Cleanup Methods for Oil Spills

Oil spills are easiest to clean up when they are fresh. When an oil spill ages, the oil dries out and becomes thick and harder to remove. Oil spills on asphalt can soften the asphalt so it is important to clean up oil spills on asphalt driveways as soon as possible. Oil spills on concrete can cause permanent discoloration if the spill is not cleaned up quickly. Pressure washing can remove oil spills on both surfaces. However, pressure washing can cause deterioration of the surface.

Fresh Spills

• A product that is similar to kitty litter called Oil Dry can be used to absorb most of the spilled oil. Use dish soap, hot water and a scrub brush or push broom to remove the remaining oil. Use paper towels or more oil dry to absorb the waste water. Do not throw paper towels in the trash because the oil can spontaneously combust. Burn the towels in a safe place to dispose of them.

Old Spills

• Scrub old oil spills with hot soapy water. Use a pressure washer with hot water to clean old spills from concrete. If the stain is still visible after pressure washing, pour a little paint thinner on the stain. Make sure to have adequate ventilation. Paint thinner is highly combustible, make sure there is no heat or flame in the area that can ignite the fumes from the paint thinner. Rewash with the pressure washer as soon as possible. Repeat only if necessary.

  Pour liquid dish soap into the oil and allow to soak and use a pressure washer with cold water. Paint thinner will soften the asphalt, so use only repeated washings with soapy water to remove oil spills from asphalt.

Large Spills

• Large oil spills such as a leaking heating oil tank may require contacting the local Department of Environmental Protection. Call the Federal National Response Center (NRC) at [phone] in the event of a home heating oil spill. If the volume of the release is a reportable incident, federal guidelines must be followed to prevent the oil from entering the environment and contaminating groundwater.