What are some tips for cleaning black engine oil?
2 Answers
Black engine oil can be treated using four methods: alcohol, paint thinner and turpentine, using oil to remove oil, and essential balm. Detailed explanations are as follows: 1. Alcohol: Engine oil is a mixture of several alkanes and is an organic substance. According to the principle of "like dissolves like," organic substances can be used to dissolve engine oil, but it's best to choose an organic substance that is also soluble in water to avoid secondary pollution. The most convenient choice is alcohol, which can dissolve in both organic solvents and water. The higher the alcohol concentration, the better, with anhydrous alcohol being the best. 2. Paint thinner and turpentine: For engine oil stains on clothes, you can first use gasoline to wipe them. If the stains are heavy, paint thinner and turpentine can be used. Once the stains dissolve, wash them with regular detergent. For stains on collars, use a piece of absorbent cotton no smaller than a cigarette box soaked in gasoline and gently pat from the center of the collar outward. Do not use too little gasoline, as it may not remove the dirt but instead leave residual gasoline stains. 3. Using oil to remove oil: If the stain is oily and does not absorb water, "use oil to remove oil" by wiping with a soft cloth or cotton dipped in gasoline. This dissolves the oily substance into the gasoline, which is then transferred to the cloth. If gasoline cannot dissolve the stain, use chemicals with stronger oil-dissolving capabilities, such as benzene, chloroform, or carbon tetrachloride. For oil stains, sprinkle some raw flour on the stain and brush along the grain until the stain is removed. Then, use a rattan stick to beat the fabric and remove any remaining flour, making the fabric fluffy and clean. For oil stains on ski jackets, mix a small amount of flour with cold water to form a paste, apply it to the stain, and after a few hours, brush off the powder with water to remove the stain. 4. Essential balm: For small amounts of oil, using essential balm makes cleaning easy. It can remove various oil stains.
I've accumulated quite a few tips for dealing with automotive oil stains. The most common method is using hot soapy water: add a few drops of detergent, mix with warm water, and scrub to effectively dissolve grease. For stubborn stains, try a baking soda paste—mix water and baking soda, apply for a few minutes, then gently brush to easily remove black oil marks. Another clever trick is to cover oil drips with cat litter, which absorbs oil quickly and prevents spreading; just sweep it away the next day—perfect for accidental oil leaks on garage floors. For tool surfaces, spray some kitchen cleaner or specialized degreaser and wipe clean with an old cloth. For prevention, lay an absorbent mat under your car during maintenance to save time and effort. Regularly check engine seals to eliminate leakage sources and keep your beloved car cleaner.