According to the Environmental Protection Agency, used motor oil is the single most common source of oil pollution in the nation's rivers, streams and lakes. In fact, one pint of oil can produce a one-acre slick on the water. Because of this fact, cleaning motor oil spills promptly is of vital importance to the environment. However, cleaning up motor oil spills isn't done solely out of concern for the environment. Homeowners and renters, as well as business owners, may find these spills unsightly.
Wipe up the oil using old cloths or paper towels. Dispose of these according to your local ordinances. In some areas, this means taking the cloths to a motor oil recycling station in your area (see Resources).
Squirt liquid dish soap onto the oil spill. According to Tim Carter of AsktheBuilder.com, liquid soap emulsifies the oil and prevents it from solidifying.
Scrub the soap and oil using a stiff-bristle brush. However, the brush shouldn't be a wire brush, as this can damage surfaces. The most appropriate option to scrub with is a deck brush, which can be readily found at home improvement stores.
Rinse the area with clean water. If you see "rainbow" colors in the water, you need to reapply the liquid soap, scrub again and rinse again.
Sprinkle clay-based kitty litter on the area if it seems slick or slippery even after the oil is cleaned. You can sweep this up periodically and place new litter down. The clay-based kitty litter will soak up the oil while providing traction on the area.
