The Best Way to Handle Oil Spills in Your Garage

by | May 16, 2025 | DIY Do It Yourself, Garages Car Sheds, How to, Motoring, Motorsport | 0 comments

Mate, we’ve all been there. One minute, you’re tinkering away in the shed, thinking you’re the next big thing in backyard mechanics, and the next—boom—there’s a fresh oil spill spreading faster than your excuses. Before the missus catches wind (or worse, steps in it), let’s get that mess sorted with a few tried-and-true cleanup tricks.

The Fastest Fixes for an Oil Spill

There’s no need to panic, but you do need to act fast. Here’s what you can do:

1. Cat Litter – Your Unexpected Best Mate

Turns out, cat litter is just as good at soaking up oil as it is at keeping Mittens’ business under control. Grab a handful of the cheap, non-clumping stuff and chuck it straight on the spill. Give it a few minutes to work its magic, then sweep it up. If it’s a big spill, let it sit overnight for best results.

2. Sawdust – A True Blue Classic

If you don’t have cat litter, sawdust is the next best thing. Most of us have a pile lying around from the last “I’ll build that one day” project. Just sprinkle a decent layer over the oil, let it absorb, and then sweep it up. Bonus points if you actually use it for something other than shed accidents.

3. Baking Soda – Not Just for the Kitchen

Yep, baking soda isn’t just for making cakes rise or keeping the fridge fresh—it’s also a top-notch oil absorber. Pour it over the stain, give it some time, and scrub it with a brush. Works a treat on concrete floors.

4. Degreaser – The Big Guns

If you’re dealing with a stubborn stain, it’s time to bring out a degreaser. Spray it on, give it a scrub with an old rag or brush, and rinse with water. Just make sure the missus doesn’t see you nicking her cleaning supplies.

Check out high-quality degreasers here

Extra Cleanup Hacks

While the classics work a treat, here are a few extra tricks to keep up your sleeve:

  • Coca-Cola: Yep, you read that right. The fizzy stuff isn’t just for drinking—it can break down oil stains, thanks to its acidity. Pour a can over the stain, let it sit for a while, then give it a good scrub.
  • WD-40: If there’s a lingering patch, give it a spray with WD-40 and wipe it up with an old cloth. It works surprisingly well on garage floors.
  • Concrete Cleaner: If you’ve got a serious stain that just won’t budge, a dedicated concrete cleaner might be your best bet.

Find top-rated concrete cleaners here

Avoid These Rookie Mistakes

  • Don’t use water straight away. Oil and water don’t mix, so hosing it down will only make the mess worse.
  • Skip the dish soap for big spills. It might cut through grease in the kitchen, but it’s not built for heavy-duty oil slicks.
  • Don’t leave it for later. Oil stains love to linger, and the longer you wait, the harder it is to get rid of them. Plus, your chances of getting away with it shrink by the minute.

Keeping Your Shed Spill-Free

If you don’t want to deal with future messes, a little prevention goes a long way:

Oil Drain Pans

A solid oil drain pan makes life easier when changing your car’s fluids. No more spills, no more last-minute panic. Check out top-rated oil drain pans

Garage Mats

If you’re prone to the odd spill, investing in a garage mat can save you a lot of scrubbing. They absorb oil, grease, and anything else you might drop.

Disposable Rags & Absorbent Pads

Instead of using your good towels (or worse, the missus’), keep a stash of absorbent rags handy.

Oil-Absorbing Floor Sweep

For those who deal with frequent spills, a commercial oil-absorbing floor sweep can be a game-changer. This industrial-grade powder absorbs oil quickly and leaves no residue behind.

Proper Storage and Handling

Sometimes, prevention is better than the cure. Keep your oil bottles tightly sealed and stored on a spill-proof tray. A bit of foresight can prevent a whole lot of mess.

Final Thoughts: Stay Prepared

The best way to deal with an oil spill? Don’t have one. But since that’s about as likely as a kangaroo fixing your carburettor, just make sure you’ve got some cat litter, sawdust, and degreaser on hand for when disaster strikes. Clean up quickly, and with a bit of luck, the missus will be none the wiser.

And if she does catch you? Well, mate, that’s between you, her, and how good your excuses are. Remember—clean up as you go, or you might just find yourself in more trouble than the oil spill itself.

For all things automotive, check out SuperSpares for their full range of products to keep your shed stocked and your ride in top shape!