Tips

The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning Oil Spills Off Your Floor

The art of cooking and dining can often result in greasy spills and stains. The following tips and tricks will be your savior when it comes to tackling those stubborn grease stains on your floor.

Administrator

9 August, 2024

The floor is prone to dirt and grime as it is a high-traffic area for family members. On top of that, cooking or eating without caution can result in oily spills, such as:

– Oil splatter from frying: When preparing fried or stir-fried dishes, oil can splatter onto the floor. Improper cleaning can make the floor slippery.

– Spilling cooking oil: A slippery hand or a moment of carelessness can lead to spilling oil on the floor, which, if not cleaned promptly and thoroughly, can be an issue.

Tips for Cleaning Oil and Grease Off the Floor

Different floor materials require different cleaning approaches. Common floor materials like ceramic tiles, natural wood, and concrete each demand unique treatment. Knowing the appropriate methods not only helps you address the problem effectively but also prevents potential damage from cleaning agents.

Use White Vinegar

White vinegar is a versatile ingredient, useful both in cooking and cleaning. In the event of oil splatter on the floor, simply pour vinegar onto the affected area and wipe it clean with a cloth.

For rusted items stained with long-standing oil residue, vinegar can also do the trick. If the rust is stubborn, add some lemon juice and scrub directly onto the affected area.

Use Wheat or Rice Flour

Wheat and rice flour are excellent oil absorbents. Sprinkle either flour onto the oily spot, wait for about 5 minutes, and then scrub the area with a dry brush. Finally, sweep away the residue.

However, this method is only effective for fresh oil stains that haven’t dried or hardened yet.

There are several tricks to cleaning oily floors. (Photo: Istock)

Use Baking Soda

Baking soda is another versatile ingredient, useful for both cooking and cleaning. For stubborn oil stains, sprinkle some baking soda onto a damp cloth and wipe away the grease.

Again, this method is best suited for fresh oil stains that haven’t set in yet.

Use Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is an effective cleaning agent for granite floors, which are prone to discoloration if not maintained regularly. Simply soak a cloth in hydrogen peroxide, apply it to the oily area, wait for 2-3 minutes, and then wipe it clean with a dry cloth.

Use Specialized Floor Cleaners

The most convenient and quickest solution is to use specialized floor cleaning products readily available at supermarkets and grocery stores.

Simply pour some of the cleaning solution onto the oily spot, wipe it with a damp cloth, and then give it a final wipe with a dry cloth. The grease will be gone in no time.

Source: VTC

Frequently asked questions

First, absorb as much of the oil as possible using a paper towel or a clean cloth. Then, create a mixture of warm water and a mild detergent, and use a brush or cloth to scrub the affected area. Rinse the area with clean water and dry it thoroughly. If the spill has caused any staining, create a paste from baking soda and water, apply it to the stain, let it dry, and then vacuum it up.

Always use a tray or mat when cooking with oil to catch any spills or splatters. Wipe up any oil spills immediately and avoid using excessive oil when cooking. If you have children or pets, be especially vigilant as they can easily cause spills.

Create a paste from baking soda and water, and apply it to the stain. Let it dry and then vacuum it up. You can also use a commercial floor cleaner or a mixture of vinegar and water. Always test any cleaning solution on a small area of your floor first to ensure it doesn’t cause any damage.

All oils can cause spills, but some are more viscous and difficult to clean up than others. Vegetable oils, canola oil, and olive oil are common culprits of kitchen oil spills. Motor oil and other industrial oils can also cause spills, but these are less common in homes.

Use a dry, absorbent cloth or paper towel to soak up any remaining moisture. You can also use a fan or dehumidifier to speed up the drying process. Ensure the area is well-ventilated to prevent the growth of mold or mildew.