After spilling oil under the hood of a vehicle, you might wonder if you can just leave the mess alone. Out on the road, however, your serpentine belt could go out and your car could stop functioning properly.
Fortunately, there is an easy process for cleaning up that oil under the hood of your car.
Oil Spill Cleaning Supplies
Oil is messy, and much of what is under the hood of a vehicle is not easily accessible. Therefore, you might be inclined to think that you are going to have a difficult time completing this task. In three easy steps, you are going to have removed the oil and prevented your vehicle from disaster down the road.
Paper Towels
Much of the oil is likely out of reach; however, paper towels are used to clean up as much of the oil as possible before using a hose or pressure washer. Whatever you can remove using paper towels helps immensely.
- Pack contains 16 Family Rolls of Bounty Quick Size paper towels, equal to 40 Regular Rolls
- This pack contains 80 more sheets per pack which means 8 extra days worth of paper vs. Bounty Select A Size 16 Double Plus Rolls Estimated based on manufacturer data. Actual usage may vary by household
- Bounty, the Quicker Picker Upper
- 2X More Absorbent vs. leading ordinary brand
- Bounty's shortest sheets are now even more absorbent for a versatile clean (versus previous product)
Cleaning Cloths
Cleaning cloths can be used instead of paper towels. Oil is very messy, however, and disposable paper towels might be your best bet. Either way, cleaning cloths are always good to have on hand.
- Pack contains 16 Family Rolls of Bounty Quick Size paper towels, equal to 40 Regular Rolls
- This pack contains 80 more sheets per pack which means 8 extra days worth of paper vs. Bounty Select A Size 16 Double Plus Rolls Estimated based on manufacturer data. Actual usage may vary by household
- Bounty, the Quicker Picker Upper
- 2X More Absorbent vs. leading ordinary brand
- Bounty's shortest sheets are now even more absorbent for a versatile clean (versus previous product)
Degreaser
You need a cleaning agent that is going to cut through that oil and make this cleanup a little easier. This job requires a good degreasing solution. You are not going to be able to simply wash the oil away without first using a strong solution like a degreaser.
- All-purpose cleaner and degreaser
- Removes stains and odors
- Safe for all washable surfaces
- Nontoxic, nonabrasive formula
- Noncaustic and solvent-free
Dish Soap
Degreaser is the top choice in terms of cleaning power, but dish soap is another viable choice. You are going to realize why some people choose dish soap over degreaser as you read through to the last step in this cleaning process.
- 50 percent Less Scrubbing
- Contains 3x Grease Cleaning Power (cleaning ingredients per drop vs. Dawn Non-Concentrated)
- Our NEW More Powerful Formula helps you get through more dishes with less dishwashing liquid
- Dawn Ultra Dishwashing Liquid Dish Soap, Original Scent
- Packaging & sponge shape will vary
Spray Bottle
An empty spray bottle is necessary to hold the degreaser solution or dish soap and water. Alternatively, you can purchase a degreaser that is sold in a spray bottle or spray can.
Empty spray bottles are going to be your best friend, however, when you are attempting various cleaning tasks around the household. Regardless, you are going to need one eventually.
- LEAK-PROOF TECHNOLOGY - Constructed with no rubber parts; Our sprayer features a long lasting polypropylene spray head, tight and secure cap closure, internal cap gasket, 302 stainless steel spring and a precision valve and piston, for a no clog and no leak experience; A proven and reliable no leak venting system primes quickly and stays primed
- BETTER TRIGGER SPRAYER DESIGN- The sprayer exterior sides fit your hand comfortably, eliminating hand fatigue Adjustable red nozzle turns easily letting you switch from mist, stream or to off; Pull trigger has a short effortless squeeze reducing finger fatigue ; Suction dip tube reaches the bottom of the bottle enabling you to get the last of your liquid sprayed out
- DURABLE BOTTLES- Our 16 ounce heavy duty impact resistance spray bottles are made from HDPE plastic, recycle code # 2. BPA Free Ergonomic neck gives you a comfortable grip Mouth opening is 5/8 inch wide making it easy to fill Bottle measures 8 inches high without the sprayer attached with sprayer attached the height is 10 1/4 inches and 2 1/2 inches wide at the bottom; They are dishwasher safe on the top rack
- 100% MADE IN THE USA- Thanks for supporting American jobs and businesses. Our trigger spray bottles are shrink wrapped for protection. Sold as a Pack of 4
- HOUSEHOLD-COMMERCIAL-INDUSTRIAL USES- Our multi purpose spray bottles have an excellent chemical compatibility. Use them for cleaning solutions, hair spray water bottle, plant misting, succulent, herbs, ironing, laundry, car detailing, janitorial. Make your own homemade pest repellent, diy cleaners or just use with water to cool yourself; They are bleach, vinegar and rubbing alcohol safe (please read the product description below for more information on chemical usage)
Garden Hose
A garden hose allows you to gently and carefully spray down many of the components under the hood of your vehicle. Further instruction is required before completing this step. Have your garden hose ready to go and to nearby.
