface.
3. Spray until paint is saturated and no more spray will soak in.
4. Wait until paint bubbles up and scrape clean.

• Always keep areas well ventilated when you are working with fumes or chemicals.
• Use protective eyewear and gloves at all times.
• Read label directions and spot test chemical products before use.
• Properly dispose of all rags, towels, or other cleaning materials.