Oil degrades rubber and eventually will cause your automobile’s drive belt to break. Use a soapy water solution to clean oil off a drive belt. The solution removes oil, as well as other fluids, from belts, pulleys and components related to the drive belt. It is important to check your automobile’s belts and pulleys on a regular basis and remove any oil buildup from the components.
Turn off your automobile’s engine, if it is on, and raise your automobile’s hood. Mix 2 cups of mild soap and 1/2 gallon of warm water in a bucket or plastic container. Stir the mixture with a spoon. Dip a soft cloth or rag in the soap solution and wring out the excess. Wipe the drive belt thoroughly with the rag or cloth to remove any visible oil from the belt. Re-dip the rag or cloth in the soap solution, wring out the excess and wipe the pulley or tensioner the belt is attached to.
Turn on your automobile’s engine and let it run for 1 to 2 minutes. Turn off the engine and wipe the drive belt again to remove any remaining oil. Wet a clean rag or cloth with warm water, wring out excess and wipe the drive belt and pulley or tensioner again to rinse the components. Dry the belt and the pulley or tensioner with a clean, rag or cloth.
If the drive belt is overly saturated with oil, you will have to remove the belt. Consult your automobile’s repair manual for the type of wrench you will need to loosen the pulley the belt is on or to lift the tensioner the belt is under. Remove the belt once the belt is free from the pulley or tensioner. Lay the belt on a workbench, table or other flat surface. Mix 2 cups of mild soap and 1/2 gallon of warm water in a bucket or plastic container. Dip a soft cloth or rag in the soap solution and wring out the excess. Wipe the drive belt thoroughly with the rag or cloth. Re-dip the rag or cloth in the soap solution, wring out excess and continue to wipe the belt until it is oil free. Re-dip the rag or cloth, wring out excess and wipe the pulley or tensioner the belt was on until it is oil free.
Wet a clean rag or cloth with warm water, wring out excess and wipe the drive belt and pulley again to rinse the components. Dry the belt and the pulley or tensioner with a clean, rag or cloth. Reinstall the drive belt, start your automobile’s engine and let it run for 1 to 2 minutes. Turn off the engine and check the drive belt’s condition - it should be oil free and not slipping on its pulley. If the belt is loose, use a the wrench to tighten the screws on the pulley. If the belt still contains oil, repeat the steps in the "Removing and Cleaning" section.