- EXPAND 17FT TO 50FT MAGICALLY: When water pressure is on, the gardenhose can extend up to about 3 times of its original length(extending from 17 ft to 50 ft); when shutting off, it can automatically contract. It will never angle twist or kink and can be stored easily. NOTE: If you find this hose does not extend to 50 ft, please kindly make sure whether the faucet is at full blast.
- 【NO MORE LEAKS 】The solid 3/4 Inch brass connectors and layers of latex piping ensures our Gardenhos perfectly solve the leak problems of plastic connectors. It also comes equipped with brass switch valves, so it’s easy for you to shut off the water without turning off the tap, making easier to use. Our brass connectors are in line with all American standards.
- 【DURABLE 】Our Product has superior quality brass connectors and shut-off valves, which give excellent corrosion resistance and no rusting. The super strong can withstand up to 12 BARS of water pressure and temperatures up to 113°F.
- 【8 FUNCTIONAL SAFTY NOZZLE】: The rubberized outer coating is non-slip and comfortable. Rotating bezel for easy choosing kind of nozzle. Buckle stent for uninterrupted use.,ergonomic handgrip for effortless operation.The nozzle support multiple purposes, such as gardening, water your lawn, clean your yard, car/boat washing, pet bathing or pool cleaning etc.
- 1 Year Guarantee - If you ever have any issues with our product, simply contact us and we'll expedite you a new one absolutely free or refund your payment in full in 3 month, and if more than 3 month, we provide free maintaince.
Pressure Washer
A pressure washer is a good substitute for a garden hose here. Power washers are also good to have for many other household cleaning projects. You must be careful if you use a pressure washer, as it can damage delicate engine parts.
- SIMPSON OHV engine with large recoil for easy starting.
- Reliable, maintenance-free OEM Technologies axial cam pump with thermal relief.
- 5/16-in. x 25-ft. high pressure hose is non-marring, flexible and abrasion resistant
- Steel frame construction with powder coated finish for durability and corrosion resistance
- 10" Premium pneumatic wheels for ease of maneuverability across various terrain
How To Clean Up Oil Spill Under Hood
The oil spill under the hood of your vehicle can be cleaned up in a matter of minutes. You must be extra careful when using a garden hose or power washer to help clean the car’s components as it can damage your motor.
In just four easy steps, you will be able to clean up an oil spill under your hood. Within a day or two, you will have forgotten all about that accidental oil spill.
Step 1: Wipe Up Oil
Using paper towels and/or cleaning cloths, wipe up as much of the oil as possible. It may seem like a losing battle, but the paper towels/cleaning cloths are absorbing the oil.
The degreaser is going to break down the oil that you are unable to reach as well as any traces of oil you have left behind.
Pro Tip: Focus on electrical components and any belts you can reach, specifically the serpentine belt. Oil degrades rubber. Be careful around electrical components when using a garden hose or pressure washer.
Step 2: Spray Degreaser
Spray down the components underneath the hood of your vehicle with the degreasing solution. If your degreaser did not come in a spray bottle, it is likely in concentrated form. Pay attention to the instructions if you are adding a degreaser to an empty spray bottle.
- Pro Tip: Allow the degreasing solution to work for a few minutes to give the cleaning agents time to break down the oil.
Step 3: Clean Under Hood Using Hose or Pressure Washer
Now it is time to use your garden hose or pressure washer. Be thorough, but be extra careful. Know where your car's electrical components are located to avoid spraying water directly on them.
Pro Tip: To help spot electrical components, look for wiring and identify the alternator's location.
Step 4: Crank Your Engine
After everything is cleaned, crank your engine to make sure everything is functioning properly. Understand that you might encounter a strange smell, and you might also hear a belt squeal initially. Give it a few minutes to idle and for everything to return to normal. What is left of the degreaser and oil will burn off.
- Pro Tip: Be sure you perform this process in a well-ventilated area. Possible degreaser fumes are one reason why people sometimes prefer to use dish soap over the more powerful cleaning agent.
Final Thoughts
While this cleaning task involves a couple of cautionary tactics, cleaning an oil spill under your hood is not difficult. The step-by-step instructions provided are geared to help you accomplish this cleanup job in a matter of minutes. A task like this must be handled right away, as oil spills left underneath a hood can cause catastrophic problems down the road.
