Found this out by accident, but “World’s Best Graffiti Remover” seems to work well at lifting oil stains. The science behind it makes sense since it was formulated to break the bond between concrete and paint to help lift it away.
I was cleaning out a garage floor that had some rust, paint, and oil staining. I was only hired to get the debris out, but there was some built up paint that I wanted to remove, so I used World’s Best Graffiti Remover (which I highly recommend having on hand if you don’t already,) and it ended up flowing over some of the oil spots. I was honestly shocked at how much it pulled out when I surface cleaned the area.
So I applied another coat directly to the oil spots and though it didn’t remove it all 100%, after the first/second pass it pulled up close to 80% of the staining. I wish I would have taken photos, but I wasn’t originally there for that purpose.
Definitely keeping this one in my back pocket for the next time I run into some oil stains so I can try it again (document) and see how consistent the results are.
Thanks for the tip. Best place to purchase? I see a particular paint store caries it locally. I see it’s not Amazon. Really curious about the version for delicate surfaces. Removing scuffs from vinyl fences and stain from vinyl siding would be great. Interesting that it disinfects too. Any experience with this on oxidized siding?
its ethanol, d-limonene, and potassium hydroxide with a surfactant. All things that an exterior cleaner would probably be carrying and you could make your own pretty easily but if its convenient for you to buy pre-made, then that’s great.
@MrShineProWash the delicate version drops the potassium hydroxide out of the mix (reducing PH from ~13 to ~7.5).
Besides being a less aggressive strength, the Sensitive version is recommended as a wipe on/off spray for smooth, nonporous, coated surfaces. I’ve never used it, so no idea for oxidation.
All I know is it’s the only product I’ve used that has removed years-old, baked-on paint 100% without needing hot water, waiting around for hours, or playing chemist. That alone is enough reason for me to keep buying it… if it ends up working well on oil thats a bonus.
That’s awesome you found that out. Fortunately I don’t do any of that sort of work, sounds heinous! We actually just recently had a different member comment about the same product for cleaning up oil spills and they were equally amazed as you were.
