Lots of materials around the house or from outside can soak up oil. You can use wood shavings, sand, and even cat litter. Household absorbents work best on new stains that are still moist.

A cakey or gummy texture shows that the household absorbent has soaked up a lot of oil. If it’s still really powdery, you should wait longer. [4] X Research source

Keep extra absorbent supplies around. Sometimes, you’ll need to pour out a lot. You can stock a box or two of corn starch or baking soda for future messes. You can use an absorbent paper towel to remove as much grease as possible. Be careful not to spread the grease. Instead, blot the area to soak up extra grease. [6] X Research source

You can use dishwashing soap like Dawn. It is a degreaser and is extremely effective. You can use it on linoleum, vinyl, and ceramic floorings. [8] X Research source

Wipe down and dry your oil bottles. If your oil spill is from dropping one, then making sure none of your bottles are sticky or slippery will prevent future messes.

Let the all-purpose cleaner sit for 2-3 minutes. This allows more time for the stain-fighting chemicals to soak into the oil. [11] X Research source After waiting for it to settle, scrub the sprayed down spot with a brush. You’ll break up the oil and polish your tiles. Mop up the all-purpose cleaner with water and dry the area with a paper towel, rag, or dry mop. [12] X Research source [13] X Research source Alternatively, you can use a commercial grade degreaser specifically made for that type of flooring.

Use the same scraper to apply and scoop up paste. Just wash it off after you’ve coated your oil stain. Wood and plastic scrapers are both effective. Acetone is only mildly acidic, but it’s a chemical that easily dissolves oil. Adding baking soda to acetone helps you create a thick paste, sometimes called a “poultice,” that’s easy to apply on top of an oil stain. [15] X Research source [16] X Research source Repeat the same process if parts of the oil stain still remain.

Rinse and dry the area when you’re done treating the oil stain. You can repeat the process with your home formula until your oil stain is gone. Hydrogen peroxide is another weak acid that won’t damage natural stone tiles. White absorbents let you thicken it to make a paste that won’t stain your floors. [18] X Research source

Most solutions for floor tiles aren’t highly acidic at all and are mixed with products that are a base, like baking soda.