How to Clean Auto Lubricant Stains from Carpet or Concrete Flooring

Posted: Jan 01, 2013
Author: Bumgarner Oil

Without automotive lubricant, your car’s engine could burn out, but while it is good for your car, it can wreak havoc on floors in your garage or home. The stains are difficult to remove and can be an eyesore as well as posing a slippery hazard. The removal method depends on the type of flooring the lubricant has spilled on. In this article, we’ll deal with carpets and concrete floors.

CARPETS

• Scoop up the excess lubricant with a plastic spoon.
• Sprinkle cornstarch or baking soda liberally on the lubricant. The baking soda or cornstarch acts as an absorbent. Allow it to rest for 15 minutes then suck it up with a vacuum.
• On a clean white cloth, apply a dry-cleaning solvent. Blot the lubricant with the cloth until the stain vanishes.
• As an alternative, mix 2 cups of warm water and 1 tablespoon of distilled white vinegar with a tablespoon of mild dishwashing liquid. Soak a clean cloth in the mixture and sponge the lubricant until the stain is removed.
• To rinse the carpet, tap the previously stained area with a damp, cold, clean cloth. Blot dry with a towel.

CONCRETE

• Place clumping cat litter on the lubricant to absorb it.
• Allow the litter to rest for a few hours, and then sweep it up with a broom and dust pan.
• Put a few drops of neat detergent on the lubricant stain. Use a steel brush and scrub into the concrete.
• Rinse with a garden hose. Repeat the procedure until the stain disappears.