A single drop of oil can create a little chaos in our homes. Oil stains on our floors can be a challenge as they not only affect the aesthetic appearance of the surface, but can also cause permanent damage if not treated correctly. We are talking about stains on our floors that can permanently leave a dark mark, and in the worst case scenario can cause an accident in the form of a slip. This is why we must act quickly, but with the appropriate methods to guarantee that the soil returns to its original state.
It is common to find accumulated grease or oil stains in the kitchen or garage. These stains are almost impossible to remove completely, since daily cleaning usually removes some of the grease, but not all. Over time, the remaining residue forms visible stains on the floor that are very difficult to remove. Luckily, there are several ways to remove oil stains from floors using the following products.
Before explaining how to clean grease stains, it is essential that you evaluate the type of floor and its finish. This will help you decide the most appropriate cleaning method and prevent damage to the surface. For example, untreated wood is more porous and absorbent, so it may require a different cleaning approach compared to parquet or wood with sealed finishes. On the other hand, it is difficult for a tile to get oil stains, so you can remove the grease easily. Remember that if the stain resists you, you should not hesitate to go to a professional.
Clean oil stains on wooden floors
Although oil stains are difficult, they can be removed with products we have at home. One of them is sugar and salt, since they have the ability to gently exfoliate and absorb some of the oil. To clean the stain with this method you must follow these steps:
- Cover the oil stain with absorbent paper and wait for it to soak in well. If the stain is very large, it may be necessary to change the paper several times when it is full of oil to remove as much of the stain as possible.
- When there is less oil left or if the stain is small, you can lightly press the paper on the floor to remove more traces of the grease. Never rub or scrub so the oil does not expand.
- Take salt or sugar and put it on the oil stain.
- Gently rub the stain, but without exceeding the oil area so as not to spread the grease further or scratch the floor. You can use a soft bristle brush or a chamois to make it easier.
- When all the fat has come out, remove any remaining salt or sugar.
- Once the stain is removed, clean the wood with your usual methods. You can, for example, polish the area with a cloth.
If you need greater absorbent power when removing oil stains from your wooden floors, try using corn flour. This remedy is quite effective and fast. Unlike others, corn flour has starch, which is a great fat absorber:
- Put cornmeal on the oil stain.
- Wait for it to soak. Do not rub, because this will only spread the oil further.
- Remove the corn flour when it is stained with oil.
- You can repeat the process as many times as you need until the stain is gone.
- Then, you just have to remove the corn flour and polish the floor.
In the event that after removing the oil a stain remains and you don’t know what to do with it, remember that vinegar can also be a good ally. And if you mix it with white powdered clay, it will be much more effective:
- Mix some clay with a few drops of vinegar.
- Put this mass on the stain.
- Wait for it to dry completely.
- With the help of a slightly damp sponge or cloth, remove the mixture.
- The process ends like everyone else: polishing the area.
Clean oil stains on tile floors
Nowadays, there is a wide variety of products with which you can remove any type of dirt or stain such as oil or grease from the floor, whether it is concrete, stone or another type of material. Some of the most effective options for cleaning tiles are these:
- Ammonia: Ammonia is one of the best degreasers you can have at home. It will also serve to remove grease from kitchen tiles, as grease and dirt tend to accumulate in these areas. If this dirt accumulates, it can create visible stains that will not be easy to remove. For this reason, we advise you to use ammonia to clean the kitchen floor, since it has a high degreasing power and will make the most difficult stains disappear. In addition, it not only serves to remove oil stains, but also to clean coffee stains, juices, soft drinks and even blood.
- Baking soda: Another option to remove oil stains from the kitchen floor is to use baking soda. Dissolve one tablespoon of baking soda in five liters of warm water and use this mixture to leave the floor spotless. After applying it it dries quite quickly and the results are very good. You can also sprinkle baking soda on the stain and with the help of a clean cloth rub gently on the stain. Then, wipe off the baking soda residue with a damp cloth and you will enjoy instant results.
- Lemon juice: if the stains are small, we can opt for lemon juice, since the acid it contains works very well to neutralize the texture of the oil. The result will be a completely clean surface. You can also combine lemon with salt to achieve better results. You just have to pour salt on the grease stains so that it absorbs it and, with the help of a cloth, rub gently on the surface. Next, add lemon juice and rub the stain with a clean cloth, achieving a very satisfactory result.
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