Cleaning up oil spills doesn't have to be a messy situation

Several weeks ago, I received a call from a gentleman (Brad), who wanted to know how to clean up a greasy garage floor. He said he had just bought the home and the garage floor needed serious work.

This week, I thought I would explore this problem and provide some suggestions to alleviate the situation.

The clean up of oil and grease spots can be a chore. However, I generally apply WD-40 to the spots. WD-40 is a penetrating oil which will help break up the bulk of the grease.

Wipe up as much of the grease as you can before applying paint thinner. Work the paint thinner into the spots, then cover with cat litter, dry cement or sand. Let the absorbent sit overnight, doing its work. In the morning, sweep up the material and repeat the process if necessary. Other absorbent materials that can work in a pinch as well are baking soda and cornmeal.

To stop the floor from becoming stained, place apiece of corrugated cardboard with aluminum foil on the clean floor and tape it down with duct tape. When the oil drips from the vehicle, it will fall on the covered cardboard and thereby saving the floor from the oil. This technique also will help you to immediately identify potential problems with your vehicle before they become major concerns.

If you are allergic to any of the above products, please don't use them. Always test fabrics and paints before using any chemical compound. Please remember to wear rubber gloves to protect your hands and eye protection for your eyes. If you would like to share a cleaning idea or concept with the reading audience, call Ed Madan at Northwest Environmental Services (255-2266) or send them to Bonner County Daily Bee, 310 Church St., Sandpoint, ID 83864, Attn: What Would Ed Do?

Copy written by Edmond E. Madan, certified executive housekeeper and certified fire, water and mold inspection and remediation contractor. Ed is chief executive officer of Northwest Environmental Services, which specializes in commercial, residential construction, and crime scene/meth lab cleanup.